Samsung A35 Locked to Telstra

bwatt72 on 26/12/2024 - 11:50
Last edited 26/12/2024 - 13:14 by 1 other user

Just on chat and have my phone details and they are saying there is a fee to unlock my phone. I asked if it was locked or unlocked after providing info they said it’s locked and required $80.

I purchased the phone for $400 should not need to purchase an unlock fee at this phone price. I’m already a Boost customer and wife and pay $105 a month for internet and calls at home and they have the cheek to ask $80 to unlock? They said the $80 is for manufacturers to unlock I don’t believe this.

Anyone know who uses Telstra that is cheap and has a deal on now as it’s for daughter and was going to grab that I think it was Catch at $109 for 12 months but as this phone is locked I can’t now.

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Comments

  • WatchNerd on 26/12/2024 - 12:08
    +1

    I asked if it was locked or unlocked

    So you haven't checked yourself by putting a sim in from another network?

    • bwatt72 on 26/12/2024 - 12:14

      Not yet as dont have an active sim both mine and wife are boost so already Telstra.
      I maybe but not sure have an old vodaphone sim but probably would not tell you if locked or not?
      So do I need to go out and by a SIM card to check? I just came off chat provided my ime and they said it’s locked or are they prone to talking crap?

      • scrimshaw on 26/12/2024 - 12:16
        +1

        I have a feeling that it might not actually be locked. If you bought this phone outright for $400 from the telco it won't be locked.

        Why would it be locked if it's not even being subsidized by a plan.

        • bwatt72 on 26/12/2024 - 12:50
          +1

          There was no mention if locked or locked when buying it online purchased through Telstra and used some points to bring it down a bit. And yes purchased outright.

          I asked Telstra chat before and they needed the ime code as it was wrapped up under tree and now not I passed on that number and they said it’s locked or was locked?

          • scrimshaw on 26/12/2024 - 13:00
            +4

            @bwatt72: You can figure that out really easily if it's locked by putting in a Non-Telstra SIM card.

            $2 SIM Card from Optus As soon as you put the SIM card in, it will either a) say nothing and produce no error message or b) show you an error message that the SIM won't work on the device.

            • bwatt72 on 26/12/2024 - 13:08

              @scrimshaw: So basically when I go out later purchase a $2 SIM card and see if unlocked or not?

              This was the plan I was going to go for nice and cheap for daughter for the year.
              I may have an old Vodafone sim in another phone if I have will this work in finding out?

              • scrimshaw on 26/12/2024 - 13:21

                @bwatt72:

                I may have an old Vodafone sim in another phone if I have will this work in finding out?

                yes. u should have done in the first place.

            • WatchNerd on 26/12/2024 - 13:08
              +1

              @scrimshaw: Or just ask a family member, friend or neighbour to borrow their Non-Telstra SIM.

          • Murkymerv on 28/12/2024 - 21:31

            @bwatt72: Even if it is locked which I doubt , it should still work with boost . You can buy a two dollar Sim from the supermarket instead of the mental anguish you know !

  • Associated87percent @ Telstra on 26/12/2024 - 12:39
    +1

    Well the question is, where did you buy it from?

    • bwatt72 on 26/12/2024 - 12:50

      Telstra site online

      • Associated87percent @ Telstra on 26/12/2024 - 14:28

        Was the phone advertised in a prepaid pack? If so, it’s locked. If not, it’s unlocked.

  • shxhshzhz on 26/12/2024 - 12:42
    +2

    There are no network locked A35 phones in Australia

    • WatchNerd on 26/12/2024 - 12:47
      +2

      Thread closed.

  • bwatt72 on 26/12/2024 - 12:54

    There ain’t? Then why are they telling me it’s locked and I pay $80 to unlock are they ripping people off by saying phones are when maybe not?
    They also tell me they can’t do it for free as it’s manufacture who does unlocking not them is this even correct must be changed days as it was always the networks who did this unlocking and long ago on older phones people on eBay did it for small fee

    • xuqi on 26/12/2024 - 12:58
      +1

      Find a friend, co-worker, another family member with a sim from a different provider and test it yourself.

