Galaxy A36 5G ear bud promotion

[MCvN]

I made use of the still ongoing offer from MTN to upgrade my contract for 36 months! I am supposed to get free ear buds worth R999, but is not able to redeem it through the Samsung app!!!

[SherlockHolmes222B]

Hi MCvN
Good question. That sounds really frustrating. Here’s a breakdown of what the MTN / Samsung A36 5G ear-bud (Galaxy Buds Core) promotion should be, what to check, and what to do if the Samsung app isn’t working for you — plus some likely reasons why your redemption might be failing.


---

What the Promotion Is (According to the Terms)

1. Eligible Device

The promotion is clearly tied to Samsung Galaxy A36 5G.

MTN’s Yello Trader/Business materials also confirm the A36 5G is a qualifying device.



2. Redeem via Samsung Members App

The free Buds Core (value R999) has to be claimed through the Samsung Members app.

The same applies for the 12-month Samsung SOS+ service, per the MTN terms.



3. Timeframes

According to the Samsung-MTN T&Cs, the promotion period is 07/09/2025 – 06/10/2025 for qualifying sign-up or upgrades.

Redemption on the Samsung Members app must happen within their redemption window. The Yello Trader PDF says redeem “on the Samsung Members App.”



4. Proof Needed

You likely need to submit proof of purchase or contract upgrade (IMEI, contract docs) through the Samsung Members app. This is standard for “buy one, get one” / “free gift” Samsung promos.

Also, your phone’s software needs to be up to date: one of the steps is “have all current Samsung software updates … installed.”





---

Why Redemption Might Be Failing / What to Check

Based on what you described (not being able to redeem), here are potential issues and checks to run through:

1. Samsung Members App Version / Account

Make sure you have the latest Samsung Members app installed.

Confirm you're logged into the Samsung account that matches your redemption (IMEI / device).

In the Members app, check under “Benefits” or Promotions; look for a banner like “Galaxy A36 complimentary gift” or similar.



2. Proof of Purchase / Contract

You may need to upload a photo or PDF of your contract / proof of upgrade, plus the IMEI of the A36 5G.

Double-check that the IMEI you're providing is correct, and that it's the same device that was upgraded / contract-registered.



3. Timing Issue

If your contract upgrade was done outside the stated promotion period, you may not be eligible.

Redemption may have to be done within the redemption window — if you missed it, you might be disqualified. (Check what Samsung’s specified date is.)

Also check if “while stocks last” is part of the T&Cs: in many promos, once the stock of free Buds is gone, claims may no longer be accepted.



4. Technical / App Glitch

Sometimes the app doesn’t show the promotion immediately; you may need to restart the app, clear cache, or reinstall.

Try logging out and back in, or using a different network (mobile data vs Wi-Fi) to see if the banner appears.



5. Samsung / MTN Customer Support

If everything above is correct and it’s still not working, you should reach out:

Contact Samsung’s support team via the Samsung Members app.

Alternatively, reach out to MTN customer care and mention the specific offer (“A36 5G Buds Core R999 MTN offer”) — ask them to check your contract’s promo eligibility.


Make sure to keep proof of your contract, IMEI, and any screenshots of the Samsung Members app showing the failure or missing banner.





---

What to Do Now

1. Open Samsung Members app → Go to Benefits / Promotions → Look for the A36 Buds Core offer.


2. Prepare your proof / documentation (contract, IMEI).


3. Redeem via the app, following the upload / submission steps.


4. If that fails, document your attempts (screenshots) and contact Samsung Support via the app.


5. If Samsung can’t resolve it, escalate with MTN (customer care, store, or complaints line) — let them know that you followed their stated redemption method.

[MCvN]

According to MTN's website Samsung are still giving the promotion right now. Google it yourself...

[MCvN]

Thanks Sherlock, I will try this.