S24 Ultra stuck on ""connect to wifi to continue downloading the update"

[Kahuhu]

I bought my S24 Ultra unlocked directly from Samsung. My S24 Ultra worked fine downloading over the data network when I was with T-Mobile, however, ever since I switched to US Mobile it prevents me from using data to download any phone updates. US Mobile keeps telling me to contact Samsung but I assume it might be AT&T under "Dark Star" US Mobile that might be restricting my data forcing my phone to use wifi when downloading phone updates since AT&T likes to micormanage their customers phones which is super annoying. Of course, this did not happen with my S24 plus locked AT&T or my Unlocked Pixel 9, only my S24 Ultra (unlocked phone) with US Mobile. I might try switching to the T-mobile "Light Speed" with US Mobile to see if it is the network.

Anyone have this issue to know if it is the carrier or my Samsung S24 Ultra? I read Reddit post who had the same issue with their S24 Ultra, but never posted a solution or if it ever was resolved. They just are downloading their phone updates via wifi🤦.

[Samsung_specialist]

Thank you for reaching out and sharing the details of the issue you're facing with your Galaxy S24 Ultra. We understand how frustrating it can be to encounter restrictions when downloading updates, especially when switching carriers.

Based on the information you've provided, it seems like the issue might be related to a carrier setting or network restriction. Here are a few suggestions to help you resolve the issue:

1. Check Mobile Data Settings for Updates
   Samsung devices often have settings that limit large downloads (like software updates) to Wi-Fi only, to avoid using excessive mobile data. To check this setting:
   
   1. Go to Settings → Software Update.
   2. Tap on Download and Install.
   3. Ensure that Auto download over Wi-Fi is toggled off (this would force the update to download using your mobile data if available).
2. Check Carrier Settings
   Carrier restrictions could be impacting the ability to use mobile data for software updates. Since you've switched to US Mobile, it's possible that certain settings from your previous carrier (T-Mobile) have changed or been overwritten. You can try the following:
   1. Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Network Mode and ensure it's set to the correct option for your current carrier (e.g., LTE/3G/2G auto connect).
   2. Contact US Mobile Support to confirm whether they have any specific restrictions on mobile data use for software updates.
3. Check for Carrier Updates
   Sometimes, the phone requires a carrier-specific update to function properly on a new network. To check for these updates:
   1. Go to Settings → Software Update → Download and Install.
   2. If an update is available, it should install and potentially resolve the issue with mobile data downloads.
4. Try a Different Network
   If possible, try inserting a SIM card from another carrier (such as T-Mobile "Light Speed," as you mentioned) to check if the issue persists. This can help determine if the issue is related to US Mobile's specific settings or network restrictions.
5. Reset Network Settings
   If you suspect the issue is related to network settings on your device, try resetting the network settings:
   1. Go to Settings → General Management → Reset → Reset Network Settings.
   2. Note that this will reset your Wi-Fi, mobile data, and Bluetooth settings, so you'll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi and re-pair Bluetooth devices afterward.

If the issue continues after trying these steps, we recommend reaching out to Samsung Support or visiting the nearest Samsung Service Center for further assistance. It's also worth following up with US Mobile to confirm whether their network settings are influencing your device's update functionality.

You can find the nearest service center here:
Find a Samsung Support Center | Samsung Gulf

We hope these steps help resolve the issue and ensure you can continue downloading updates smoothly. Please let us know if you need further assistance.

[SmartGamer]

You are spot on—it’s the Dark Star (AT&T) network. Even though your S24 Ultra is unlocked, once you insert that SIM, the phone adopts AT&T’s carrier profile, which often restricts system updates to Wi-Fi only to save network bandwidth. T-Mobile (Light Speed) and Verizon (Warp) are usually much more relaxed about this.

Before you go through the hassle of switching networks, try these two workarounds:

The 'Date Trick': Go to Settings > General Management > Date and Time. Turn off 'Automatic date and time' and set the date forward by exactly one month. Go back and try the update; for some reason, this often bypasses the carrier Wi-Fi check. (Just set it back to auto after the download starts!) Samsung Smart Switch: If you have a PC or Mac, plug your phone in and use the Smart Switch desktop app. It will see the update and download it via your computer's internet connection, bypassing the phone's carrier restrictions entirely.

If you don't want to deal with this every month, switching to Light Speed (T-Mobile) via US Mobile is definitely your best permanent fix!"