    • shxhshzhz on 26/12/2024 - 13:04

      Only prepaid phones are locked which are cheap, budget models. If the A35 was locked, it would be sold at supermarkets.

    • WatchNerd on 26/12/2024 - 13:09
      +1

      Then why are they telling me it’s locked and I pay $80 to unlock

      Because it's Telstra.

      • xuqi on 26/12/2024 - 13:15

        Same goes for Optus, Vodafone, etc. support teams…

  • JimmyF on 26/12/2024 - 13:58
    +1

    I’m already a Boost customer and wife and pay $105 a month for internet and calls at home and they have the cheek to ask $80 to unlock?

    None of that relates to them waiving the unlocking fee.

    Samsung A35 Locked to Telstra

    Did you buy it outright or as a prepaid mobile? Only the later are sim locked.

    The fact that you haven't even TRIED to put a sim card in, speaks volumes.

    go buy a $2 Vodafone sim and see what it says. If the device doesn't prompt you for a unlocking code, then it isn't locked.

    • bwatt72 on 26/12/2024 - 14:06

      I found some SIM cards in house so will see how I go later today, yes it was purchased outright it’s just crazy they say it’s locked regardless.and want $80

  • GordonD on 26/12/2024 - 14:12
    +1

    Wow, what a surprise, what Telstra support people tell you isn't always true. Just like everyone else.

  • bwatt72 on 26/12/2024 - 14:19

    Yet they still insist a fee I try sim later I just wanted to know for sure as I plan on spending $109 on a optus plan for daughter and if it was locked like they say it is I have a plan that don’t work.

    Just had this sent to me from chat from them another person lol.

    Thank you for staying connected.

    You need to pay the below charges to unlock your device even if you have bought it outright.

    $80 for devices never activated or only active for six months or less
    $25 for devices activated for six months to 2 years
    $0 for devices activated 2 years or more

    • JimmyF on 26/12/2024 - 15:19

      Yet they still insist a fee I try sim later I just wanted to know for sure

      If you ask them to unlock a phone, they will assume it is locked so quote the fee.

      I plan on spending $109 on a optus plan for daughter and if it was locked like they say it is I have a plan that don’t work.

      Telstra is no different, the only phones Telstra sells that are LOCKED are PREPAID phones. If you buy a phone on a plan, it will be unlocked. If you buy a phone outright, it will be unlocked.

      But if you buy a discounted pre paid phone, it will be LOCKED.

      • bwatt72 on 26/12/2024 - 16:51

        It’s not a discounted phone but for a period it had had it on offer for but less

        • JimmyF on 26/12/2024 - 19:27
          +1

          Just stick a sim card in and find out.

          • bwatt72 on 27/12/2024 - 03:42

            @JimmyF: I finally got around to putting a unused Vodafone sim I had I had and how do I know if it’s locked or not how can you tell it has emergency calls only obviously I can’t do much else as sim is not active or in use and I can’t try my boost as it’s Telstra

            • Gervais fanboy on 27/12/2024 - 03:46

              @bwatt72: On the Home Screen, can you see Vodafone written on the top?

              • bwatt72 on 27/12/2024 - 04:14

                @Gervais fanboy: No

                • Gervais fanboy on 27/12/2024 - 04:21

                  @bwatt72:

                  https://freesimcards.com.au/

                  Order this free Optus sim or buy one locally and you can go from there

                  • bwatt72 on 27/12/2024 - 04:33

                    @Gervais fanboy: What difference does it make using optus I even used an overseas sim from last year and nothing mentioned if locked or not

                    • Gervais fanboy on 27/12/2024 - 05:08

                      @bwatt72: Wasn’t sure if your Vodafone sim didn’t work coz it was maybe damaged/nonoperational or because your phone’s network carrier locked.

                      Generally if you insert an incompatible sim to a carrier locked device, the device lets you know and comes up with a prompt to enter the device unlock code.

