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Samsung Galaxy S 5 unlocked but region locked and triple sim adapter is blocked

Just a word of warning for potential buyers that the region locking on the Samsung galaxy S5 is different to that on my Note 3. My note 3 is unlocked and can use different sims and software update without issues.
But had a Samsung Galaxy S5 for more than a week, got it before UK official launch as it was a Korean model 32GB LTE snapdragon version, it was unlocked and was able to use several different sims from various UK networks but couldnt software update as phone would keep asking for SKT (south korea telecom) sim for software update even though would work with other UK sims for calls data and text for more than a week of me using phone. worked fine for streaming thousands of songs via google music and deezer and calls and texts but no luck with software update. see alert shown by phone on attempting to do software update https://plus.google.com/108877366358490804054/posts/X38mPrxYHmf
wireless charging worked fine though with Qi insert as shown on my youtueb uploads for the S5 which can be seen from my tagline below
Just a heads up to people wanting to import a Samsung galaxy S5 from abroad that their region locking is getting worse with every new phone.
Dont have the S5 anymore and wont be buying a samsung phone again..... due to region locking blocking features... like fingerprint scanner use in ebay app in the UK even though unlocked phone and also samsung has blocked use of triple sim adapters as it has blocked the loading of sim app need for triple sim adapters to work. The same adapters work fine on my s4 and note 3. The adapter was inserted correctly as my main sim works through the adapter but cant access the extra sims as samsung has blocked the sim app from launching on the S5 but works fine on S4 and note 3 and other phones.

Not sure about internationally, however North America region lock seems to be disabled if you first activate with the carrier that the phone was built for and then unlock. If you just buy a phone from a carrier that has it region locked and you never activate it with them, you will have issues.
bubblesmoney said:
Just a word of warning for potential buyers that the region locking on the Samsung galaxy S5 is different to that on my Note 3. My note 3 is unlocked and can use different sims and software update without issues.
But had a Samsung Galaxy S5 for more than a week, got it before UK official launch as it was a Korean model 32GB LTE snapdragon version, it was unlocked and was able to use several different sims from various UK networks but couldnt software update as phone would keep asking for SKT (south korea telecom) sim for software update even though would work with other UK sims for calls data and text for more than a week of me using phone. worked fine for streaming thousands of songs via google music and deezer and calls and texts but no luck with software update. see alert shown by phone on attempting to do software update https://plus.google.com/108877366358490804054/posts/X38mPrxYHmf
wireless charging worked fine though with Qi insert as shown on my youtueb uploads for the S5 which can be seen from my tagline below
Just a heads up to people wanting to import a Samsung galaxy S5 from abroad that their region locking is getting worse with every new phone.
Dont have the S5 anymore and wont be buying a samsung phone again..... due to region locking blocking features... like fingerprint scanner use in ebay app in the UK even though unlocked phone and also samsung has blocked use of triple sim adapters as it has blocked the loading of sim app need for triple sim adapters to work. The same adapters work fine on my s4 and note 3. The adapter was inserted correctly as my main sim works through the adapter but cant access the extra sims as samsung has blocked the sim app from launching on the S5 but works fine on S4 and note 3 and other phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

risestar2 said:
Not sure about internationally, however North America region lock seems to be disabled if you first activate with the carrier that the phone was built for and then unlock. If you just buy a phone from a carrier that has it region locked and you never activate it with them, you will have issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have any way to unlock it with no issue in the future?

risestar2 said:
Not sure about internationally, however North America region lock seems to be disabled if you first activate with the carrier that the phone was built for and then unlock. If you just buy a phone from a carrier that has it region locked and you never activate it with them, you will have issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone is already unlocked as I used different UK sims For more than a week. The region locking only becomes apparent when trying to software update the phone. The phone was on Kitkat but there was an update available but couldn't update due to the issue mentioned.

If it is the international model (G900F) just flash it with the stock UK S5 rom.

electric0ant said:
If it is the international model (G900F) just flash it with the stock UK S5 rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know if it's possible to root and flash something else without having removed the region lock?

