I'm in the exact same situation, 24+ from Amazon renewed, lol. It's a U phone (not U1 which is factory unlocked), originally ATT, software version shows XAA/XAA, XAA/ATT like yours. So originally ATT. My TMobile physical SIM works (but it's a prepaid plan so not sure if that makes a difference). That made me think the phone was unlocked, even if carrier-unlocked, but from other commenters, it doesn't appear so. There are no siftware updates, I'm still on Jan 2024 firmware, and Google Play from 2023. And when I insert the T Mobile Sim, none of the XAAs change to TMB.
I'm looking around for solutions, too, before thinking of returning the phone, and can post anything I find. Any updates will be appreciated, thanks!
Wow that's the same boat as mine brother. Good thing is, I called amazon and they offered me 60 dollars. If the seller doesn't fix my problem, I will accept the 60 dollar offer if I can make the switch. Otherwise, I will return it. And then I'll make sure it does say U1 when I buy again. I'm the process right now of figuring it out.
Thank you Juan777 and Mujibar for all the information and suggestions.
According to AT&T, the phone I have is unlocked. Or rather, it's approved for unlocking and they sent me a code. However, even with a T-Mobile SIM in place and functioning (I contacted AT&T through that SIM), the carrier is listed as AT&T when in download mode.
I'm weighing between flashing U1 firmware or calling Amazon and starting a discussion/return. So, thank you for sharing everything. I'll post what I finally do.
I want to support real refurbishing, but this has been disappointing.
Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence with secondhand devices sold on Amazon, eBay, and Back Market. Phones are sold as "unlocked" but still have the original carrier's firmware, which limits the ability to receive OTA updates. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
See my comment above. The problem is that the phone is still running locked AT&T firmware and is looking for updates from AT&T servers. The phone may be unlocked to run on a different carrier, but it doesn't know to look at that carrier's servers for software updates. There's a mismatch between the device firmware and carrier info on the SIM. You will have to get unlocked firmware flashed at a service center. That will turn your phone into a U1 (factory unlocked) device and enable it to download updates from whichever carrier's SIM you have. Hope that helps.
As a temporary fix, if you know someone who has AT&T, ask to borrow their SIM so you can download updates. You can (and should) be on WiFi while the updates download & install. You can re-insert your T-Mobile SIM after all the updates have completed. Then look into taking your phone to a service center for the permanent firmware fix.
Thank you for the in-depth explanation. I ended up returning it because it also made a mechanical or electrostatic slight sound when turned off or on when held to the ear. I called amazon again, and they helped me report the 2 main sellers. Said to wait 72hrs before purchasing again from them and to ask them before buying if possible. I also ended up pocketing 60 dollars.
You're welcome. Glad you were able to return it. I would stay away from those particular sellers. Used phones are hit or miss as far as being truly unlocked.
I ended up starting the return process for mine, too, and sent it today.
I spoke with an independent service provider listed from the Samsung site, and he said he wasn't willing to do a U1 firmware flash because he used to, but started getting some now and then that bricked because of a scrambled CSC cache. So I decided to give up and return the phone.
It's a shame, because I would prefer a quality refurbished phone at a good price over a brand new one.
Thanks again everyone for sharing from your experiences.
