The Consumer Product Safety Commission and Samsung are urging Americans to stop using the Samsung Galaxy Note7 phone because the phones can overheat and explode while charging.

  • CPSC urges Samsung customers not to use or charge Samsung Galaxy Note7
  • Samsung enacting exchange program in the U.S.
  • FAA asks passengers not to use on flights or store in checked baggage

The CPSC issued the statement Friday, a week after Samsung announced it would recall all of the phones.

"Lithium-ion batteries pack a lot of power into a small package. When these batteries overheat and burst, the results can be serious. This is why the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging all consumers who own a Samsung Galaxy Note7 to power them down and stop charging or using the device.

"This consumer warning is based on recent reports involving lithium-ion batteries in certain Note7 devices that have resulted in fires. These incidents have occurred while charging and during normal use, which has led us to call for consumers to power down their Note7s."

Samsung reported it had 35 reports of battery problems. The company is conducting a supplier inspection to find out what is happening.

Samsung strongly advised customers Friday to use its product exchange program. The program allows you to exchange the current Galaxy Note7 for a loaner phone until the CPSC approves the new Galaxy Note7, or for a Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 Edge.

In addition, customers will received a $25 gift card, store credit or bill credit from select carriers.

Additional information can be found on the Samsung website.

The CPSC and Samsung are working on the formal recall for all of the devices, as soon as possible.

Samsung has sold 2.5 million phones so far. It is halting sales in 10 countries, including the U.S.

Meanwhile, Samsung users are being asked not to use or charge the phone on airplanes, or stow them in checked luggage.

The Federal Aviation Administration issued the warning Thursday night. However, American, Delta and United Airlines all say it's unclear how they would make sure that passengers keep Samsung devices powered off.

Other airlines are also looking into what to do with the phones, including several international airlines.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.