Related
I bought a used Gear S3 LTE for AT&T but when I tried to connect it to the AT&T network I was told it's still tied to another account, despite it not being active. They confirmed it was not stolen, no money is owed on it, and it's not active on anyone's account. But I had 3 reps tell me that because it has an eSIM, in order to transfer it to another account the original owner has to reactivate it on their account and transfer billing responsibility to the new owner. When I pressed them about it they said there was nothing they could do for privacy and legal reasons. So once the eSIM has been assigned to an account it stays there until that account owner assigns it to someone else.
I understand that eSIMs are different and the old model with phones involved just swapping out sim cards when the owner changed, but I find it difficult to believe there's no way to transfer a device once the original owner is out of the picture. Has anyone else bought a used device? Is it necessary for the original owner to do anything else beyond removing the device from their account?
The good news is the seller (not the original owner) offered a partial refund on the watch because we couldn't connect it to LTE. But at this point I'm more curious about how these eSIMs work than anything else. Almost nobody at AT&T seemed to know how to deal with them. The rep at the store even tried taking the back off until I stopped him.
Don't know how AT&T esim register/reset works but these are the instructions for Singtel in Singapore, http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/s...sim-samsung-gear-s3-frontier-lte-5546092.html
gpmg762 said:
Don't know how AT&T esim register/reset works but these are the instructions for Singtel in Singapore ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the post. This looks like exactly what I need except it's for Singtel in Singapore The AT&T watch I have doesn't have any setting relating to SIM profiles (I checked both the watch and the Gear android app), which I guess means that it's locked to a single profile for now. But it's nice to see the functionality I want to be available *somewhere*. It gives hope that an American network may implement it eventually.
Hey, I've bought an S8+ from Germany. I have to use 5 minutes a SIM from Europe, but I have none. I sent an email to Samsung, but customer service told me that it would take 1-2 weeks. I saw that it is an app to region unlock te S7. It would be hard to make it for the S8?
Thanks in advance!
If you're still in Germany, why don't you just walk to a electronic/Samsung store
and borrow a SIM card from an employee and do the 5 minutes voice call, just a thought!
Mine is being done by the store that I've bought it from since I'm in Canada!
I have the same problem but unfortunately I got back to my country and have not that option like samteeee suggested. I got decision to fly back to Europe and try to make everything to unlock my new s8+. I tried to ask help from Samsung in Poland, UK and Germany but they can not able to help me. I really disappointed of this situation but there is only one solution for me is go back to Europe.
---------- Post added at 01:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:55 PM ----------
Me 09:04:06
I bought Samsung galaxy s8+ SM-G955F in Poland. I did 6 minutes phone call with local carrier sim card to do region unlock for other carriers sim cards. Unfortunately, when she came back to my country and fitted into the phone local sim card I received pin code request. So I tried to fit in another sim cards form different local carriers an it was the same message. Then I tried to type in PIN code of my sim card, that is exactly known, and it was not take effect. Now phone is asking PUK code. But that sim card works perfect with Samsung galaxy s7 edge without any pin or puk requests.
Samsung 09:04:08
Welcome to Samsung Support. Please allow me a moment to read through your enquiry.
Hi there Leonid, thanks for getting in touch with us today!
I can see through reading through your query that this is an issue you would need to contact your service provider about.
Is there anything else I can help you with at all today?
Me 09:07:56
But I tried many others sim cards form other carriers and it was the same problem.
When we fitted in UK O3 sim card it works without pin or puk requests.
Samsung 09:10:00
Ok, bear with me a second
Me 09:10:15
ok, thank you
Samsung 09:10:33
So, does the device work with a UK sim card in the UK?
Me 09:12:47
Device worked with UK sim card in my country. My father was here couple of days (he is UK citizen), and we tried he's sim card.
Samsung 09:16:34
Ok, some UK networks have corresponding carrier networks in various countries so you can use your device while travelling abroad without the need to change SIM cards. I think that may have been why your fathers SIM card worked. Can I ask where you bought the device from? was it bought from a Samsung retailer, or from a network carrier?
Me 09:18:39
I bought it in Poland, Euro Net in Gliwice. and I have all documents confirming phone purchase.
