Why does Samsung geo-block TVs without informing its customers, violating consumers' rights?

[boochie_boochie]

Hello,

I bought a TV, then moved to a different country and the TV is now good to be thrown in the bin. How is this possible let alone legal in Europe? There seem to be no way to change the TV's region, meaning it's impossible to connect it to Smart Hub, download any application, use any smart features (the very reason why I purchased a Frame TV), etc. etc.

This is absolutely unacceptable, everyone who has similar problems should notify the European Consumer Centre, as this is clearly a violation of European consumer's rights. Should you need more information on how to do this, feel free to contact me.

[ChrisB_]

I do understand your frustration, so I recommend contacting the Samsung Support team in your region. You can your local Support team via the link below:

https://www.samsung.com/uk/function/ipredirection/ipredirectionLocalList/

[boochie_boochie]

Dear all,

Official reply from Samsung Greece - country where I purchased the tv:

”Regarding the issue you are facing, please be aware that there is no adjustment that can be made on our part, as the device is intended for the Greek market and is manufactured to operate in Greece.”

Yes people, this is 2024 for Samsung 🤣 Last time I had an issue related to the region I lived was in 1993 in the PAL vs NTSC era. At least now I fully understand why I keep spending a fortune on Apple devices every year. Wish they produced TVs as well. What an absolute disgrace of a company.

[boochie_boochie]

Samsung Support team in my region says they cannot help me. Seller said no adjustment that can be made on their part, as the device is intended for the Greek market and if I live somewhere else it's my problem. Wow. Just wow. I really can't believe an internationally renown company could be so unprofessional.

[boochie_boochie · Accepted solution]

After days of attempts, I ultimately found a solution.

What worked for me was using a Smart DNS on Germany via my VPN CyberGhost. Instructions on how to do that are available on the CyberGhost website itself on the section related to Smart DNS.

I had already tried US and UK which didn’t work, making me think that was not the solution. Luckily Germany did - I suspect this is because Germany is still compatible with the region where the device was purchased.

I still strongly believe it is absolutely unacceptable Samsung leaves his customers with this kind of issues - on a brand new device - and abandon them completely after purchase. I feel incredibly relieved now but it goes without saying this will the first and last time I purchase a Samsung device in my life.