Unofficial yet somewhat official software?

[Orevix]

I purchased this Galaxy S22+ (SM-S906N) off Back Market and I have noticed some things about it.

• This phone is imported from Korea
• This phone is Snapdragon, not Exynos. (As someone in Europe I'm supposed to have Exynos)
• Some applications will not run because the phone has been rooted. Samsung members also says the software isn't official and to take it to a Samsung store. Yet settings says the software is official and I'm still getting key updates.

I am planning to call a Samsung Store and ask them to take a look but am worried about the actual repair costing a fortune. Is there anything I can do?

[GoanGeek]

Hi.

We are not able to comment on Black market products here.

We are a customers like your self.

You are best to have it checked at a Samsung store and see what they have to say.

Lots of fakes around 🤧.

Let's us know how you get on.

[Orevix]

This device is an official Samsung product, but the previous owner seems to have rooted the phone and it limits my functionality.

[GoanGeek]

You could try hooking it up to smartswitch on PC and see if you can download or get to a previous official software.

Given that you are saying its from Korea. I am not sure how that is gonna pan out until you give a try.

I'd still recommend a samsung store.

[Orevix]

I'll try the smartswitch method later this evening. Thank you for your suggestion ❤

[GoanGeek]

Let us know how you get on.😊

[smiley]

How long ago did you buy it from Backmarket.com ?

Personally I would send it back for refund and get one suitable for your region and that hasn't been software rooted. This can only end badly in my opinion.

But feel free to do as you wish. One thing if you decide to try and reprogram yourself... if it makes matters worse then the retailer is less likely to accept a return.

Smiley

[Glenntech]

Quite often suppliers of exported phones will install a global ROM software or such like so it's able to work in other regions.
For instance I had this with my Note FE I imported from Korea
This software will enable the phone to still get software updates out of region.
Especially as Korean phones tend to be locked to particular carriers for the most part.

By trying to change this or reverting to the previous software, you will like lose this ability on your phone to get software updates etc.
Samsung won't support your phone either. As the software has been changed. Also probably because it's out of region as well.
Personally if you have just bought the phone. I would look at returning for a refund.

It's fine if you are happy with it, but like you are experiencing. There will be issues with particular apps for one.

[arianwen27]

Ooh, looks like it could be some stealth root thing. The settings indicator is an android thing so probably isn't too hard to fake/trick but the samsung members check will be more thorough, as it detects the modified software. For the sake of malware, I'd take it to a store to get official software but if it works and is still getting actual updates then more power to ya

[MNas04]

If there's nothing samsung store can do. Then you're better off returning the device. If you're still having issues, then consider reaching out to back market to see what they can do.