Samsung 09:20:11
And is Euro net a network provider? Like O2 or Vodafone in the UK
Me 09:21:56
No it is not network provider. At the phone box was a warning "European sim card only". I did more than 6 min phone call with local carrier sim card to do region unlock. unfortunately it was not take effect.
Samsung 09:22:40
So you rang a phone box in Poland from your mobile for 6 minutes?
Me 09:23:28
Exactly right, sir.
Samsung 09:23:41
Ok, that is why your device isn't region unlocked
You should of been advised to make a 5 minute phone call to another mobile device, ringing a landline would not activate the region unlock
Me 09:24:16
How can I fix this problem?
Samsung 09:24:36
did you see my previous message there Leonid?
Me 09:25:33
Yes, but now in my country I have not polish sim card or other European sim card to do it
Is there is another solution to unlock the phone?
I heard that Samsung may give me unlock code. I have all purchase documents.
Samsung 09:29:55
It's not guaranteed to work, but you could try using a SIM card you know works like a UK O2 SIM, like your fathers, and make a 6 minute call with that to another EU mobile device. That may work, but I couldnt guarantee it. We do not have those codes to give out, the locks are put on devices by network carriers themselves
Me 09:32:17
If I came back to Poland I be able to unlock the phone?
Samsung 09:33:23
That is actually the most obvious solution to your problem... I just didn't want to suggest it straight of the bat, as travelling across Europe seemed a little extreme
But a 6 minute phone call to another EU mobile device in Poland should solve your problem. But it must be an EU registered phone, with an EU network provider
Me 09:37:39
Would you be so kind to ask some one else about how to fix that problem? As you said travelling to Europe is not so good solution. And I do not know where I can reach EU registered sim card here.
But thank you anyway.
Samsung 09:39:01
I already asked 6 colleagues. The General consensus was either getting a sim on the same network as your father and just using that, the solution I suggested earlier, or going back to Poland
But other than that trying your local network providers and see if any of them could help with your issue
Me 09:41:00
Ok, thank you so much.
Samsung 09:41:42
Thank you, you enjoy the rest of your day, and I hope someone can help you locally... Just to make you aware, you have come through to Samsung UK
Perhaps contacting Samsung in your region may offer help, they would have a better understanding of network carriers in your region
Me 09:43:06
I will try contact them. Have a nice day.
Solpadein said:
I have the same problem but unfortunately I got back to my country and have not that option like samteeee suggested. I got decision to fly back to Europe and try to make everything to unlock my new s8+. I tried to ask help from Samsung in Poland, UK and Germany but they can not able to help me. I really disappointed of this situation but there is only one solution for me is go back to Europe.
---------- Post added at 01:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:55 PM ----------
Me 09:04:06
I bought Samsung galaxy s8+ SM-G955F in Poland. I did 6 minutes phone call with local carrier sim card to do region unlock for other carriers sim cards. Unfortunately, when she came back to my country and fitted into the phone local sim card I received pin code request. So I tried to fit in another sim cards form different local carriers an it was the same message. Then I tried to type in PIN code of my sim card, that is exactly known, and it was not take effect. Now phone is asking PUK code. But that sim card works perfect with Samsung galaxy s7 edge without any pin or puk requests.
Samsung 09:04:08
Welcome to Samsung Support. Please allow me a moment to read through your enquiry.
Hi there Leonid, thanks for getting in touch with us today!
I can see through reading through your query that this is an issue you would need to contact your service provider about.
Is there anything else I can help you with at all today?
Me 09:07:56
But I tried many others sim cards form other carriers and it was the same problem.
When we fitted in UK O3 sim card it works without pin or puk requests.
Samsung 09:10:00
Ok, bear with me a second
Me 09:10:15
ok, thank you
Samsung 09:10:33
So, does the device work with a UK sim card in the UK?
Me 09:12:47
Device worked with UK sim card in my country. My father was here couple of days (he is UK citizen), and we tried he's sim card.
Samsung 09:16:34
Ok, some UK networks have corresponding carrier networks in various countries so you can use your device while travelling abroad without the need to change SIM cards. I think that may have been why your fathers SIM card worked. Can I ask where you bought the device from? was it bought from a Samsung retailer, or from a network carrier?
Me 09:18:39
I bought it in Poland, Euro Net in Gliwice. and I have all documents confirming phone purchase.