Dont have the phone anymore with me and think the person having it now is flashing cyanogen mod rom for this phone.
Dont think will be getting a samsung phone again as tired of the pr1ck5 at samsung p1ssing off paying customers with some locking cr4p or the other. Presently still have 3 other samsung phones (S4 note 3 and note 1) and many of my playlists on youtube have loads of samsung phone related. But really fed up with samsungs locking idiocy and will look to sony or LG from now on.

electric0ant said:
If it is the international model (G900F) just flash it with the stock UK S5 rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think the SK Telecom model is the same as the G900F.
I think Korea uses some different network brands.
---------- Post added at 09:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:31 AM ----------
bubblesmoney said:
Dont have the phone anymore with me and think the person having it now is flashing cyanogen mod rom for this phone.
Dont think will be getting a samsung phone again as tired of the pr1ck5 at samsung p1ssing off paying customers with some locking cr4p or the other. Presently still have 3 other samsung phones (S4 note 3 and note 1) and many of my playlists on youtube have loads of samsung phone related. But really fed up with samsungs locking idiocy and will look to sony or LG from now on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't look at Sony.
You will receive software updates like 7 months after the release of that android version.
My Xperia Z still doesn't have kitkat.

Region lock on the 900A
I am looking to buy the galaxy s5 for use in several Sub-saharan African countries. I already have an old ATT sim with me and I will probably be ordering the 900A in/from the US and i want to make sure that the region-lock is not an issue. Will i be able to region unlock with an ATT sim card while in Africa or do i need to have someone make the 5min call for me while the phone is in the US? and is this call meant to be to or from the s5?
Thanks!

No one likes self serving restrictions by manufacturers or carriers. But Samsung is far from the only manufacturer doing things like this. And region locking is one of the easiest obstacles to overcome.
On single SIM phones at least removing the subsidy lock nullifies the region lock as well. In any event if you couldn't make a few calls in the area that the phone originated, you could simply have edited the region lock blacklist to circumvent the region lock.
.

bubblesmoney said:
Dont think will be getting a samsung phone again as tired of the pr1ck5 at samsung p1ssing off paying customers with some locking cr4p or the other. Presently still have 3 other samsung phones (S4 note 3 and note 1) and many of my playlists on youtube have loads of samsung phone related. But really fed up with samsungs locking idiocy and will look to sony or LG from now on.
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Click to collapse
yes that completely legal regioin lock this discourages grey market selling and scams
does this mean you arent buying blu rays or DVDs??

-PiLoT- said:
yes that completely legal regioin lock this discourages grey market selling and scams
does this mean you arent buying blu rays or DVDs??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the S5 but no longer have it. Bought the one plus one which is half the price but 64gb and miles better with no region locking crap and call recording apps work on it unlike on my several samsung phones. Call recording apps did work earlier on samsung phones and after software upgrades by samsung they no longer work on them. But they work on other android phones. So samsung is deliberately gimping android with their "updates". Sane way triple sim adapters don't work on the S5 but they do on my s4 and note 3 and other phones.
Coming to your reference to dvd and bluray. .. i don't but them anymore as have several paid digital subscription packages and don't buy dvd and bluray anymore as realised i haven't bothered to open the packs of several of my earlier purchases.
Several other android manufacturers don't region lock or block call recording apps or triple sim adapters so there are better and cheaper options.

bubblesmoney said:
I had the S5 but no longer have it. Bought the one plus one which is half the price but 64gb and miles better with no region locking crap and call recording apps work on it unlike on my several samsung phones. Call recording apps did work earlier on samsung phones and after software upgrades by samsung they no longer work on them. But they work on other android phones. So samsung is deliberately gimping android with their "updates". Sane way triple sim adapters don't work on the S5 but they do on my s4 and note 3 and other phones.
Coming to your reference to dvd and bluray. .. i don't but them anymore as have several paid digital subscription packages and don't buy dvd and bluray anymore as realised i haven't bothered to open the packs of several of my earlier purchases.
Several other android manufacturers don't region lock or block call recording apps or triple sim adapters so there are better and cheaper options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you research if the s5 was region locked, or had issues with call recording apps or sim adapater issues before you bought it. or did you buy it assuming they would work?

