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

[MI5]

Samsung should be able to reverse the lock out but they won't unlock it.
You'll still have to enter the correct code yourself.
Codes off ebay or anywhere else will just be a waste of your money as they won't address your issue.

[Anonymous]

@Anonymous Thanks a lot..will give Samsung a shout tomorrow am

[MI5]

Let us know what they say please?

[Anonymous]

@Anonymous Will do!

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

@MI5@viridis

Just a quick update on my query from yesterday. Contacted Samasung this morning but was advised that they did not get involved in phone unlocking since this was purely a matter between the network provider and customer. Since I had little appetite for another argument with O2 customer support after my experience yesterday, I scoured the internet for a fix and eventually found a chap on XDA offering USB unlocking using custom software through remote access. Despite reservations about installing dubious software and allowing random strangers access to my computer, I coughed up the $16 (£ 11.50 through Paypal) that was demanded and, 15 mins later, my phone was finally freed from the clutches of O2!. The phone had to be rooted in the process though but the guy reflashed original firmware and resorted root at my request so I should hopefully continue receiving OTA updates. Knox counter is however showing root (no way of resetting it at the moment apparently) but Samsung should honour the statutory warranty should I ever need it (besides I have mobile insurance so it's no biggie)

The chap I dealt with was very friendly and the process itself surprisingly easy, safe and, most importantly, cheap. I would have posted his details here if it didn`t break forum rules but feel free to PM me if anyone needs them..

[MI5]

Thanks for the update and good to know for future.
Just be aware that Samsung are very fussy about the Knox flag, but they very rarely go wrong so you should be OK now.
Well done

[viridis]

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@Anonymous wrote:

@MI5@viridis

Just a quick update on my query from yesterday. Contacted Samasung this morning but was advised that they did not get involved in phone unlocking since this was purely a matter between the network provider and customer. Since I had little appetite for another argument with O2 customer support after my experience yesterday, I scoured the internet for a fix and eventually found a chap on XDA offering USB unlocking using custom software through remote access. Despite reservations about installing dubious software and allowing random strangers access to my computer, I coughed up the $16 (£ 11.50 through Paypal) that was demanded and, 15 mins later, my phone was finally freed from the clutches of O2!. The phone had to be rooted in the process though but the guy reflashed original firmware and resorted root at my request so I should hopefully continue receiving OTA updates. Knox counter is however showing root (no way of resetting it at the moment apparently) but Samsung should honour the statutory warranty should I ever need it (besides I have mobile insurance so it's no biggie)

The chap I dealt with was very friendly and the process itself surprisingly easy, safe and, most importantly, cheap. I would have posted his details here if it didn`t break forum rules but feel free to PM me if anyone needs them..

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At best you've blown the know fuse and scrapped your warranty (no, Sammy won't honor it. USA samsung is waaaay more lenient than UK)

At worst, it will soon be relocked on the next firmware update.

But well done if it works.

I also wouldn't recommend sharing such info on here,,, big no no

[jonsie]

It seems there are ways around most problems and fingers crossed you have no problems in the future.

[MI5]

If he's done what I think he's done (and eluded to yesterday) you'll be fine, except for tripping knox, but it should still survive a firmware update.

[Anonymous]

@viridis

I was aware of the risks but a phone permanently locked to O2 was no use to me since I need it whilst travelling. If it does get locked at the next update, I would hope that the code supplied by O2 should unlock it (as it matches the IMEI etc) ? The phone is not showing root access currently so, unless one checks the Knox Counter, it appears untampered. As far as warranty is concerned, my understanding is that sellers are required to cover hardware faults (which is all that I would be worried about) for a period of 2 years under EU law (apparently there is some recent case law specifically relating to mobile phones that establishes this-might have to look it up)