Samsung 09:20:11
And is Euro net a network provider? Like O2 or Vodafone in the UK
Me 09:21:56
No it is not network provider. At the phone box was a warning "European sim card only". I did more than 6 min phone call with local carrier sim card to do region unlock. unfortunately it was not take effect.
Samsung 09:22:40
So you rang a phone box in Poland from your mobile for 6 minutes?
Me 09:23:28
Exactly right, sir.
Samsung 09:23:41
Ok, that is why your device isn't region unlocked
You should of been advised to make a 5 minute phone call to another mobile device, ringing a landline would not activate the region unlock
Me 09:24:16
How can I fix this problem?
Samsung 09:24:36
did you see my previous message there Leonid?
Me 09:25:33
Yes, but now in my country I have not polish sim card or other European sim card to do it
Is there is another solution to unlock the phone?
I heard that Samsung may give me unlock code. I have all purchase documents.
Samsung 09:29:55
It's not guaranteed to work, but you could try using a SIM card you know works like a UK O2 SIM, like your fathers, and make a 6 minute call with that to another EU mobile device. That may work, but I couldnt guarantee it. We do not have those codes to give out, the locks are put on devices by network carriers themselves
Me 09:32:17
If I came back to Poland I be able to unlock the phone?
Samsung 09:33:23
That is actually the most obvious solution to your problem... I just didn't want to suggest it straight of the bat, as travelling across Europe seemed a little extreme
But a 6 minute phone call to another EU mobile device in Poland should solve your problem. But it must be an EU registered phone, with an EU network provider
Me 09:37:39
Would you be so kind to ask some one else about how to fix that problem? As you said travelling to Europe is not so good solution. And I do not know where I can reach EU registered sim card here.
But thank you anyway.
Samsung 09:39:01
I already asked 6 colleagues. The General consensus was either getting a sim on the same network as your father and just using that, the solution I suggested earlier, or going back to Poland
But other than that trying your local network providers and see if any of them could help with your issue
Me 09:41:00
Ok, thank you so much.
Samsung 09:41:42
Thank you, you enjoy the rest of your day, and I hope someone can help you locally... Just to make you aware, you have come through to Samsung UK
Perhaps contacting Samsung in your region may offer help, they would have a better understanding of network carriers in your region
Me 09:43:06
I will try contact them. Have a nice day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had already this problem with an Samsung J7, and I had to send an email to h[email protected]. They ask for the IMEI, SM, Model, Country you live and carrier you want to use it. They take around 2 weeks. Yesterday I talked with online chat service, and they asked me for the same information, and an invoice from Amazon.de. The thing is that I don't want to wait for 2 weeks T_T. There is an app for S7 that can release the region lock, but there is no new updates about it
It is really sad, the phone is not so cheap I paid for it 1100 USD and can not understand why there is such a big problem for samsung to give me unlock code even more I did what is written on box side under warning sticker I mean 5 min phone call for unlock but it is not take effect. Samsung screwed me up and I can't do nothing with this only get back to Europe and pray that phone will be unlocked with another local sim.
No one knows any solution?
I had the same issue before with my S7 Edge and i had to get a prepaid EU sim on ebay and place a 5 mins call to unlock it.
BTW, I got my Netherlands version S8+ from nevermsrp and it's not region locked. Put my TMO sim in and it works right out of the sealed box. It doesn't even have the EU region lock warning label on the box.
I bought it on amazon.de and it's shipping. I'm talking with some other people in the same situation and the problem is that Amazon gives you a 30 days for returns, so we need to make sure Samsung will provide the codes, otherwise we need to send them back and ask for a refund.
Does Samsung always send the codes and it's just a matter of time?
Anyone tried lycamobile to unlock the region lock? I bought 2 s8+ today from the official Samsung store in frankfurt germany.
*They asked me if want to unlock your phone and i was in hurry so i had to go catch other stuff.
i didn't open the phones yet!
I never used or had a phone which is region locked
Another story.
I was talking to the guy who works at the store and i asked him about the blue,grey, red tints issue if it's true or not and he confirmed that the problem is present due curved screen and different viewing angles of the phone and he simply said - you can change the colours from adaptive display to manual colours and see what is the best for you.. i know i am a fool i bought the phone knowing that this phone has a (manufacturer defects) i had no other options
Sent from my SM-N910G using Tapatalk
I have the same issue ive bought S8+ in poland only to feel like i was robbed by Samsung. Im new to convert to Samsung from 10 years with iPhone however my boasting about Samsung is now a feeling of egg on my face. Ive been robbed by Samsung as i live in Australia and im now forced to buy another phone because i travel around the world for work. Samsung you're a bunch of crooks to treat fully paying customers like this im so disappointed.
