Samsung A71 acquired in Europe, unlocked, but US Carrier will not activate IMEI on their network; what to do???

[vviti]

I am in Europe for work for 3 months. Last week my Sprint Samsung S7 died (LCD panel) and I bought a new Samsung A71, unlocked geographically (thanks Samsung!) and from any carrier. I have a Sprint/TMobile phone number and I need it to work. However, after 3+ hours on chats and 1 hr on the phone with Sprint reps, I still cannot activate my phone on Sprint; I keep getting a message that this IMEI cannot be activated on Sprint. I do understand that I might need to be back in the US to actually activating it on Sprint network, and this would be ok, but talking with Sprint support the message is that it will not be possible to activate it even I was in the US. So I am stuck in Europe (Italy) for another 2 months and Sprint cannot i) ship me a sprint phone or ii) tell me that I will be able to activate this Euro400 Samsung once I travel back. Please help!!

[Mitzzz999]

I could be totally wrong... I'm just going off stuff I've heard from the past and I'm using this info to try to help you. some these phones come region locked to stop phones being sold to abroad... and intended for use with local networks of that region... it's to stop people "box breaking" phones... as they can sometimes sell for more in other countries... so box breakers buy in bulk in one country then sell in bulk in other countries.

anyway you've bought this A71 unlocked... in Italy yes? it might be worth getting a prepaid Italian SIM inside... using it for a day or so... so the IMEI is recognised to be from a opened box and in use... then maybe your USA SIM will work?

again... I'm just totally guessing but I think it's not liking it that it's picked up a USA SIM straight away. I would wait n see what other people would reply with or if someone with more technical knowledge would recommend but I'm just giving an idea.

[Mitzzz999]

I found this on Google search...

With Samsung Region Lock, Samsung ensures that their devices are only used on the market they're intended for. For example, smartphones that you buy in Asia can't be used in Europe and vice versa. You can cancel Samsung Region Lock making a 5-minute phone call with a SIM card from the market the phone is intended for.21 Aug 2020

[vviti]

Thanks Mitzzz999. I actually spoke with Samsung and they unlocked the region of the cellphone, they were great. So, the issue is not with the phone/IMEI, it seems to be with the US carrier, in this case Sprint/TMobile.

The reps, at different levels keep telling me that this phone cannot be activated in the US but not sure why. Technically it seems it should work on their system. I also have made some calls using an Italian SIM (I am in Italy) but I have not seen any change to the situation.

[Mitzzz999]

ah okay, yeah you mentioned before you got it region unlocked. I'm hoping it's just a case of timing and systems taking time to just update. I don't know what other things it can be. hope it gets sorted for you. I would escalate a complaint to Sprint as it's with their services... not Samsung.

[vviti]

you are right, the issue is with Sprint/TMobile. They are really leaving customers high and dry. In my case I am without a phone and my US phone number and they are not providing any solution except to say "sorry"! They suggested I even travel back to the US to get a new phone :0 :0 Amazing lack of professionality and I have spent so much time with their tech support that I am trying to see if others on this board can help!

Thanks so much!