This popular smartphone can overheat and explode — so it's banned from planes: ‘Nobody should have that phone anymore'

New York Post

18-06-2025

That's one fiery device.
A June 6 clip on the platform has reignited buzz about the infamous Galaxy Note 7, the smartphone so dangerous it's banned from the skies due to the possibility of its battery overheating and potentially exploding or catching on fire.
In a video that racked up 2.5 million views, TikToker K-Shawn Brower (@malckbro) filmed an airport warning that read: 'FAA BANNED ITEM / Samsung Galaxy Note 7 / Individuals may NOT transport this device on their person, in carry-on baggage, or in checked baggage on flights to, from, or within the US.'
The phone is on the TSA's official no-fly list, where feds make it clear: this gadget's grounded for good.
On the agency's website, it notes, 'The U.S. Department of Transportation, with the Federal Aviation Administration and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, have issued an emergency order to ban all Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphone devices from air transportation in the United States.'
The infamous firestarter (above) is still blacklisted by the TSA, with feds warning: this ticking time bomb of a phone isn't flying anytime soon.
AP
The statement further explained, 'Individuals who own or possess a Samsung Galaxy Note7 device may not transport the device on their person, in carry-on baggage, or in checked baggage on flights to, from, or within the United States.'
Some blindsided viewers ran to the comment section of the social media video, desperate to know what the heck was going on. Others knew the answer.
'Why is it banned?' one asked as another quipped, 'Not me watching this on my Samsung Galaxy Note 7.'
Someone else replied, 'That phone is from 2016. It's almost 10 years old. Nobody should have that phone anymore because it's too outdated. After a while, Google stops doing updates for older phones.'
An additional user commented, 'probably because it's been known to have issues with its battery that can spontaneously catch fire. there's videos of it all over the internet, some of them are older but there's lots of videos of it.'
As reported by Indy100, in 2016, Samsung conducted a 'thorough investigation and found a battery cell issue.'
The company further added, 'To date (as of September 1) there have been 35 cases that have been reported globally and we are currently conducting a thorough inspection with our suppliers to identify possible affected batteries in the market. However, because our customers' safety is an absolute priority at Samsung, we have stopped sales of the Galaxy Note 7.'
In other related news, The Post reported last month that the TSA has officially grounded a travel essential — banning portable chargers and power banks from checked luggage after a new FAA advisory.
Back in 2016, Samsung admitted it ran a 'thorough investigation and found a battery cell issue' — corporate speak for 'our phones were blowing up.'
REUTERS
Under the updated rules, any device using lithium-ion or lithium-metal batteries — including power banks and phone charging cases — must now fly in carry-ons only. Checked bags? Off limits.
'When a carry-on bag is checked at the gate or at planeside, all spare lithium batteries and power banks must be removed from the bag and kept with the passenger in the aircraft cabin. The battery terminals must be protected from short circuit,' the FAA said.
Nearly all portable chargers run on lithium batteries, so most travelers hauling the handy holiday must-have are getting zapped by the new ban.
Looks like when it comes to explosive devices — and explosive trends — TikTok and the TSA are both keeping receipts.