                      • bwatt72 on 27/12/2024 - 11:43

                        @Gervais fanboy: There was no pin to enter so does that mean it’s unlocked it says can do emergency calls, I have no idea as some ae saying it a still be locked.
                        If I grab a year plan at $109 I be pissed if it don’t worked as phone is locked.
                        I believe it’s unlocked as no pin to enter but what other signs are there I even tried in a old overseas sim and was same no pin to enter

            • JimmyF on 27/12/2024 - 09:38
              +1

              @bwatt72:

              how do I know if it’s locked

              We have already covered this this before Did it say enter unlock pin when you turned it on with the vodaphone sim?

              What difference does it make using optus I even used an overseas sim from last year and nothing mentioned if locked or not

              Gee you're making this hard for everyone.

              It will only ever tell you if the device is LOCKED, if the device is unlocked, then it just works. That is what everyone is trying to get you to test.

              • bwatt72 on 27/12/2024 - 11:44

                @JimmyF: Ok cool then why are some still saying it’s locked

                • HopSkipJumpFallSplat on 27/12/2024 - 12:15
                  +1

                  @bwatt72: Just go grab one of those free and ACTIVE Optus sims or a store bought $2 sim mentioned above and try.

                  It sounds like it's unlocked to me but as the voda sim is not active I can't be 100% sure.

                  • JimmyF on 27/12/2024 - 14:40
                    +1

                    @HopSkipJumpFallSplat:

                    Just go grab one of those free and ACTIVE Optus sims or a store bought $2 sim mentioned above and try

                    They have been told that 100 times now, but can't bring themselves to wasting $2 on a sim to find out.

                    It sounds like it's unlocked to me but as the voda sim is not active I can't be 100% sure.

                    If they slapped an expired Voda SIM in like they have and it didn't ask for a unlock code, then it'll be unlocked. But the best way to be sure, is spend $2 for a Optus or voda SIM and find out and see the Voda network name.

            • Murkymerv on 29/12/2024 - 21:34

              @bwatt72: Yes , boost

  • SlightlyDusted on 27/12/2024 - 08:28

    From what ive googled Telstra are actually selling a locked variant of the A35. Probably why they are offering it for $399 & other stores $549

    • singingwolf on 27/12/2024 - 08:49

      I went the the device product /purchase page and there is nothing that says it's locked or prepaid related.

      https://www.telstra.com.au/mobile-phones/mobiles-on-a-plan/s…

      • bwatt72 on 27/12/2024 - 11:55

        Yes I am aware nothing is advertised it’s locked do they have to advertise or show if locked or not? But then corporations like these make there own rules.

        • singingwolf on 27/12/2024 - 12:37

          Yes it must be clearly mentioned. It is unlocked.

      • FrogSoup on 27/12/2024 - 18:52
        +1

        The phone you've linked is 100% not locked, if this is the one OP bought then it's unlocked.

    • bwatt72 on 27/12/2024 - 11:52

      This does not help matters when I plan to get a deal on Optus for a year

  • Colin2905 on 27/12/2024 - 12:29

    Not yet as dont have an active sim both mine and wife are boost so already Telstra.

    OP, try your Boost SIM in it anyway, and report back here with the result. It used to be that Boost SIM's would work in any Telstra-locked handset, but that started changing (maybe two to three years ago, I don't remember) and people starting reporting various Telstra-locked handsets which would now spit the dummy at any non-Telstra SIM, even a Boost one.

    It'll either work or it won't. If it doesn't work (ie; prompts you for the unlocking code) then you've proved conclusively that it's locked.

    If it does work, then you still need to try another (non-Telstra, non-Boost) SIM, to rule out the possibility that Telstra hasn't caught up with fully SIM-locking that model yet.

    • bwatt72 on 27/12/2024 - 12:38

      I’m not being funny here but it’s a phone purchased from Telstra online if it was locked would the sim not work anyway as boost is teistra the objective is to try a non Telstra type SIM card to see if locked or not.‘putting in a Vodafone sim does not ask me for pin or anything but then it does not say there is Vodafone sim in it?

      My boost which is Telstra if it was locked would work anyway yes?

      • Colin2905 on 27/12/2024 - 13:00

        My boost which is Telstra if it was locked would work anyway yes?

        Not necessarily, as per the second sentence of my first paragraph.