If you are willing to pay, http://www.cellunlocker.net/ can unlock it for you. Might be faster than two weeks :/
lol theres a big sticker on the side of the box...can hardly be a surprise. Get 2 cheap sims and call it.
Region lock
For anyone who wants to know because they still ship them with the regionlock: I heard from my provider it is because the US model is cheaper and the device doesn't meet the EU quality requirment standards. In order to prevent the US version of the device being shipped of to EU for cheap they put a region lock on some devices. You must use your phone for about an hour or so send a few text messages, use internet and stuff. I got notified it ISN'T a PERMANET lock. Just use the device in the EU for a while when you buy it. :good:
When i was in egypt i saw the galaxy s8+ and decided i want to buy it right away. I have to say i live in Switzerland else. I went into a shop and we started talking and he explained to me its stupid to buy the s8 in egypt if i live in Switzerland. Electronics shipped to egypt are not produced with as tight tolerances like the ones shipped to Switzerland/Europe. I was somehow perplexed and asked other retailers if this is true and ALL of them told me yes.
Gesendet von iPhone mit Tapatalk
Amar.B said:
Anyone tried lycamobile to unlock the region lock? I bought 2 s8+ today from the official Samsung store in frankfurt germany.
*They asked me if want to unlock your phone and i was in hurry so i had to go catch other stuff.
i didn't open the phones yet!
I never used or had a phone which is region locked
Another story.
I was talking to the guy who works at the store and i asked him about the blue,grey, red tints issue if it's true or not and he confirmed that the problem is present due curved screen and different viewing angles of the phone and he simply said - you can change the colours from adaptive display to manual colours and see what is the best for you.. i know i am a fool i bought the phone knowing that this phone has a (manufacturer defects) i had no other options
Sent from my SM-N910G using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can unlock the region lock with Lyca SIM i did it once for my s7 edge brought in UK. And used a five minute call using my Lyca UK SIM from India
SK Chowadry said:
Yes you can unlock the region lock with Lyca SIM i did it once for my s7 edge brought in UK. And used a five minute call using my Lyca UK SIM from India
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already did it 2 month ago lol anyways thank you for your reply
Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk
Anyone with any solution? Got the same problem here, bought a SM-G950F in Swiss and made the 5min call to another swiss cellphone. When I arrived in Brazil, found that any of my local SIM work and it keep asking me the (now) PUK code.
I've already searched the whole internet and no one have any solution. Only those not-so-safe unlock sites. (can it be trustworthy?)
Riechard said:
Anyone with any solution? Got the same problem here, bought a SM-G950F in Swiss and made the 5min call to another swiss cellphone. When I arrived in Brazil, found that any of my local SIM work and it keep asking me the (now) PUK code.
I've already searched the whole internet and no one have any solution. Only those not-so-safe unlock sites. (can it be trustworthy?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A "PUK"-code is SIM related: you must fill in this code, after 10x entering the WRONG SIM-password=code
The PUK-code is/was provided together with your SIM; call customer service of your provider...
henklbr said:
A "PUK"-code is SIM related: you must fill in this code, after 10x entering the WRONG SIM-password=code
The PUK-code is/was provided together with your SIM; call customer service of your provider...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what i got wrong...
I've already did it, i wrote down the SIM related PIN/PUK, it says the network request was unsuccessful and blocked the PIN, now it only asks for PUK of the NETWORK, already call the carrier, Samsung Brazil, Samsung Schweiss, none of them can help me!
kieboy said:
If you are willing to pay, http://www.cellunlocker.net/ can unlock it for you. Might be faster than two weeks :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, Im in Argentina.... I sent all the info to SAM Germany last Friday... Im a little impatient here...
is this site to unlock trustful?
any other experience with the answer times with SAM Germany?
