Update Will Make Samsung Galaxy Note 7s Useless, But Verizon Won't Participate

A new software update will make all remaining Galaxy Note 7 phones in the United States essentially useless, Samsung's last major effort to take the dangerous devices out of the hands of Americans. But Verizon says it won't take part in the update for its customers.

The software update, which will be released beginning on Dec. 19, will prevent the phones from charging and "eliminate their ability to work as mobile devices," according to a statement from Samsung.

The phones have caught fire in people's pockets and cars, causing fires and other massive damage.

Samsung said in its statement that more than 93 percent of Galaxy Note 7s in the United States have been returned through its buyback program, but it wants that number to be higher.

"Together with our carrier partners, we will be notifying consumers through multiple touchpoints to encourage any remaining Galaxy Note7 owners to participate in the program and to take advantage of the financial incentives available," the statement said.

But if you have a Galaxy Note 7 through Verizon, you won't get the update. Verizon says it won't be pushing the updates to its customers' phones, citing further safety concerns.

"Verizon will not be taking part in this update because of the added risk this could pose to Galaxy Note7 users that do not have another device to switch to," said a statement from the company's vice president of global corporate communication, Jeffrey Nelson. "We will not push a software upgrade that will eliminate the ability for the Note7 to work as a mobile device in the heart of the holiday travel season. We do not want to make it impossible to contact family, first responders or medical professionals in an emergency situation."

Anyone who still has a Galaxy Note 7s should power it down and return it to their wireless provider or go to Samsung.com/us/note7recall.

Image via Renee Schiavone, Patch