        What happens when you put the old Vodafone SIM in your own (or your wife's) phone?

        • bwatt72 on 27/12/2024 - 13:23

          Wife just left for work so can’t try the Vodafone in her phone but I just put it in mine says sos and checking up physical sim says network unavailable and under next line service provider Vodafone au with few numbers and all other stuff I’m not going to provide..
          This is a iPhone SE 2nd gen which i am using to test which comes unlocked.
          I do have a new apple phone to set up but that’s a different matter as I have a year boost and I just put sim in that new phone and done.
          This is my daughter’s Xmas gift I’m trying to work out what’s going on.
          Does this help at all what I have just told you?

          • Colin2905 on 27/12/2024 - 14:22

            @bwatt72: Is there actually any Vodafone coverage where you are? For that matter, is there sufficient Optus coverage where you are, do you know? Handset lock status aside, there's not much point forking out for a 12 month Catch SIM if the Optus coverage doesn't make the grade in your area.

    • bwatt72 on 27/12/2024 - 13:09
      -1

      I tried my boost sim it says on the phone that a boost sim is in phone what does that mean? You have to remember boost and Telstra are more or less same people.
      I put in a Vodafone sim not used or maybe it’s faulty does not say anything about a sim and an overseas sim I took on holiday days nothing about that sim either so what does that me.

      Why does it recognise the boost sim but not other sims they are older sims I had lying around house but surely me buying say an Optus $2 sim to try will that make any difference.
      Obviously I’m looking to get the connect $109 opus 12 month deal which im sure ends soon not sure when and this bloody phone is giving me issues if locked or not.
      Telstra say is is regardless and others say it’s not so why is Vodafone not coming up on phone when sim is installed or even the overseas one which is really used overseas and probably is not working any more.
      I am still no wiser if locked or not

      • Colin2905 on 27/12/2024 - 14:40

        I tried my boost sim it says on the phone that a boost sim is in phone what does that mean?

        One of two things: It's either not locked at all, or it is locked, but not to the point where Boost SIM's won't work.

        • bwatt72 on 27/12/2024 - 17:02

          This does not really help my situation

          • Colin2905 on 27/12/2024 - 17:34

            @bwatt72: Well, if it'd come up as locked, you would've known for sure at that point, without needing to try anything further.

  • bwatt72 on 27/12/2024 - 17:07

    Boost is Telstra so in my eyes this boost sim was always going to work as it’s a Telstra sold phone from there online store, they tell me it’s locked but most are saying it’s not locked and it’s not advertised as locked.
    But how is the Vodafone not showing any sim in the phone?
    As I said my plans was to pick up this optus connect $109 plan for daughter for her phone but I have no idea if it will even work as I have no idea if it’s a locked phone or not.
    Telstra say it’s locked but others here say otherwise but there is no evidence that this phone is unlocked by what I have been asked to do yet.

    • Colin2905 on 27/12/2024 - 17:46

      Boost is Telstra so in my eyes this boost sim was always going to work

      That assumption no longer stands, as I've already mentioned.

      FWIW, I feel that the A35 you've bought isn't locked, but it still might pay to pickup a discounted Amaysim starter kit to 1) Confirm that it's not locked, and 2) Sus out the Optus coverage before spending big on a yearly plan. I suggested Amaysim, as they're the ones on Optus who are widely available, frequently discounted, and have a pretty good number selection system.

      • bwatt72 on 27/12/2024 - 18:51

        Are there currently deal on amaysim right one to try out from supermarket? And ain’t all Optus providers got the same coverage and just depends on what it’s like in your area.
        By time I sis’s that all out and the optus connect catch I think it is $109 plan will be done.
        I would personally like to use Telstra network ie boost but to expensive now or others who I use Telstra network. I think Aldi use them but there price is $15 per months the Optus deal I’m interested in would be less than this as $109 for 12 months.
        My daughter ain’t used her phone yet as I been trying to figure out if locked or not.
        Once knowing that Optus deal looked good but if there was a Telstra one similar or close i could just use that

        • Colin2905 on 27/12/2024 - 20:04

          Are there currently deal on amaysim right one to try out from supermarket?

