A54: Region lock -> also on esim ?

[MrA54]

Hello,

a relativ is inJapan with his Samsung A54.

To unlock the German phone for the international use he did the "5 minute unlock call" with a German sim card. International Sims are working fine now.

Now he wants to use a esim for mobile data, but can't activate the japanese esim.

While troubleshooting I found the info, that the "5 minute unlock call" has to be done also in the second (e)sim slot? (source: https://www.coolblue.nl/en/advice/samsung-region-lock-what-is-it-and-how-do-you-get-rid-of-it.html )

Can anybody confirm this ? 

Thank you for reading & hopefully replying.

[BandOfBrothers]

If a person is importing a phone to be used in another country then I would always suggest to make a call using both sim slots @MrA54 

Better being safe than sorry 🤔 

eSim is at the discretion of the network if they support that type of connection on the contract type being used. 

As far as I understand things it's not common now for Samsung to apply a Region Lock. I imported a Samsung Note²⁰ from Hong Kong into the UK and there was no region lock on this sealed unit. 

If i can be of any further help please don't hesitate to ask  😎 

[MrA54]

Hello, 

Thank you for your reply. Unfortunatly it would take around 40€ to make the "5 minute unlock call" for the esim slot , because the phone is allready in Japan.  

That was the reason why a asked: Can anybody confirm this ? 

You wrote: 
> The advice I offer is my own and does not represent Samsung’s position.

Could you point me to somewhere/someone who represents Samsungs position, please ?

[MrA54 · Accepted solution]

For anybody who find this posting. This is  how the story ended:

> Can anybody confirm this ? 

Yes, this is true. 

So if anybody wants to use SIM & eSIM form other countrys this person has to make the "5 minute unlock call" with a (e)sim from the country where the phone was purchased.

If you happen to figure this out to late (when you are already in the country): Contact the SAMSUNG service. (my relative used the WhatsApp Service Chat)  You have to provide some Data to prove that the claim is true, e.g. your flight tiket. This process will take 2-3 days (weekends excluded).