Should I turn on recovery mode because my Samsung a15 won't update it's on 6.0

[GalaxyProVr]

I don't know what to do I've been stuck on 6.0 for a year I don't want to lose any of my app data, if I can't do anything should I smart switch all my data to my s9 and then do recovery mode? 

[LongHiker]

@GalaxyProVr Does the model name end in U? Have you changed carriers since you bought the phone? 

[GalaxyProVr]

Yes it ends in u, I got this phone on Amazon so I don't know what the original carrier was I'm using mint mobile right now

[LongHiker]

@GalaxyProVr The device is a carrier device. It is highly unlikely that it has Mint mobile firmware installed. When you have the phone check for an update it is checking your carrier's (Mint) update servers for an update. It will not find update for other carrier's firmware. 

The solution for this phone would be to work with Mint mobile to install Mint mobile firmware on the phone. 

Another option is to return the phone and get a factory unlocked (U1) device. 

[GalaxyProVr]

Should I do this?

[LongHiker]

@GalaxyProVr That has nothing to do with what firmware is on the phone. There would be no difference between using a virtual SIM and an actual physical SIM card. 

[GalaxyProVr]

How do I download the mint firmware?

[LongHiker]

You would need to contact Mint support for help.

[GalaxyProVr]

Would I have to something in person?

[Robin621k]

Mint mobile doesn't have a physical store to go to.

I am sorry you are having this problem, you can try contacting Mint Mobile, I don't know if they will be able to help you. You would need to go to a Samsung authorized service center to have them flash the proper software for your device. Since your phone is a A15, it would cost more than the phone is worth.

There are alternatives. If you know how go to settings, about phone, software and specifically down to where it says Service provider software version, take a screenshot and post it here.
.then we will know who the previous carrier was.