          It looks to be Coles' turn at the moment; $12 for a $30 starter pack. The 7/11 app is also showing the $30 packs for $12.

          By time I sis’s that all out and the optus connect catch I think it is $109 plan will be done.

          You've still got a few days in which to grab one for $109. If you need longer to check out the Optus coverage, it's still available for $119 until 28/1/25.

          You've listed your location in your profile as WA. If you're in Perth, then any of the networks will generally be OK. If you're outside of Perth, you should probably compare the coverage maps. If you're a long way from Perth, it may well be that Telstra Retail (ie; Telstra and Boost) are your only options.

          • bwatt72 on 27/12/2024 - 23:54

            @Colin2905: I was thinking of boost as wife and I are on it and grab an offer from eBay, but it’s like $80 more for the boost.
            Someone did post to a question I asked on a local Facebook page that optus was bad not to far away from our area.
            I thought optus and Vodafone etc poor coverage was a thing of the past years ago have they not caught up yet still.

            • Colin2905 on 28/12/2024 - 09:02

              @bwatt72:

              I thought optus and Vodafone etc poor coverage was a thing of the past years ago have they not caught up yet still.

              It depends where you are. In some areas they have, but in other areas they might never do. The MOCN arrangement between Optus and Vodafone / TPG should kick in in about a month or two (so I'm told), which will see the Vodafone coverage in most regional areas become identical to the Optus coverage. But if the Optus coverage in your area isn't that great to begin with, it won't help you.

  • bwatt72 on 28/12/2024 - 01:04
    -1

    As I’m still not sure if this phone is locked or not I may grab a deal on a boost for 12 months at least I know with mine it shows boost when you insert the sim. Where as a Vodafone it does not which tells me nothing.
    After looking up my area nothing seems to have changed much after all these years with Optus bring crap here and Vodafone i thought they be up to date these days.
    I was thinking of boost just get a boost on a deal and as it’s my daughters phone can I set it up as if it’s my phone but it’s for daughter as she I believe is to young to have her own account.
    At least with boost here or most places the reception and signal should be good and probably be free calls to mum and dad being boost customers ourselves.
    I assume when I put in the boost sim into her phone and it shows boost on the phone looks like boost is good to go.
    Maybe after the year is up we can look into something else and by then if it needed unlocked or had to be if it’s the case it be free or cheap to get done.
    I have never been keen on Vodafone or optus for many years now and stuck with boost.
    And as I can get the boost for a good deal I maybe best grab it.
    Not as good as the Optus but least we know boost not let us down

    • Colin2905 on 28/12/2024 - 09:14

      Where as a Vodafone it does not which tells me nothing.

      Do you actually have any Vodafone coverage? What does their coverage checker predict you might get at your address and surrounding areas?

      and probably be free calls to mum and dad being boost customers ourselves.

      With most plans these days including unlimited calls, that rarely comes into play now. The only example that I can think of right now where it does is Lebara's standard plan, where calls to other Lebara numbers are free, as long as you've got a credit balance of at least 15¢.

      And as I can get the boost for a good deal I maybe best grab it.

      Yep, sounds like a plan (no pun intended).

      • bwatt72 on 28/12/2024 - 12:10

        As I’m already on boost can I open another account with boost with another mobile and number?
        I want to set up daughter with her mobile on boost and I’m already a boost customer and so if the wife.
        Just curious if you can have two active accounts with boost with two different mobiles and two different numbers obviously.
        Daughter is obviously to young to have her own account so either I or mum would need to set it up.

        • HopSkipJumpFallSplat on 28/12/2024 - 12:29
          +1

          Yes you can have many Boost numbers/services under one account.

          • bwatt72 on 28/12/2024 - 13:10

            @HopSkipJumpFallSplat: But not separate? I have my own account and number with boost and I am setting up a phone for my daughter which will have its own number so i assume it still stands I have mine she has her one but it’s under my account currently, any pros or cons i should know about?
            Obviously she is not old enough for her own account so i would need to open one for her I just did not know it’s under one account I take that’s how it is

            • HopSkipJumpFallSplat on 28/12/2024 - 13:13

              @bwatt72: Yes, when activating the service, activate it under your, or your wifes accnt, whichever accnt you do it under will then have 2 services with their own phone numbers but will be under one accnt.