-PiLoT- said:
did you research if the s5 was region locked, or had issues with call recording apps or sim adapater issues before you bought it. or did you buy it assuming they would work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did research like i do all my purchases. My opinions are just that. ... my opinions!
Are you a Samsung employee or funded by samsung in any manner!
edit: If you see my youtube videos for the S5 you might notice that i had uploaded my video BEFORE the UK release date as it was imported from korea.

bubblesmoney said:
I did research like i do all my purchases. My opinions are just that. ... my opinions!
Are you a Samsung employee or funded by samsung in any manner!
edit: If you see my youtube videos for the S5 you might notice that i had uploaded my video BEFORE the UK release date as it was imported from korea.
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Click to collapse
region locking isnt an opinion. its an actual thing
heres my point
you want to buy a phone, you want it to have multi sim adapters support, no region locking and ability to record in calls.
you do your research like you do "all your purchases"
then you buy a device knowing these things wont work. then you ***** about samsung doing it anyway?

Dude pull that bee out of your bonnet. Dint you have anything better to do than dig up a few months old thread of mine!
Triple sim adapters work on the S4 and note 3.
Call recording apps do work on android phones and even older samsung phones and other new android phones and don't work on new or software updated older samsung phones.
Yes i know what region locking is.
I now choose to spend my money on other companies android products which i think are better. If that bothers you then that is not my problem. I have better things to do today than argue on the Internet with someone i don't know.
Good night.

bubblesmoney said:
Dude pull that bee out of your bonnet. Dint you have anything better to do than dig up a few months old thread of mine! .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didnt actually dig it up, read back a page
bubblesmoney said:
Triple sim adapters work on the S4 and note 3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But research you said you did said it wouldnt on the s5
bubblesmoney said:
Call recording apps do work on android phones and even older samsung phones and other new android phones and don't work on new or software updated older samsung phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But you said you did research so you knew this
bubblesmoney said:
Yes i know what region locking is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No one said you didn't. ever
bubblesmoney said:
I now choose to spend my money on other companies android products which i think are better. If that bothers you then that is not my problem. I have better things to do today than argue on the Internet with someone i don't know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My issue isnt with you buying anything. my issue is with you being such a vocal detester of certain features or lack thereof, when you bought them knowing full well they had these things wrong with them because you did the proper research.
why would you even buy a phone that you know wont work the way you want, better yet why moan about samsung doing this. even though you knew they did it before you bought it
bubblesmoney said:
Good night.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

One last time. .. my trile sim adapters did work then on my note 3 and S4 but they didn't on the s5. That was my experience as I hadn't come across posts regarding that it didn't work on the S5. The adapter actually 'works' on the s5 too in the sense that the sim number 1 works via the connector but the other sims can't be used as samsung blocks the launch of the sim app but it doesn't get blocked on older samsung phones. Ps. they work on iPhones and other android phones.
Getting to call recording apps. . They did work on s4 and note 3 and stopped working on note 3 after software updates. Sometimes software have glitches so I gave them the benefit of the doubt but since on the newer s5 it didn't work either and works on other new android phones like my one plus one it is my understanding that samsung is blocking some features which you can gather if you read up more on the topic.
As explained AGAIN above and
in my personal experience the triple sim adapters worked in s4 and note 3 (but not after software update indicating it is samsung doing the blocking) and didn't work on the s5.
Call recording still works on loads of android phones including my one plus one. It used to work on my older samsung phones till later software updates and didn't Work on the S5.
If you need more of my reasons why I think the are better ones out there than the S5....
water proofing is **** as shown in my videos. Sony is better.
Internal memory is loads better on cheaper phones like the one plus one.
Camera is worse than much cheaper one plus one.
Speaker is much louder on the one plus one.
Battery life "without cutting back any features" is better on the one plus one. But would be better on s5 using that black and white ultra power saving mode which stops many features working.
Edit. I still have my note 3 and note 1 and s4 but I do like my gadgets and have other 6 android phones, 5 android tablets and 2 android mini pc's and ipad air. So after owning the and using many other android devices which I no longer have my personal impression of the S5 is that there are better ones out there.
If the above bothers you then not much I can do but say agree to disagree. Cheers.

