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.

[CEParsons]

I understood OP to mean that ATT unlocked his device and he switched to Visible. Maybe I misread/misunderstood

[Robin621k]

When a device is paid off and contract is over, by law they automatically have to carrier unlock said device!

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

[Mujibar]

Seems like they unlock only enough to be able to use a different SIM. Samsung's decentralized updates introduce an added complication. It's not an issue for devices that get updates direct from the OEM.

[Robin621k]

AT&T never removed the carrier lock to his device. If they had, the first update from the new carrier would overwrite the carrier firmware. This is what BYOD is all about.

[useru62EXdImCd]

Yes that's correct, I took my phone to Visible after ATT unlocked it after I paid it off.

I never knew the difference between "carrier unlocked" and "factory unlocked" until it was explained in this thread. I guess it makes sense, it just seems like after you pay off a phone it should be "factory unlocked."

[CEParsons]

One would think, but alas.

Personally I recommend to NEVER buy a device from a carrier. It's best to buy your phones factory unlocked directly from to manufacturer to avoid this sort of thing, not to mention all the bloat/pork apps that carriers like to bundle in with software updates.

[Mujibar]

Not bloat. It's "value-added."
😂😂😂😂😂

[CEParsons]

I mean, come on. They give a FREE phone *upon signing a legally binding 72 month contract, requiring your firstborn child as collateral* AND it comes pre-installed with 7 variants of Angry Birds? WHAT A BARGAIN!

[Mujibar]

There's only 7?

[CEParsons]

Oops, forgot to include Angry Birds XIV: Puzzle Bingo Poker Mania Deluxe Edition.

So 8