            • Colin2905 on 28/12/2024 - 13:35

              @bwatt72:

              any pros or cons i should know about?

              Pro: You can keep an eye on her usage.

              Con: If you install the Boost app on her phone so that she can keep an eye on her own usage, she'll also be able to keep an eye on yours, and potentially make changes to your account.

              Con: Going through the change of ownership process, come the day she's old enough to have the service in her own name.

              • bwatt72 on 28/12/2024 - 16:09
                -2

                @Colin2905: Just making sure before I buy I am obviously an exciting boost customer and this does not mean im porting in and out just pitch her one and card to my current account yes if so all good.

                • Colin2905 on 28/12/2024 - 18:58

                  @bwatt72: It's quite straightforward…. Go to the Boost home page. Click "Activate". Login with your Boost ID. Follow the bouncing ball. Your existing service isn't affected in any way, shape or form. If you get the dreaded "Something went wrong" error message, don't panic. Wait a few minutes and try again.

  • Gervais fanboy on 28/12/2024 - 16:46
    +1

    Such a frustrating post lol
    3 days in, dozens of comments posted and we still don’t know for sure if op’s phone is Telstra locked or not.

    • bwatt72 on 28/12/2024 - 17:15
      -1

      That’s why I have decided to go boost sim now as an old Vodafone sim never shows up when sim was out in yet the boost one I use was.
      I had wanted planned to go Optus with a $109 deal but after asking some questions it seems it’s still crap around here after many years lol.
      I have been with boost for years and used them myself in remote places and was my go to but they are getting so expensive and 2025 could be the last year with them.
      I decided to just settle for boost for daughter and this more than likely will work. Yea it’s cost me more but I did get a deal on it but Vodafone,optus have not been great years ago and seems nothing has changed much.
      Yes maybe phone is unlocked but I’m still not convinced not seeing Vodafone show up on her phone yet boost was.
      Telstra are probably talking crap it’s locked but who knows but I thought I try Optus this time but changed my mind.

      • Colin2905 on 28/12/2024 - 19:13

        I reckon it's still worth paying $12 for a $30 Amaysim starter pack when it's convenient. Activate it on the "As You Go" Plan (with a new number; pick one you like the look of), which will give you $30 worth of credit to use over 12 months. Put it in your daughter's A35 long enough to be able to put this thread to rest. Then put it in a spare handset and evaluate the Optus coverage for yourself over the coming months. Then you'll know if switching to a cheaper plan on the Optus network is a viable option for you and your family, or not. IMHO, it'll be $12 and a bit of your time well-invested.

        (As an alternative to putting the Amaysim SIM in a spare handset, you could convert it to an e-SIM and run it alongside your Boost SIM in your iPhone. But that's a conversation for another day.)

        • bwatt72 on 28/12/2024 - 20:23

          I already have purchased the boost sim plan so no point getting another sim now.
          I do have an iPhone 16 to set up and currently use a sim im just curious what the benifit is from having the boost changed to esim over having actual sim.

          I do have a Apple Watch I not used yet and when I got it yes not out of packaging yet I tried to get an esim from boost but boost did not have an esim then, im just curious if worth looking into again esim for Apple Watch.
          Maybe I need to post another thread.

          • Colin2905 on 28/12/2024 - 21:21

            @bwatt72:

            what the benifit is from having the boost changed to esim over having actual sim.

            It frees up the physical SIM slot, allowing you insert a physical SIM from another provider (or the same provider if you wanted to, it doesn't matter), which is useful if the other provider doesn't offer eSIM's.

            im just curious if worth looking into again esim for Apple Watch.

            Only applicable if you bought the cellular version, and in which case, prepare yourself for a financial shock. (You'd have to port your service over to Telstra post-paid, and pay an extra $5 per month on top of whichever plan you chose.)

            Maybe I need to post another thread.

            Maybe, but please do some research first.

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