Samsung Galaxy S24+ from eBay Has a "Retail Lock" Notification

LBoddles on 20/02/2025 - 13:40
Last edited 20/02/2025 - 14:05 by 1 other user

Purchased a phone on ebay (never again) and everything works fine. Well so far anyway, no apps or anything appear to be blocked, for now.
It has a notification reading "this device is for retail display purposes only and will be tracked and locked if removed from the store" https://imgur.com/a/UGVF3lS

Talked to samsung techs and they say i need to book an appointment for $66 to get it looked at, then if anything can be done wait 3 days and then pay whatever repair fees are needed.

Talked to the seller and they have said (this is a copy/paste of their msg)
"Hello, apologies for that. We source a percentage of our devices from telcos and manufacturer retail stores. This device has come from one of those retailers. The device itself was an employee fill in phone. Basically an internal loaner. That message you are seeing is just a message on the firmware like a telco branding. The phone itself is not actually being tracked by anyone. Before they send the devices to us they are supposed to fully wipe back to the generic firmware. We must have missed this when doing our inspection. You are welcome to return the device for a full refund or alternatively we can offer you a $150 refund for your troubles.
Once again, apologies for the inconvenience.
Thanks"

Just want advice on what i should do, (knew a s24+ for $800 was to good to be true)
Do i take the refund and buy elsewhere? Seems like its what i'll do on my next day off work. I'll just pay extra for a S25 to get from a retailer to avoid issues and stop being stingy.
or do i take the $150 and hope samsung can do anything?
It would certainly be voided for a future trade in for a S26 correct? Warranty voided also? Also prevents me from selling it myself on marketplace or something thats if it doesn't randomly lock itself on me one day.

Thanks guys

Mobile Mobile Phone Samsung Android

Comments

  • FoxJump on 20/02/2025 - 13:43
    +7

    Take the refund

    • jv on 20/02/2025 - 17:36
      -1

      Take the box !!!

  • AusRetro on 20/02/2025 - 13:44
    +1

    Stolen? Who's the seller?

    • jv on 20/02/2025 - 17:36
      -1

      Peter

  • MS Paint on 20/02/2025 - 13:44
    +3

    This just adds weight to these "fully inspected and cleaned" secondhand phones are a load of bulltish.

  • djkelly69 on 20/02/2025 - 13:55
    +1

    I would ask if they can give you instructions on how to 'fully wipe back to the generic firmware'. If they can do that and it works, I would probably take the $150 back. Otherwise I would go with a full refund.

    • DingoBilly on 20/02/2025 - 21:43

      Yeah this seems like a no-brainer. You get the phone you wanted even cheaper than offered.

      The issue itself sounds pretty minor as is.

  • brad1-8tsi on 20/02/2025 - 14:05
    +3

    Refund. You don't need to deal with that stuff. They should pay for the return postage too.

  • Bruceflix on 20/02/2025 - 14:22
    +1

    knew a s24+ for $800 was to good to be true

    Could have had a s25+ for that price from JBhifi last week…

  • Mikefr on 20/02/2025 - 14:26
    +1

    Off ChatGPT : “ To disable Retail Mode on your Samsung S24, follow these steps:
    1. Access Retail Mode Settings:
    • Open the Settings app on your device.
    • Scroll down and select General Management.
    • Tap on Retail Mode.
    2. Enter the Retail Mode Password:
    • When prompted, enter the password: Reta!l-9102. 
    3. Deactivate Retail Mode:
    • Within the Retail Mode settings, look for an option to Deactivate Retail Mode or Disable Demo Mode.
    • Select this option.
    • You may be prompted to enter a 4-digit PIN. Common default PINs include 0000 or 5444. If these do not work, refer to your device’s documentation or contact Samsung support.
    4. Factory Reset (if necessary):
    • If the above steps don’t disable Retail Mode, you might need to perform a factory reset.
    • Before proceeding, ensure all important data is backed up.
    • Go to Settings > General Management > Reset > Factory Data Reset.
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.

    For a visual guide, you can refer to the following video:

    If you continue to experience issues, it’s advisable to contact Samsung customer support for further assistance.”

    May help?!?!

  • CyberMurning on 20/02/2025 - 17:39

    Name the store please.

  • TheHD on 21/02/2025 - 11:13

    I would try Samsung's $66 appointment quickly and then if it works get the $150 refund and you have yourself a bargain. If it cant be done quickly, id go for a return for full refund.

  • vorsprung on 22/02/2025 - 08:36

    I’d be worried it is stolen. If it is stolen, your IMEI might end up being blocked weeks or months down the line, after the seller has already phoenixed into a new company.

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