Samsung Galaxy S6 permanent network lock

[Anonymous]

Hi,
Newbie seeking some advice. Recently bought a Samsung Galaxy S6 but had to return the original one due to a fault. When I sought an unlock code for the new device I was sent the unlock code for the original device by customer service. I entered it thrice without realising the error which led to the phone becoming permanently locked to O2. I have since received the right unlock code but keep getting 'nerwork unlock unsuccessful' error on using it. Have been it touch with Customer Services who have not been very helpful (quite rude and aggressive in fact) and have told me there is little they can do. I travel frequently and have to unlock the phone for use abroad. Although I have lodged a complaint with O2, I doubt it's going to get me anywhere so I was wondering if experienced members are aware of any fixes for the problem? Is there any point in approaching Samsung directly or perhaps an unlocking service on Ebay etc?

Thanks in advance

Kris

[Anonymous]

@viridis

I had requested an unlock code for the original device which I had used to unlock it several weeks ago-when it was replaced, I made a request for an unlock code for the new device. When the email containing the unlock code went astray, I contacted live chat on the 12th to request that it be resent. He, however, sent me an email (dated the 12th) with the unlock code for my old device, which I entered thrice with predictable results. I have since been sent the correct unlock for the current device, which wouldn't work since the phone now appears to be permanently locked to O2

[viridis]

Op, out of interest, was it purchased at o2 or via a 3rd party (never hurts to check)

[Anonymous]

@Anonymous I accept I should have been more attenttive but all IMEI numbers start to look the same about 5 digits in and I would have expected the customer agent to be aware that the device had been replaced (wouldn't that show up on the system). I will pursue the complaints route but do you reckon there is a fix available for this in the mean time?

[viridis]

Thanks for clarifying, I'm afraid your only hope is pursuing the complaints route as @MI5 suggested and hope they are sympathetic

[Anonymous]

@viridis, purchased directly from O2. Would rooting the device and installing stock rom help? I know it'll invalidate the warranty but I don't believe complaints are going to be particularly sympathetic given their attitude till date..

[viridis]

Simlock is on a different partition I believe so, no, it wont help.

[MI5]

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@viridis wrote:
Simlock is on a different partition I believe so, no, it wont help.

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Yes correct. Unfortunately the area that stores the sim lock info is the same as the IMEI and is not touched by rooting or flashing.

You "could" edit the file with a hex editing app or you could beg Samsung for help if O2 won't play ball with you.

[Anonymous]

Might chase up the complaint and give Samsung a tinkle tomorrow in that case.

[Cleoriff]

It's times like this I am so glad I wasn't the only one online....

I stand in awe @MI5 and @viridis

[Anonymous]

@Anonymous @viridis Thank you for your very helpful comments. Since the device is paid for, does O2 have the right to unlock it exclusively to their network under consumer law? Not that the matter is worth going to court about but it's a question of principle. Do you think Samsung would be able to reset the device their end if I produce proof of purchase (I am assuming I'm not the first person to have encountered this with O2 before)? Also, there are several companies offering unlock /'unfreezing'codes on Ebay-are they worth a shot? Since the phone is still working on O2, I assume this is some sort of 'soft lock' that is reversible?