Bought an unlocked S23+ off ebay but it will not update. Software update says I'm up to date meanwhile One UI version is 5.1 and security patch level is July 1, 2023. Also tried Samsung Switch, same thing, says I'm up to date.
Phone does not have any Wifi Calling nor Visual Voicemail in it's current state.
Phone model is SM-S916U with CSC XAA. I am in the USA so I do not see any reason why the phone would not be updating?
I've read I need to update firmware to SM-S916U1 to make it factory unlocked. I'd really prefer not to have to do this myself, I rather not risk bricking the phone as I'm still paying it off.
Anything else I can do before trying to flash firmware myself?
No, You would need to have the unit reflashed. I would not recommend trying any troubleshooting steps, as you may make the issue worst. Software is very finicky that way. Just go to a local walk in center or Samsung experience shop and get it done, some will do it for free.
I live in the backwoods of Pennsylvania, can you please clarify "local walk in center?" I don't believe there's any Samsung Experience Shops within 500 miles of me...
Can try to use that link to find a local one, but if you can't find a close one best bet is to call in and speak with Samsung, because the phone you purchased from ebay probably don't have a warranty and they'll probably be some type of cost to getting it reflashed and shipped in. (1-800-726-7864)
@user4Cz4YiUKIS That device is "carrier unlocked". Not a true Unlocked device. True unlocked devices have model numbers which end in "U1". I would guess that it has carrier firmware installed and you are using a different carrier. The phone is looking for an update to original carrier's firmware on your carrier's update server. That doesn't work.
The options are:
Temporarily insert a SIM card from the original carrier and update the SW via Wifi. The SIM card does not have to have active service.
Flash the phone with your current carrier's firmware.
Flash the phone with true unlocked firmware. I'm not sure that this is possible.
This is exactly right. Original provider was Tmobile and I'm now using Verizon MVNO carrier. I found out how to flash phone with Frija and Odin to make it factory unlocked/ SM-S916U1 but I rather not have to try this as there's a risk of bricking the phone. Looks like my next option is to find a Tmobile SIM card. Thanks.
Tell me, if I'm already using eSIM and get Tmobile SIM, should I just go to eSIM manager, turn on Tmobile SIM instead of eSIM, and attempt to update then?
