Unable to update Android on unlocked phone

[useru62EXdImCd]

I'll try to be as concise as possible.

Had a contract with AT&T up until March of 2025. Paid off my phone, got it unlocked and switched to Visible where I am now.

I'm stuck on Android 14. UI Version 6.1, security patch level February 1, 2025. I'm unable to update any software or security patches. I chatted with Samsung on here and they said the phone is locked to AT&T and to contact them for software updates (even though it's unlocked.) I chatted with AT&T and they said since I'm not a customer they can't help me.

I've been told that Samsung Smart Switch is the only way to update my software. However finding a PC to do this has been hard. I can't download Smart Switch on my work PC or my local library PC. It's blocked. My gf lives near Toronto and I can try her PC but since it's Canada would I be able to use her PC on a US phone?

Is Smart Switch the only possible way to get any updates on my phone? I'm not too tech savvy with this stuff. Thank you.

[meself]

Smartswitch is best option but your phone is looking for att server to update still that's why the updates are not happening

[Mujibar]

What @meself said is correct. The phone is looking for updates from an AT&T server. Smart Switch is your best bet at this point. It won't matter where you connect from. See "software update via Smart Switch on your Windows PC or Mac" on this page:

https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS10002027/


If Smart Switch doesn't work, you'll have to take your phone to an authorized service center to have them flash unlocked firmware. There will be a fee for this service, but you will be able to update your phone without issue going forward. See this link to find a location near you:

https://www.samsung.com/us/support/service/locations/

[useru62EXdImCd]

Thanks, I may just wait till I see my gf after the new year. As long as her PC being in Canada isn't an issue to update my phone.

[Mujibar]

It shouldn't be. The internet is the internet. Smart Switch will find an update if it can.

I forgot to give you the other option, which @CEParsons provided. You can temporarily insert an AT&T SIM (it doesn't have to be active) to download updates. You will have to do this every time there's an update, as long as your phone has the current firmware. If you ultimately end up flashing the unlocked firmware, it won't matter which SIM you have installed.

[Robin621k]

You can file a complaint on the FCC website. By law AT&T must carrier unlock your device if your device is paid off and you left in good standing.

https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/cell-phone-unlocking#:~:text=Postpaid%20Unlocking%20Policy.,%2C....

[CEParsons]

In short, your phone can't update because it's carrier unlocked and not factory unlocked.

It's still running carrier firmware, which means it's trying to fetch updates from ATT and can't because it isn't connected to the network.

You can temporarily insert an ATT SIM long enough to update your device. You would need to do this for any future updates as well.

A better solution is to visit a certified Samsung repair center and have the device flashed to non-carrier firmware, effectively making it a factory unlocked device. There will be a fee for this service.
Find one near you: https://www.samsung.com/us/support/service/locations/

[Robin621k]

This is illegal for AT&T not to carrier unlock his device. How do they get away with this stuff.

[Mujibar]

Great question!

[Robin621k]

You have to get the right tech person on the phone.