Hi all,
I bought an S8+ from the Netherlands on subscription (I pay monthly for it) from Tele2 since I study there. Obviously, I've been using the phone for a while (hours of calling to other local numbers, etc.), so I should be unlocked, right? Wrong. I put in a foreign SIM card (Egypt) and it asks me for a network unlock code. However, upon contacting Tele2, they said that my phone was unlocked. I don't know how I should unlock my phone. I've tried online services like cellphoneunlocker.net, etc. but they don't seem to work. Can anyone help me with what I need to do or where I can get it unlocked? I'm in Egypt for a month for winter break and my phone is basically a brick.
I want to know if I can get my phone region unlocked to work with my SIM or not. Please help.
Sincerely,
A struggling student
UnrevealedM said:
Hi all,
I bought an S8+ from the Netherlands on subscription (I pay monthly for it) from Tele2 since I study there. Obviously, I've been using the phone for a while (hours of calling to other local numbers, etc.), so I should be unlocked, right? Wrong. I put in a foreign SIM card (Egypt) and it asks me for a network unlock code. However, upon contacting Tele2, they said that my phone was unlocked. I don't know how I should unlock my phone. I've tried online services like cellphoneunlocker.net, etc. but they don't seem to work. Can anyone help me with what I need to do or where I can get it unlocked? I'm in Egypt for a month for winter break and my phone is basically a brick.
I want to know if I can get my phone region unlocked to work with my SIM or not. Please help.
Sincerely,
A struggling student
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I asked a question in your previous thread, and you've answered it here, when you don't pay full up front for the phone, and you have it on a contract / pay monthly, it is NOT unlocked. You'll have to wait till the phone is paid off fully and then it'll be fully unlocked.
murtaza02 said:
I asked a question in your previous thread, and you've answered it here, when you don't pay full up front for the phone, and you have it on a contract / pay monthly, it is NOT unlocked. You'll have to wait till the phone is paid off fully and then it'll be fully unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not the way it works in the Netherlands. The phone is carrier unlocked (i.e. I can use a French, Spanish, German, etc. SIM card in it). It is not region unlocked; it is region locked to Europe. I messaged Samsung and they assured me that I was correct and it was a precaution on their end to try and stop the grey market from prospering. I was informed that it would take 6-8 weeks, but I was wondering if anyone had another faster solution, since in 6 weeks I'll be back in the Netherlands.
So does anyone have a quicker solution?
Region Locked = Call at least 5 mins using the regions sim to unlock.
Network Locked = You need to ask your network provider for this to unlocked. Common on postpaid plans and network provided phones.
If you get your phone from network provider then it is most likely to be region & network Locked. But if you get it from a mall, shops, or other source, then most likely it is only region locked.
Try putting different sim
Hi mate,
I had the same issue with Samsung S8+ and Tele2 Nederland. So apparently, you cannot region unlock you phone if you call with tele2 nederland. You need to use any other dutch sim to do so.
So ask one of your friends or get a free Lebara sim and call someone for 5+ minutes. After it, the phone will have no region lock.
Feels like Samsung forgot to put Tele2 in their "dutch operartors" list.
Hi all,
I have just ordered an S10e, US model, from Aliexpress and am trying to understand if it will get OTA updates or if I am going to have to flash it. I live in the UK.
Does the update server determine whether to issue the update based on the SIM card that is installed in the phone? If so, will the US model only permit updates to be installed if a SIM card from a supported US carrier is installed, or will any supported carrier do (my carrier in the UK also sells the S10e, although presumably the UK version).
Finally, if it's as simple as having the right SIM card, if I happen to be in the US and borrow or buy a SIM card for a supported network, could I just temporarily install that SIM and wait for the update to be delivered?
Apologies for the newbie questions, any help appreciated.
Thanks
You will probably need to flash it but it's not a big deal. However it's not a good idea to buy Samsung from Aliexpress, it will be 99% some refurbished phone without water resistance, with used battery etc. Non-chinese genuine goods on Ali are rare and so the only reason they sell US phones in China is because they repair or restore cheap broken or used phones and then sell them as new in box with fake seal. Rating doesn't matter as most buyers cannot tell if the phone is new or not. Once you receive the phone try to install Phone Info app from Store and do a refurbishment check + check battery cycles. But even if the phone won't be new you will have hard time making a dispute with the seller because some of them are stating on their pages that the app is not from Samsung and therefore shows "incorrect information".
Thanks for the great advice. I should have known that the price was too good to be true - I've cancelled the order as it hasn't shipped yet.
