topic Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Unable to update Android on unlocked phone in Galaxy S22

Unable to update Android on unlocked phone

useru62EXdImCd — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 17:38:50 GMT

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.

Re: Unable to update Android on unlocked phone

meself — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 17:51:06 GMT

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

Re: Unable to update Android on unlocked phone

Mujibar — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 17:57:34 GMT

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/

Re: Unable to update Android on unlocked phone

CEParsons — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 18:01:33 GMT

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/

Re: Unable to update Android on unlocked phone

useru62EXdImCd — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 18:01:44 GMT

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.

Re: Re: Unable to update Android on unlocked phone

Mujibar — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 18:41:09 GMT

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.

Re: Re: Unable to update Android on unlocked phone

Robin621k — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 18:54:40 GMT

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

Re: Re: Re: Unable to update Android on unlocked phone

Mujibar — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 18:55:22 GMT

Great question!

Re: Re: Re: Unable to update Android on unlocked phone

CEParsons — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 18:59:01 GMT

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

Re: Re: Re: Re: Unable to update Android on unlocked phone

Robin621k — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 18:57:07 GMT

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

Re: Re: Re: Re: Unable to update Android on unlocked phone

Robin621k — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 19:01:49 GMT

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%20payment%2C%20or%20usage%20requirements.

Re: Re: Re: Re: Unable to update Android on unlocked phone

Robin621k — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 19:04:28 GMT

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.

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Unable to update Android on unlocked phone

Mujibar — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 19:06:02 GMT

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.

Re: Re: Re: Unable to update Android on unlocked phone

useru62EXdImCd — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 19:11:14 GMT

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."

Re: Re: Unable to update Android on unlocked phone

Robin621k — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 19:23:20 GMT

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%20payment%2C%20or%20usage%20requirements.

Re: Re: Re: Re: Unable to update Android on unlocked phone

CEParsons — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 19:24:02 GMT

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.

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Unable to update Android on unlocked phone

Mujibar — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 19:27:24 GMT

Not bloat. It's "value-added."
😂😂😂😂😂

Re: Re: Re: Re: Unable to update Android on unlocked phone

Mujibar — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 19:50:24 GMT

After-the-fact factory unlocking can only be done with a firmware overwrite.

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Unable to update Android on unlocked phone

CEParsons — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 19:33:40 GMT

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!

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Unable to update Android on unlocked phone

Mujibar — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 19:34:12 GMT

There's only 7?