eezeh said:
I am looking to buy the galaxy s5 for use in several Sub-saharan African countries. I already have an old ATT sim with me and I will probably be ordering the 900A in/from the US and i want to make sure that the region-lock is not an issue. Will i be able to region unlock with an ATT sim card while in Africa or do i need to have someone make the 5min call for me while the phone is in the US? and is this call meant to be to or from the s5?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ignore some of the apologists for Samsung on this thread trying to pester people who purchase their own android devices unlike the usual reviewers on many websites who get their free review phones and do your own research before spending your money.
Word of warning even when buying an unlocked or no region lock samsung phone in a country with no region lock, it can subsequently get region lock if you do any software updates while traveling or moving to another country with region lock as shown long time ago in the Note 3 thread (thread with hundreds of posts) http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=47664261&postcount=1380 As you can see paying customers who bought unlocked (no region lock phones) samsung phone later got region lock with software update while travelling and working in the Eu and their phone would no longer work with their home country sim. Please note phone was bought from official samsung store and not so called grey market what ever that term grey market may mean! So any person who travels and works across countries or even travelling abroad and wants to use roaming or local sims would be at risk of region lock unless they never want to update their phone or need to resort to hacking the software which most wont be able to do.

Mod Edit
Thread Closed
ronnie498
Forum Moderator

will LTE GW3 work with any e-sim?

Hi Everybody,
I am about to upgrade my Galaxy Watch to the latest model. I would like to take the opportunity to get the LTE version, so I can get rid of one of my phones. The problem is that in my country (Italy) LTE version is not for sale, and I doubt will ever be.
I have done my homeworks and I can get the watch i want from UK or eastern europe, and I can also buy an e-sim from TIM, a local carrier.
My simple question is: will it work ? I am afraid the carrier will not activate the line on a non-officially supported HW (although they support Galaxy watch). E-sim is still a mysterious world for TIM tech support, so I hope someone here can help...
thank you!
GG

Hi again, here is a simpler query:
- did anyone activate the Galaxy watch 3 Lte with a carrier in a country different from the country of purchase? E-sim is a new tricky matter where i have zero experience, and I am really afraid of wasting money on a cellular function that will never work... hope that someone will help!!
Thank you!

Hello,
I have LTE but it's in same country. I think country does not matter.
When you start the watch first time, it proposes you to connect to LTE thru e-sim with the same carrier as your smartphone.
All i had to do was to click on the subscribe button for an e-sim, directly... It was all proposed by the watch and smartphone itself for my carrier.
So i'd guess that there will be no issue... cannot confirm it 100% though
There is no need to buy an e-sim separately if you have it available at your phone carrier, for me it was just a monthly 5€ sub. in addition to my phone bill. The connexion was instantly available as soon as i clicked sub.
I'm in France... and i assume the watches are same as many europe countries (DE, Swiss, Italy, FR, etc) since they proposed these when i started the watch, but there was no UK proposed so might be different watch there...?

Thanks for the answer,!
In italy the lte version is exclusive to a carrier, that will not release it soon, so the only way to get right now is buying it abroad.
I often buy phones in other countries, and they always worked: bur with e sim this now is far from certain as the phones IMEI must be activated by the carrier ( see the ' sprint' thread here in this forum), like in the old pre-GSM times.
That is why I was hoping someone had a similar experience, thanks anyway!

I'm in UK, got it from Samsung so not network branded, and during activation it just asked if I wanted to enable it on the phone as I went through activation. Went to my carriers e-sim sign up (same page as the watch '1' used) and hey presto it all worked.
That was on EE BTW, but know that Vodafone works in UK too, think only three don't have an esim option here at the moment, as I'm sure a friend had his 1 on O2 (Telefonica)

Question S21 Ultra - eSIM not supported? (Unlocked US version)

So, after many frustrating hours on the phone with different Samsung agents who insisted that the US S21 Ultra supports eSIM (but couldn't get it to work), one agent finally admitted that eSIM is not enabled "as of now". This is despite the fact that Samsung expressly promised eSIM functionality on their US website:
"Does Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G support eSIM?
Yes, you can use an electronic SIM, known as eSIM, with Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. The eSIM allows you to activate a mobile network plan right on your phone, so you can switch data plans or add an overseas phone number without the physical Nano SIM."
https://www.samsung.com/us/smartphones/galaxy-s21-ultra-5g/#!
As of this post, the above Q&A is still on Samsung's US website. Isn't this blatant fraud? Where can I file a complaint?
While I am still within the return window, simply getting a refund isn't good enough as I already paid money to my carrier to convert my physical SIM into an eSIM in anticipation of being able to use it with my S 21 Ultra.

Until the carriers enable the eSim they will not work. It has been disabled or not enable from all US carriers for a reason. No one knows exactly why. My guess is compatibility, or issues arising. Who knows. It is supposed to be enabled but no set date has ever been given. The same thing happened with the Note and s20. As much as I would love the eSim support is just won't happen for a bit.
Also do note if you scroll down it does say "The Galaxy S21 does not currently support eSim in the U.S."
I am not sure why people seriously keep falling for the eSim instead of reading the several post regarding it in the previous years posts.

jeremyvbk said:
Until the carriers enable the eSim they will not work. It has been disabled or not enable from all US carriers for a reason. No one knows exactly why. My guess is compatibility, or issues arising. Who knows. It is supposed to be enabled but no set date has ever been given. The same thing happened with the Note and s20. As much as I would love the eSim support is just won't happen for a bit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That logic doesn't make sense when it comes to the unlocked version bought directly from Samsung's website. Also my eSIM is from an international carrier and not a US carrier, and it works on my previous Samsung device (bought in Asia).
jeremyvbk said:
Also do note if you scroll down it does say "The Galaxy S21 does not currently support eSim in the U.S."
I am not sure why people seriously keep falling for the eSim instead of reading the several post regarding it in the previous years posts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They changed it a few days after the launch. The previous Q&A was as shown in my quote above. I scrolled through the website carefully (including reading the endnotes) and there was no such caveat previously.
Also, I am new to the US and was not aware of this issue previously. I have used Samsung devices in Asia for many years and never had this issue. I'm not sure why US customers put up with this blatant fraud if it is happening each time.

draykin said:
That logic doesn't make sense when it comes to the unlocked version bought directly from Samsung's website. Also my eSIM is from an international carrier and not a US carrier, and it works on my previous Samsung device (bought in Asia).
They changed it a few days after the launch. The previous Q&A was as shown in my quote above. I scrolled through the website carefully (including reading the endnotes) and there was no such caveat previously.
Also, I am new to the US and was not aware of this issue previously. I have used Samsung devices in Asia for many years and never had this issue. I'm not sure why US customers put up with this blatant fraud if it is happening each time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because the unlocked version has to work with those carriers, and having esim support turned on could lead to more issues than what is currently out there. Samsung has disabled it so you don't have droves of people going to carriers saying service doesn't work when the carriers haven't supported the phones for eSim. Because those carriers will send you right back to Samsung for warranty exchanges. Costing Samsung money.
The phones do support eSim. It is no different than the phones disabling bands depending on csc. Also the US unlocked versions apply the csc based on the carrier, also why the eSim is disabled. Its not fraud. The information isn't fraud

jeremyvbk said:
Until the carriers enable the eSim they will not work. It has been disabled or not enable from all US carriers for a reason. No one knows exactly why. My guess is compatibility, or issues arising. Who knows. It is supposed to be enabled but no set date has ever been given. The same thing happened with the Note and s20. As much as I would love the eSim support is just won't happen for a bit.
Also do note if you scroll down it does say "The Galaxy S21 does not currently support eSim in the U.S."
I am not sure why people seriously keep falling for the eSim instead of reading the several post regarding it in the previous years posts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does it mean s21 ultra supports esim?

works on mine - Vodafone UK - been with an esim since s20 and now also on s21
makes no difference really to being on a sim or e-sim

jacklivehere said:
Does it mean s21 ultra supports esim?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All of the phones support it but have it disabled on purpose because the carriers do not support it. Its like the S21 supports N71 and band 71 but on ATT CSC those bands are disabled.

jeremyvbk said:
All of the phones support it but have it disabled on purpose because the carriers do not support it. Its like the S21 supports N71 and band 71 but on ATT CSC those bands are disabled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Samsung website quoted above only says s21 and s21 plus doesn't support esim. Doesn't say about s21 ultra

jacklivehere said:
The Samsung website quoted above only says s21 and s21 plus doesn't support esim. Doesn't say about s21 ultra
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are saying you can't use them in the US. The devices have the hardware already included in the devices. They are disabled. The same with the Ultra, as it has been the same for the last years worth of phones

Same in canada. Its been a coming soon with an update feature for years now. Another small thing I miss about my pixel.

I wonder if this is why i can not get my s21 U to take an upgraded T mobile sim. I have been trying since Friday to get the Upgraded network sim from T mobile to install on my phone. I had been on sprint and since the merger last year my sprint connections had been getting progressively worse as the year went on - dropped calls and phone going into roaming mode at home for example, I had a note 10+ i traded in for the s21U and about 3 weeks ago was able to ditch the old sprint sim for the new t mobile one on the note and what a difference ! So anyway, i have been into a t mobile store a couple time and they could not get the t mobile sim to activate, and called sprint a couple times to try and activate it and they could not either but was finally able to active a sprint sim which i dont want. They had said that my s21 was not for some reason compatible with the new t mobile sim. I got the 512gb S21 ultra unlocked direct from samsung.

Disabled esim...
Is it because Samsung is weak compared to Apple or Google? Can't stand up to US carriers?

They can't say it is not compatible with carriers when Apple already went through the motions and is not compatible with all the carriers. They could have used this excuse two phones ago but for us to be having this discussion now is uncalled for. I'm returning this crap now until Samsung stops committing this fraud on its customers and gets its act together.

thdaddy34 said:
They can't say it is not compatible with carriers when Apple already went through the motions and is not compatible with all the carriers. They could have used this excuse two phones ago but for us to be having this discussion now is uncalled for. I'm returning this crap now until Samsung stops committing this fraud on its customers and gets its act together.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed!

NasTraDooMis said:
I wonder if this is why i can not get my s21 U to take an upgraded T mobile sim. I have been trying since Friday to get the Upgraded network sim from T mobile to install on my phone. I had been on sprint and since the merger last year my sprint connections had been getting progressively worse as the year went on - dropped calls and phone going into roaming mode at home for example, I had a note 10+ i traded in for the s21U and about 3 weeks ago was able to ditch the old sprint sim for the new t mobile one on the note and what a difference ! So anyway, i have been into a t mobile store a couple time and they could not get the t mobile sim to activate, and called sprint a couple times to try and activate it and they could not either but was finally able to active a sprint sim which i dont want. They had said that my s21 was not for some reason compatible with the new t mobile sim. I got the 512gb S21 ultra unlocked direct from samsung.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My S21 Ultra works fine with the T-Mobile R15 SIM. To be fair, though, I think I might have activated it on my iPhone 12 Pro Max first and then just dropped it in the S21 Ultra. I don't remember now. But it should work.

It pays off to do some research before dropping a stack of cash on a smartphone. All this fuss over eSIM. Carrier's in the US don't want to give their subscribers the option to switch Service Provider's, they lose money. Same reason no Dual-Sim devices are offered by US Carriers. Samsung could lean on them to enable eSIM but for whatever reason they won't. Simple solution, buy a Non-US S21 Ultra Dual Nano-SIM device.

Hi, in Russia e-sim it works perfectly on all operators( carriers). Its very strange why in US you have this problem.

varcor said:
It pays off to do some research before dropping a stack of cash on a smartphone. All this fuss over eSIM. Carrier's in the US don't want to give their subscribers the option to switch Service Provider's, they lose money. Same reason no Dual-Sim devices are offered by US Carriers. Samsung could lean on them to enable eSIM but for whatever reason they won't. Simple solution, buy a Non-US S21 Ultra Dual Nano-SIM device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's true except for the fact that if you want 5G in the US, the non-US dual sim samsung devices don't have the appropriate bands for it. So you get dual sim but no US 5G.

I confirm esim working in S21 Ultra Snapdragon SM-G998U1 in Android 12 Colombia Bogota but keep in mind that in Colombia the esim only works with movistar

Question Shipping from Samsung_US to Canada (Unlocked version) /any possible method?

Hello everyone,
Could you help me answering my questions?
I'm planning to buy Samsung S21 Ultra, so I was searching for good prices here and there...
I found out that on Samsung US, it is much cheaper (Unlocked version), moreover, you'll get 250$ credit value to buy other accessories, while Samsung Canada is way too expensive without such promotions!
I tried to place the order through Samsung US and to type the shipping address to Canada .m.but unfortunately it wasn't working!
My two questions as following:
1- Is there anyway to get the S21 Ultra to Canada from Samsung US?
2- I heard that I might face problems in connection compatibility (even with the unlocked version), especially the 5G as it won't be compatible with the Canadian courriers ....so is that true? Will I face any problem if I buy S21 Ultra from Samsung US to Canada?
Will appreciate your replies ...
Thanks

Depending on your carrier in Canada, Wifi Calling and VoLTE may not/will not work. Here is a long thread about purchasing from the US etc. This will answer all your questions:
[Samsung USA] Samsung USA S21 Trade-In Deal Thread - RedFlagDeals.com Forums

i have the W version with the US U1 software on it (I love ODIN) and works it great on Telus for 5G (except the Wi-Fi calling; Telus asks for your number and then it never connects but I also have a partner account so maybe that is why). On Freedom Mobile/Shaw Mobile with the U1 software, everything works (except 5G as that is not available for everyone yet).

Thanks
May I know which re-shipping company had you dealt with? Any recommendations?

peterg21 said:
Depending on your carrier in Canada, Wifi Calling and VoLTE may not/will not work. Here is a long thread about purchasing from the US etc. This will answer all your questions:
[Samsung USA] Samsung USA S21 Trade-In Deal Thread - RedFlagDeals.com Forums
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Thanks
May I know which re-shipping company had you dealt with? Any recommendations?

crazyut said:
i have the W version with the US U1 software on it (I love ODIN) and works it great on Telus for 5G (except the Wi-Fi calling; Telus asks for your number and then it never connects but I also have a partner account so maybe that is why). On Freedom Mobile/Shaw Mobile with the U1 software, everything works (except 5G as that is not available for everyone yet).
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Thanks
May I know which re-shipping company had you dealt with? Any recommendations?

AMD-CA said:
Thanks
May I know which re-shipping company had you dealt with? Any recommendations?
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It is the Canadian version bought in Canada flashed with the US U1 software

Question Regarding CSC change on S21 Ultra [G9980] in India

Hi everyone!
I recently found that Amazon India is now selling the Snapdragon 888 variant of the S21 Ultra, planning to buy the same but I wanted to inqure here first if anyone has the snapdragon variant and has tried to change their CSC to INS? Also if all the services like VoLTE, WiFi calling work with the same or not?

Dev Jaskirat said:
Hi everyone!
I recently found that Amazon India is now selling the Snapdragon 888 variant of the S21 Ultra, planning to buy the same but I wanted to inqure here first if anyone has the snapdragon variant and has tried to change their CSC to INS? Also if all the services like VoLTE, WiFi calling work with the same or not?
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There are only 3 CSC's which can be enabled on the SM-G9980. CHC China, BRI Taiwan and TGY Hong Kong. If the device you referenced has it's Primary CSC as CHC China some content and certain apps are restricted. The TGY Hong Kong Primary CSC is best suited for international users. It isn't a Multi-CSC Device so any changes require flashing different firmware. The post you highlighted is misleading, it states Tmobile is the carrier but Tmobile doesn't sell a Branded SM-G9980. I have the same device in the US and have VoLTE, Wi-Fi Calling and timely Updates. In India YMMV. If Call Features and 5G are a priority your Service Provider's device is the best option.

Thanks for your reply!
You mentioned that you have the same model, which CSC are you on?
Yes, the Amazon Page says tmobile but it is an unlocked device that the seller is selling. In India we only get the exynos variant and this is the only Snapdragon variant that is available to us. The reviews say that Indian carriers are working fine my main concern is CSC related features like in-built call recording, does your device have that? I have it on my Note 20 (CSC = INS).
Also I'm curious when you say that it only supports those 3 CSC, does that mean it won't even change to INS if I tried? OR does it change but bricks the device or some other limitation happens (like Knox tripping)?

I'm on the TGY Hong Kong CSC, I wouldn't consider the CHC or BRI variants. Some users have reported the TGY and BRI have identical software but I'm not sure that's correct. The SM-G9980 TGY CSC is available on ebay or online from a number of retailers in Hong Kong, I purchased mine online from Hong Kong since most on ebay don't offer the 512GB option. The device doesn't offer native call recording however a number of apps can enable this function. At this time it's impossible to flash any Exynos Global Firmware on any Snapdragon variants and that's not likely to change going forward. You can't make a general rule that this or that feature will work in India, all service providers aren't using identical metrics. If your concern is maximizing call features acquiring your service provider's device is the best bet.

varcor said:
I'm on the TGY Hong Kong CSC, I wouldn't consider the CHC or BRI variants. Some users have reported the TGY and BRI have identical software but I'm not sure that's correct. The SM-G9980 TGY CSC is available on ebay or online from a number of retailers in Hong Kong, I purchased mine online from Hong Kong since most on ebay don't offer the 512GB option. The device doesn't offer native call recording however a number of apps can enable this function. At this time it's impossible to flash any Exynos Global Firmware on any Snapdragon variants and that's not likely to change going forward. If your concern is call features acquiring your service provider's device is the best bet.
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Thanks again for your help! Just one last thing, does your device support VoLTE and WiFi calling?

Dev Jaskirat said:
Thanks again for your help! Just one last thing, does your device support VoLTE and WiFi calling?
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Yes, as I mentioned previously.

Dev Jaskirat said:
Hi everyone!
I recently found that Amazon India is now selling the Snapdragon 888 variant of the S21 Ultra, planning to buy the same but I wanted to inqure here first if anyone has the snapdragon variant and has tried to change their CSC to INS? Also if all the services like VoLTE, WiFi calling work with the same or not?
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oh man ive broken my head on this, bottom line, now warranty ! and no repair in india as far as i know! they wont have the parts and if anything happens, expect delays of 1+month for repair!
also, do you really think its a good idea to purchase this off of amazon? its freaking one lakh rupees man ! i said eff it and bought the exynos from local samsung store ! sure its exynos, still amazing for what it offers!
id suggest asking a friend whos in the USA to buy it for you and get it while coming down to india! thats the only safe way my friend

shriom_manerker said:
oh man ive broken my head on this, bottom line, now warranty ! and no repair in india as far as i know! they wont have the parts and if anything happens, expect delays of 1+month for repair!
also, do you really think its a good idea to purchase this off of amazon? its freaking one lakh rupees man ! i said eff it and bought the exynos from local samsung store ! sure its exynos, still amazing for what it offers!
id suggest asking a friend whos in the USA to buy it for you and get it while coming down to india! thats the only safe way my friend
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No friends coming anytime soon! Also that doesn't really solve the lack of warranty and delays in repair issues ...

Dev Jaskirat said:
No friends coming anytime soon! Also that doesn't really solve the lack of warranty and delays in repair issues ...
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yes but at least you are getting a bill and a sale receipt to ship it back and get it repaired under warranty. sure its a long shot, but i bet itll still be cheaper than buying a new s21 ultra

Did you ever get it to move to a different country firmware?
I have the same device, and the lack of timely updates and the control of carriers of what get released and what not is scare to say the least.. especially when u are holding a hongkong/china variant..
Let us know if u figured any way out or experimented with it..

shriom_manerker said:
yes but at least you are getting a bill and a sale receipt to ship it back and get it repaired under warranty. sure its a long shot, but i bet itll still be cheaper than buying a new s21 ultra
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My advice. Get your local version. Exynos this year wasn't bad. I got this 9980 for 16/512gb SD and am desperate to get other regions updates but so far haven't found a satisfactory way to do that. Either you figure that out or get the local version. That way your local carriers will be in charge not other country's.

kamirza said:
My advice. Get your local version. Exynos this year wasn't bad. I got this 9980 for 16/512gb SD and am desperate to get other regions updates but so far haven't found a satisfactory way to do that. Either you figure that out or get the local version. That way your local carriers will be in charge not other country's.
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Samsung has paused Android 12 Updates on the SM-G9980 at least until sometime this month. So far they’ve released 3 updates of Android 12 for the S21 and it still isn't stable. I'm not in any rush to receive A12, will wait a few weeks after it's available and see if they've finally fixed all the bugs. It's not so much Samsung's fault, blame Google, it causing problems on many different brands.