I don't suppose you happen to know where I can get an S10e at a good price in the UK? Most places are sold out.
Sorry, I'm not from UK, but it seems S10e is being sold out almost everywhere...
Thanks anyway, appreciate all your help.
For future reference for those who might be wondering the same thing, I ended up ordering it from Laptops Direct in the UK for £550.
I got a "renewed" Samsung Galaxy S10e from Amazon.
It was a T-Mobile carrier-unlocked phone that arrived with no SIM card.
As soon as I connected it to my home WiFi, it downloaded and updated itself twice, with the 2 major Android updates, all with no SIM card inserted and no phone number!
Sent using Tapatalk
I purchased my phone as "brand new" and "unlocked" in December 2021 from an Ebay store (I know, but the store was operational for a couple years and had excellent reviews numbering in the 4Ks). I registered the device IMEI with Samsung the same day. It worked perfectly for 13 months until last week.
Unfortunately, the Ebay store is no longer "there" (I know. I know.) I learned this by attempting to email them through the Ebay messaging app. I really do believe my phone was brand new though.
Device Details:
Model #: SM-N986U1
Service Provider Software version: SAOMC_SM-N986U1_OYM_TFN_12_0016_TFN/TFN,TFN/ATT
Questions:
Was someone able to set up an account with my IMEI
Is it possible that my IMEI was mistakenly connected to an AT&T account during these "Network Upgrades"
If either 1 or 2, how do I resolve this? I mean, I've got the receipts and whatnot.
Is there a way for me to find out if this AT&T account was set up AFTER December 2021?
Do you see any issues with the current software listed above
Could I have registered my device's IMEI with Samsung if it was already registered to someone else?
The whole, ugly story:
My carrier is StraightTalk/TracFone with Verizon SIM (12+ years)
Activated device 1December 23, 2021 by swapping SIM from existing phone (I now know this is bad)
Stopped sending/receiving calls January 3 or 4, 2023 (still able to text w/o wifi though)
Many, many customer support calls/chats:
Unable to reconnect device to SIM
Carrier tech support tells me "Problem with your SIM. It was used in another device. You need a new SIM".
Purchased new SIM, phoned in to carrier support
Carrier support unable to connect new SIM to device
Carrier tech support tells me "Problem with your phone" and asks for me to turn phone off/on every hour or two until they get the "errors corrected".
Support also that many people had been having problems since the recent Verizon network upgrade that occured in the days leading up to my phone problems.
Problem persists and worsens
I lose all connection with my phone number; unable to text, phone number missing from phone, etc
Subsequent support calls with StraightTalk
Your IMEI is connected to a different phone #, cannot reconnect your device.
They won't tell me the number, only that the new number has same area code as my number which I thought unusual.
In order to keep my phone # active, I settle, temporarily, for activating new SIM into my really old S7.
I contact Samsung Support to see if there is some sort of diagnostic tool for software errors:
Your device is an AT&T device
I said I realize that, but it was unlocked and I'd been using it for 13 months with a Verizon compat SIM.
They suggest I visit Samsung Auth Shop to diagnose.
I attempt to reach AT&T support line;
no luck - kept bumping up against phone bot "firewall" system because I didn't have an AT&T phone number or account number to enter.
Attempted support chat, but same results as above
Went to the Samsung Authorized repair shop.
Shop was like "Absolutely nothing we can do"
Says that a diagnosis would not reveal software issues (is this true?)
Suggests I go to AT&T corporate store.
I visit AT&T store, ask for them to check my IMEI for an account.
They cannot find it connected to an AT&T account.
Have a nice day - Buh Byyah (grrrrrr)
Out of frustration, I decide to run the AT&T unlock request app anyway.
Results: Unable to unlock my phone because I still have installment payments to make. (Never had an AT&T account).
Back to the AT&T store.
They dance around suggesting that I have a stolen or hacked phone.
They give me tips on how to bypass AT&T support firewall to reach customer service
Suggest I go across the hall to the Verizon store
Verizon store super-smart-12-year-old-looking young woman
"Even though Verizon bought Straightalk/TracFone, I can't see your account or help with the prepaid programs"
"But hang on a minute, let me try something....."
