Question How do I upgrade Galaxy A12 without a carrier FOTA (Firmware over the air)?

[ssdesign]

Hi,
I recently purchased a Samsung Galaxy A12 phone from Amazon just to use it as a test device. I wont be using a sim card on this phone.
The phone is an AT&T Unlocked for T-Mobile, Verizon, Metro phone.

The phone came with Android 10 and I want to upgrade it to Android 13.
But when I go to Software Update menu, it shows no updates available.

Does anyone here know how can I upgrade this phone without needing to get an ATT simcard?

Thanks

 

[ssdesign]

Just found Samsung "smart switch" app.
Hope this helps. Will keep posting the progress here.

 

[joeldf]

You need more than just an AT&T SIM card. You need an active AT&T service on that SIM card.

Smart Switch isn't enough.

You can manually update with the right software and firmware download.

@mustang7757 should be able to provide some guidance on using Odin for installing newer firmware.

 

[mustang7757]

Yeah definitely can use Odin and Frija to update your device but since it's carrier unlock I would go on the Samsung unlock firmware much easier to update and can be done over WiFi OTA afterwards

 

[ssdesign]

So using Smart Switch I was able to upgrade it to Android 11.
Is this the max I can go? Or any newer version of Android work as well?

Thanks again for all the help.

 

[mustang7757]

So using Smart Switch I was able to upgrade it to Android 11.
Is this the max I can go? Or any newer version of Android work as well?

Thanks again for all the help.

You can check again after updating if nothing comes up just check periodically
Should be in the settings of smart switch to enable auto update for software

 

[Ruchi Chandel]

Since you're not using a SIM card with the phone, it might be a bit tricky to get OTA (Over-the-Air) updates, especially if the device is carrier-branded.