Samsung has told Australian Galaxy Note 7 owners to turn off their phones and return them to stores after reports the phone’s batteries caught fire or exploded while charging.

The company advised its 51,000 Note 7 users to return their phones free of charge following similar moves overseas, citing “isolated battery cell issues”.

It said it would provide free “courtesy” smartphones from Wednesday and offer refunds for those not willing to wait for repair or replacement.

Samsung Australia issued the recall just before midnight on Monday, recommending users backup their data and turn the potentially dangerous phones off.

The smartphone maker also said it was “currently investigating a small number of reported incidents” in Australia, after receiving 35 reports of of the Note 7 catching fire in South Korea, the United States, and Taiwan since its launch.

Samsung Electronics Australia mobile vice-president Richard Fink said the recall was issued as a precaution to protect its customers.

“The safety and ongoing satisfaction of our customers is our top priority,” Mr Fink said.

“We know our Galaxy Note 7 customers are our most loyal customers and we are taking a proactive approach to support them.

“We are asking customers to contact Samsung or their place of purchase to arrange a suitable courtesy smartphone or refund.”

— with AAP