Samsung s23 FE won’t let me continue with the setup

Troubleshooting the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Setup Blockade While Traveling Abroad

Facing Device Setup Challenges: What to Do When Your Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Refuses to Proceed

Introduction

Technology issues can be frustrating, especially when you’re abroad and eager to start using your new device. Recently, a user shared a common problem encountered with the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE: being unable to continue the initial setup process due to network restrictions. This article aims to provide a clear understanding of the issue and practical solutions to help you get your device up and running, no matter where you are.

Understanding the Issue

Background

The user purchased a Samsung Galaxy S23 FE on a T-Mobile promotion and kept it unused until now. Upon trying to activate the phone during travel in a foreign country, they encountered an impasse. The setup process was halted by a screen demanding a connection to a specific network, which the user could not access.

Root Cause

Several factors contributed to this issue:

Network Locking: The phone is locked to T-Mobile, and unlocking it requires the user to initiate the process from within the U.S. or through authorized channels.
Network Compatibility: The device may not support local carriers without unlocking or may not recognize local SIM cards if still locked.
Setup Restrictions: Some phones enforce network verification during initial setup to prevent unauthorized use or activation outside designated regions.

Practical Solutions

Unlocking the Device

Since the phone is eligible for network unlocking, the most straightforward solution is to unlock it officially through T-Mobile. This process typically involves:

Contacting T-Mobile Customer Service: Provide proof of purchase and request an unlock code.
Using the T-Mobile Unlock Portal: Many carriers offer online unlocking services for eligible devices.
Ensuring Compliance: Make sure the device has been active on the network for the required period (usually 40 days) and has no outstanding balances.
Using a Local SIM Card Temporarily

If unlocking isn’t immediately feasible, consider:

Using a different phone to access Wi-Fi.
Inserting a local SIM card (once unlocked or if the device is already unlocked). If it doesn’t read other SIM cards, unlocking is necessary first.
Connecting to Wi-Fi networks to complete the setup process. If the phone insists on connecting to a specific network or region, unlocking should resolve this.
Bypassing Network Activation Restrictions

In some cases, advanced users have employed methods such as: