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Question

Galaxy A5 (SM-A520W) has become SIM Network Locked

Sep 14, 2017 5:54AM PDT

I would like to know if any else has experienced this and if you have any ideas that could help.

Last month I purchased an unlocked Galaxy A5 (2017) phone from Staples (Canada). I set this phone up on my month-to-month plan from Freedom Mobile and all worked well. Except I am no longer a fan of Freedom Mobile so last week I decided to move my phone service to Koodo. Here is the problem. When I insert the Koodo SIM card the phone displays the SIM Network unlock screen and is asking me for an unlock PIN. Even though the phone was purchased unlocked (for flexibility) it somehow became locked to the Freedom network. So this is what I have done so far:

1. Contacted Staples where I purchased the phone. They could not help since they are just the distributor and have no access to unlock codes.
2. Contacted Freedom Mobile. They said they could not unlock the phone since it was not purchased from them. They said they only have access to codes for phones purchased from them.
3. Contacted Samsung Canada. They took my IMEI and said they could get a factory code in 2 to 5 business days!!! After 3 days I heard nothing so I called them back and after awhile on hold I did get a Samsung unlock code. Problem is it did not work. The phone just kept saying "Network unlock unsuccessful". Now Samsung says they need another 2 to 5 days to either validate the code they gave me or get me a new one.

Why would the manufacturer (Samsung) have such a hard time getting an unlock code for their own device? Anyone know why the phone might have become locked in the first place? I have not had use of this phone for a week now and I don't know when I will get access! I know I could try a 3rd party service to get an unlock code but they all charge between $35 and $50 to unlock a phone from Freedom Mobile plus 2 to 5 days processing time.
Thanks.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
So the question is "Why would" ... "have a hard time"?
Sep 15, 2017 8:49AM PDT

Due to how the industry works, there are agreements about unlocking and a phone if bought from a carrier could be locked and the IMEI check has to be done.

Remember no one will be able to tell why it got locked but you have to decide to pursue or not Samsung on this.

This out of the way, I found I had to install the SIM the carrier it was locked onto before I could unlock the phone. So in short, install old sim, unlock, power down, slip in new card and setup.

NOW WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH APNs (see google) and such but I don't discuss APN setups as those move around a lot. Your new carrier will have that information.

-> AGAIN (sorry). To unlock, I have to install the old SIM. This can result in a lost phone if the owner tossed the old SIM!

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So the question is "Why would" ... "have a hard time"?
Sep 15, 2017 9:19AM PDT

Thanks for the feedback. Issue with the suggestion is that when I insert the last working SIM the phone is not locked and I am not presented with the screen to enter the unlock code I was provided from Samsung. Only when I insert the new SIM from my new carrier do I get the unlock screen.

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Cool problem.
Sep 17, 2017 9:47AM PDT

Try Howard's Forums next. Never seen this one where it is unlocked and the new sim claims it is locked. Very odd.

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Answer
Network Locked
Sep 17, 2017 6:33PM PDT

Usually if the phone is asking for "SIM Network Unlock PIN" the is locked to a specific network. You can try to unlock your device to a legitimate unlocking company. They cost cheaper.

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Network Locked
Sep 18, 2017 5:30AM PDT

Well I did continue to pursue this with Samsung and they agreed to send me an RMA to return the phone to them. I did also submit the IMEI to a site that offers unlocking. If they cannot provide a network specific unlock code that works I will send the phone back to Samsung.

Sitename removed by moderator.

Post was last edited on September 18, 2017 5:44 AM PDT

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Network Locked
Oct 18, 2017 7:16AM PDT

Hello mb-evans,

I am not sure if my issues similar for you. I have Samsung S3 international close to 4 years. When I came to Canada I set this phone up on my month-to-month plan from Fido Mobile and all worked well.
Early this year my old phone started to make a sign of dead.
Last month I purchased an unlocked Galaxy A5 (2017) phone from Walmart (Canada) without plans.
I inserted in my sim card from Fido Mobile which used in old smartphone and continue to use.
On Walmart site when I purchased my new smartphone mentioned "will locked to carrier".
I don't know if it happen or my phone unlocked.

Is Samsung Canada solved your issues?

Thanks
Stan

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For slavasp
Oct 18, 2017 7:35AM PDT

I don't see many unlocked phones at Walmart. The last time I looked all were locked and this is not up to the manufacturer to unlock. I'm going to shortchange you on a discussion about unlocked phones and why phones are locked but note that nothing may be wrong with your phone here.

Top post a question in the Phones forum if you want to have a discussion about why phones are locked.