Inserts SIM from my old S7 into my Note
Performs a Network Reset
Voila! Phone is making calls and getting 5G
I nearly burst into tears and give her a hug
Unfortunately, within a couple hours it was back to no service
I FINALLY get through to a person at AT&T support.
They are able to confirm my device IMEI is connected to an AT&T account
They further confirm that the area code is same as mine and that the phone number belongs to a business.
No further details; they give me their Fraud Dept phone numbers.
Fraud department cannot (WILL NOT) help me because I don't have an AT&T account and I didn't purchase my phone from AT&T.
Have a Nice Day, Buh-Byyah (grrrr)
Finally able to connect once again with support person from my carrier (StraightTalk/TracFone on Verizon)
NOTE: Something def DID happen with their networks early last week. No idea what, but I was once number 410 in the queue for support
Support tells me I need a new SIM
I explain that
We already tried that 4 days ago, and
My device IEMI is connected to another account, per their support rep, AT&T support rep, and AT&T unlock request app
Support tells me to ignore that, I only need a new SIM because:
She wouldn't be able to see my IMEI if it were already connected to another account.
She could see that my IMEI had been connected to my StraightTalk account
There must've been some kind of 'mistake", and a new SIM will fix it
They're mailing me a new SIM, but I don't understand how/why there is an At&T account with my IMEI and have little hope that this will work.
Sorry that was so long. Please respond if you have any helpful tips, insights, or info.
Thanks!
PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE SOLVED
**I'm making this reply for reference in case someone else comes across a similar issue.
My device is a Samsung Note 20 Ultra 5G; my carrier is Straighttalk (TracFone) with a Verizon SIM. I’ve been with them since bailing from Verizon around 2010. I bought my phone from an online store, supposedly "new" and "unlocked". The CSC and Provider Software version checked out, and I was able to register it successfully with Samsung December 2021 and had zero issues with phone and service until Janury 3/4, 2023.**
1/12/23 UPDATE from OP: After 8-9 days of frustration, hours on phone and chat support, in person visits to mobile carrier stores, (oh, and no service), I successfully installed and activated a new SIM on my Note 20 Ultra 5G tonight. Calls, texts, etc., seem to be going through. So, so far so good.
This was my 2nd attempt at reconnecting my device to a network by installing a new SIM. I can only guess at why it was unsuccessful before. But for posterity, the 1st attempt was made by using a SIM kit purchased from Walmart. The 2nd attempt was made by using a SIM purchased from Straighttalk and patiently waiting four days for delivery.
Both attempts were made while I was on a support call, using a landline to speak with them.
After activation today a new feature appeared in my Mobile Networks setting that wasn't there before. It's labeled "VoLTE Calls SIM 1" feature and has an on/off slide button next to it.
Also, my Network Mode was automatically set to GLOBAL after activation, when it had always been set to LTE/CDMA. I'm curious about that, so if anyone wants to chime in on whether GLOBAL is the preferred setting for me now I'd be happy to hear opinions.
I generally have really poor service at my home (1-2 bars usually) and that is still the case. I should be able to access 5G in areas where it's available though.
Ongoing Issue: I do not have proof of resolution regarding my IMEI being connected to another phone number on an account with a different carrier.
As of this evening the IMEI unlock request portal at the other carrier still shows that my IMEI1 has some sort of financial committment attached to it. Interestingly, my IMEI2 is good to go so far as the same unlock portal is concerned. (I’ve never had an account with this carrier) It's a puzzle and I don't know what any of it actually means.
We'll see how things go. Fingers crossed that I'll continue to have uninterrupted service, but it is going to take the passing of some time before I feel like I will be able to relax completely.
Thanks for providing this space for people to problem solve and share.
JDScott1 said:
I purchased my phone as "brand new" and "unlocked" in December 2021 from an Ebay store (I know, but the store was operational for a couple years and had excellent reviews numbering in the 4Ks). I registered the device IMEI with Samsung the same day. It worked perfectly for 13 months until last week.
Unfortunately, the Ebay store is no longer "there" (I know. I know.) I learned this by attempting to email them through the Ebay messaging app. I really do believe my phone was brand new though.
Device Details:
Model #: SM-N986U1
Service Provider Software version: SAOMC_SM-N986U1_OYM_TFN_12_0016_TFN/TFN,TFN/ATT
Questions:
Was someone able to set up an account with my IMEI
Is it possible that my IMEI was mistakenly connected to an AT&T account during these "Network Upgrades"
If either 1 or 2, how do I resolve this? I mean, I've got the receipts and whatnot.
