NVIDIA Recalls Shield Android Tablets Over Battery Fire Hazard
There’s hot hardware, and then there’s a fire hazard. Nvidia is recalling all of its SHIELD tablets sold in the last 12 months, citing an overheating problem. The company is urging customers to stop using the SHIELD and to return it for a replacement tablet. Nvidia initiated the recall after discovering that the SHIELD’s battery is capable of overheating, posing a fire hazard.
“Consumers will receive a preplacement tablet after registering to participate in the recall,” the company said in a statement. “NVIDIA is coordinating with appropriate governmental agencies to ensure that the recall follows established industry practices.”
Image credit: Nvidia
Not all of the SHIELD tablets have the defective battery, so Nvidia is giving customers the go-ahead to turn the devices on just long enough to determine which battery their unit carries. It’s an easy-enough process and it doesn’t put any real strain on the SHIELD’s hardware, which is likely why Nvidia feels comfortable asking customers to give it a try.
To see the battery model, you’ll need to first update your SHIELD to the latest software. Tap the Apps icon on the Home screen and then tap Settings. Scroll now to About Tablet and then select System Updates, then verify that your software’s date is Wednesday, July 1 on 2015.
Next, head back to About Tablet, select Status, and then look for Battery, which is the third item in the list. If your battery is listed as Y01, you’ll need to send your SHIELD in for a replacement. If the battery is B01, you’re in the clear.
Image credit: Nvidia
To start the recall process, wait for a recall message to appear on your SHIELD. Nvidia says that the recall message will include your serial number, which you’ll need to enter when you fill out the replacement form here. If you’re more of a phone person, you can call 888-943-4196 to speak to recall representatives.
Nvidia says it will remotely disable the old unit as soon as you receive your new one. So far, there are no reported cases of the SHEILD’s battery overheating, but it doesn’t seem like a risk worth taking. And, considering that you get a shiny new tablet for free, it’s probably worth the inconvenience.
“Consumers will receive a preplacement tablet after registering to participate in the recall,” the company said in a statement. “NVIDIA is coordinating with appropriate governmental agencies to ensure that the recall follows established industry practices.”
Image credit: Nvidia
Not all of the SHIELD tablets have the defective battery, so Nvidia is giving customers the go-ahead to turn the devices on just long enough to determine which battery their unit carries. It’s an easy-enough process and it doesn’t put any real strain on the SHIELD’s hardware, which is likely why Nvidia feels comfortable asking customers to give it a try.
To see the battery model, you’ll need to first update your SHIELD to the latest software. Tap the Apps icon on the Home screen and then tap Settings. Scroll now to About Tablet and then select System Updates, then verify that your software’s date is Wednesday, July 1 on 2015.
Next, head back to About Tablet, select Status, and then look for Battery, which is the third item in the list. If your battery is listed as Y01, you’ll need to send your SHIELD in for a replacement. If the battery is B01, you’re in the clear.
Image credit: Nvidia
To start the recall process, wait for a recall message to appear on your SHIELD. Nvidia says that the recall message will include your serial number, which you’ll need to enter when you fill out the replacement form here. If you’re more of a phone person, you can call 888-943-4196 to speak to recall representatives.
Nvidia says it will remotely disable the old unit as soon as you receive your new one. So far, there are no reported cases of the SHEILD’s battery overheating, but it doesn’t seem like a risk worth taking. And, considering that you get a shiny new tablet for free, it’s probably worth the inconvenience.
