HOUSTON – People who are still using the troubled Samsung Galaxy Note 7 will soon have no choice but to get a new phone.

The tech company confirmed Friday that it will release a software update on Dec. 19 that will prevent the Note 7 from charging and eliminate its ability to work.

Earlier this year, Samsung was forced to halt production of the widely-popular Note 7 and issue a sweeping recall of the existing devices after some customers reported the smartphones caught fire while charging.

The recall asked customers to return their devices to their carrier or store where they were purchased, where they can receive a refund or exchange it for a different Samsung device.

According to Samsung, 93 percent of all recalled Note 7 phones have been returned.

For more information about the recall, visit Samsung.com.