Is there a way for me to find out if this AT&T account was set up AFTER December 2021?
Do you see any issues with the current software listed above
Could I have registered my device's IMEI with Samsung if it was already registered to someone else?
The whole, ugly story:
My carrier is StraightTalk/TracFone with Verizon SIM (12+ years)
Activated device 1December 23, 2021 by swapping SIM from existing phone (I now know this is bad)
Stopped sending/receiving calls January 3 or 4, 2023 (still able to text w/o wifi though)
Many, many customer support calls/chats:
Unable to reconnect device to SIM
Carrier tech support tells me "Problem with your SIM. It was used in another device. You need a new SIM".
Purchased new SIM, phoned in to carrier support
Carrier support unable to connect new SIM to device
Carrier tech support tells me "Problem with your phone" and asks for me to turn phone off/on every hour or two until they get the "errors corrected".
Support also that many people had been having problems since the recent Verizon network upgrade that occured in the days leading up to my phone problems.
Problem persists and worsens
I lose all connection with my phone number; unable to text, phone number missing from phone, etc
Subsequent support calls with StraightTalk
Your IMEI is connected to a different phone #, cannot reconnect your device.
They won't tell me the number, only that the new number has same area code as my number which I thought unusual.
In order to keep my phone # active, I settle, temporarily, for activating new SIM into my really old S7.
I contact Samsung Support to see if there is some sort of diagnostic tool for software errors:
Your device is an AT&T device
I said I realize that, but it was unlocked and I'd been using it for 13 months with a Verizon compat SIM.
They suggest I visit Samsung Auth Shop to diagnose.
I attempt to reach AT&T support line;
no luck - kept bumping up against phone bot "firewall" system because I didn't have an AT&T phone number or account number to enter.
Attempted support chat, but same results as above
Went to the Samsung Authorized repair shop.
Shop was like "Absolutely nothing we can do"
Says that a diagnosis would not reveal software issues (is this true?)
Suggests I go to AT&T corporate store.
I visit AT&T store, ask for them to check my IMEI for an account.
They cannot find it connected to an AT&T account.
Have a nice day - Buh Byyah (grrrrrr)
Out of frustration, I decide to run the AT&T unlock request app anyway.
Results: Unable to unlock my phone because I still have installment payments to make. (Never had an AT&T account).
Back to the AT&T store.
They dance around suggesting that I have a stolen or hacked phone.
They give me tips on how to bypass AT&T support firewall to reach customer service
Suggest I go across the hall to the Verizon store
Verizon store super-smart-12-year-old-looking young woman
"Even though Verizon bought Straightalk/TracFone, I can't see your account or help with the prepaid programs"
"But hang on a minute, let me try something....."
Inserts SIM from my old S7 into my Note
Performs a Network Reset
Voila! Phone is making calls and getting 5G
I nearly burst into tears and give her a hug
Unfortunately, within a couple hours it was back to no service
I FINALLY get through to a person at AT&T support.
They are able to confirm my device IMEI is connected to an AT&T account
They further confirm that the area code is same as mine and that the phone number belongs to a business.
No further details; they give me their Fraud Dept phone numbers.
Fraud department cannot (WILL NOT) help me because I don't have an AT&T account and I didn't purchase my phone from AT&T.
Have a Nice Day, Buh-Byyah (grrrr)
Finally able to connect once again with support person from my carrier (StraightTalk/TracFone on Verizon)
NOTE: Something def DID happen with their networks early last week. No idea what, but I was once number 410 in the queue for support
Support tells me I need a new SIM
I explain that
We already tried that 4 days ago, and
My device IEMI is connected to another account, per their support rep, AT&T support rep, and AT&T unlock request app
Support tells me to ignore that, I only need a new SIM because:
She wouldn't be able to see my IMEI if it were already connected to another account.
She could see that my IMEI had been connected to my StraightTalk account
There must've been some kind of 'mistake", and a new SIM will fix it
They're mailing me a new SIM, but I don't understand how/why there is an At&T account with my IMEI and have little hope that this will work.
Sorry that was so long. Please respond if you have any helpful tips, insights, or info.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no "s20 note"