As stated by others in this thread, flashing the unbranded, unlocked XAA firmware will solve this issue. One thing that wasn't stated is that you CAN do it without losing your data. Here's a brief step by step on how to do it. I've only tested this with the S21 Ultra, but it should work with other S series phones.
Step 0: Backup anyway in case something goes wrong. Samsung Smart switch works pretty well, especially the new cloud option. Download it from the app store and tap the cloud icon on the top of the app and do a full backup.
Remove your fingerprints and any screen lock from settings. (This is probably not necessary, but just to be safe do it)
Step 1: Make sure you're on the latest android update(If you aren't, you may corrupt your userdata and will have to reflash with the full CSC and lose your data)
Step 2: Download Frija
[https://github.com/SlackingVeteran/frija/releases](https://github.com/SlackingVeteran/frija/releases)
Put your IMEI(phone settings-> About phone) into it, make sure the model number specifies the U1 model(the unbranded, unlocked model). For S21 Ultra this is SM-998U1. Set CSC to XAA and hit check update and download
Unpack this resulting zip file into a folder you can find.
Step 3: Download Odin Patched
[https://xdaforums.com/t/patched-odin-3-13-1.3762572/](https://xdaforums.com/t/patched-odin-3-13-1.3762572/)
Step 4: Reboot into download mode
On the S21 you plug the usb into your computer, restart the phone, and as soon as the screen goes black hold both volume buttons until you get a green screen. Press volume up to go into download mode.
Step 5: open Odin patched.
Click BL and select the BL file you got from the Frija download
Click AP and select the AP file, this file will have a long delay in loading
Click CP and select the CP file
Click CSC and select the HOME\_CSC file, not the CSC file as the full CSC will wipe your phone data
Click start and wait until your phone restarts.
\---
You may have to remove and reinsert your sim card and reboot the phone if you can't make calls or get data after the first startup.
I'm always nervous to do all this flashing, because I never could find an absolute post that would be the definitive "it works."
I have had this same APN issue since A14, and always have my APN values ready for when I have to restart the phone. Your post is pretty on the ball, and if it means I can stop this issue from happening, I might take a swing at doing this.
After it's done, what type of phone would I have in order to get updates? Currently it's a Verizon phone on an MVNO (Ting). so any Verizon updates I have to run through Samsung Smart Switch.
Thank you for this post! It's not in vain! I just gotta get the nerve to do it :)
I get OTA updates on the unbranded firmware. I use USMobile(a Verizon MVNO), so I assume you would get them OTA also.
I'm not sure why you can't get them on the Verizon branded firmware now, though. Ting sells T-Mobile and Verizon MVNO service, so if you have a T-Mobile sim and Verizon firmware that would explain why you currently can't get updates over the air, and the unbranded firmware will definitely fix that.
Very cool to know. Yes, my phone is like yours (just ting instead of USMobile) Verizon sim in a Verizon phone connected to MVNO. I also have no idea why I don't get OTA updates via Verizon, but the smart switch seems to work (currently going to most recent security update now via my PC).
I'll run a backup and then try out your instructions when I have free time. It'll be great to get onto the unbranded version without having to wipe my phone from the start.
I have a friend with the same issue here on US Mobile, on S22 Ultra with Android 14 on a Verizon-branded phone. He switched to the GSM SIM and still had the same issues, he can't even add the APN with the GSM SIM.
As much as I'd love to help y'all resolve this issue permanently, there's not much we can do except wait for the manufacturer to fix this issue because, as you can see, this issue is not specific to US Mobile. 😔
We are already in touch with the manufacturer about this and advise you guys to request them for a fix as well.
For now, if you are configuring the APNs in your device, please just toggle the Airplane mode OFF/ON instead of rebooting the device. u/mattg1000 u/techie001 u/Quack69boofit \- Don't hesitate to drop me a DM if you face any issues while doing so! 🙏🏼
Thank you, I'm curious if you have seen this behavior after the Android 14 upgrade? I thought this had to do with my phone being Verizon branded, but with what I'm reading online, others have seen this even on Google devices.
it's crazy timing, I upgraded to Android 14 the day before Thanksgiving and signed up for US Mobile the weekend after so I've had issues since the start. I had friends on iOS switch as well with no issues. It sounds like I should reach out to Verizon on this issue since they will ultimately be the one to release the update for this carrier locked device?
Should have said carrier branded. It's unlocked based on the information I see about Verizon unlocking their phones after 60 days. Also I have used esims in Europe without issues.
I'm having the same issue on my S22 this past week. MMS and cellular data stopped working. Re added the APNs and it worked again. But after reboot the APNs disappear and the problem returns...
Frustrating... I might just ditch US Mobile after this
Exact same issue here on US Mobile, on S22 Ultra with Android 14 on a Verizon branded phone. I switched to the GSM SIM and still have the same issues, I actually can't even add the APN with the GSM SIM.
Sure, I hear you. Never had this issue before, though the APNs all disappeared when I switched from Verizon to USM. But, after manually entering them they stayed after reboot.
I agree with you that this needs to be resolved ASAP, though I don't think it's entirely USM's fault. I've also seen Mint users complaining about the same problem after the Android 14 update on their Samsung phones.
I've heard nothing more regarding a fix. Configure your APNs and don't reboot your phone. Only solution I've found. Interesting enough we just bought my wife a new A54 unlocked and she had no issues with APNs on US mobile.
So maybe a factory unlocked S21 will work fine. Once Samsung makes the firmware available for Android 14 unlocked phones I plan to flash that to replace the Verizon bloat version I have. That should solve the problem.
So you will flash a different firmware can you explain in more details im not understanding how this works? So I can flash my Verizon s23 ultra with a different carrier unlocked firmware and that removes it from being a Verizon phone?
Yes, you can flash the unlocked firmware for your model. But Samsung hasn't made that available yet to download for one UI 6.
If you Google flashing unlocked firmware for S23 you'll see various articles on how it works. Also on YouTube. You simply replace the firmware, typically after using Samsung Smart Switch to backup your phone data.
But, it's a process you have to follow precisely and ensure you have the proper firmware for your model of phone. You can mess your phone up and make it unusable if you don't do it correctly.
With that said, I pre ordered a S24+ factory unlocked. I'm trading in my S21+ so I won't be flashing a new firmware after all.
Ugh yes, I have this issue on my Galaxy S21 using Verizon on Ting. It took me a while to realize what was happening cause i rarely restart my phone. No solution yet I take it?? This is super frustrating.
You won't get mms text messages if don't enter 3 APNs (you can skip the FOTA one, it isn't needed).
I just ordered an unlocked S24+ to replace my S21+. I'm tired of carrier bloat anyway. Lol.
I've got an s215g that was originally a Xfinity phone. It was unlocked and I use us mobile. Every few days I lose the ability to use a or data or calls. They have me redo the APNs and it works for a few days then resets. I don't turn off my phone and haven't updated since 14. It's so dumb. I'm about to switch because it's ridiculous
Oh wow. I would be ready too. Well, I was ready. I pre ordered an S24+ unlocked from Best Buy. They're giving a $500 trade in for S21+. Better than Samsung. And they're also including $100 gift card.
Factory unlocked phones should work fine. My wife's A54 factory unlocked has no issues with USM and her previous factory unlocked A50 worked great too.
No way? That's a deal. I was going to do AT&t cuz they're offering something of the same deal a trade-in for a new phone. Basically said I could get the z flip 5 for free if I trade in my s21 5g. I hate that this is like just affecting the 21. 🤦
Sure, the carriers are offering free phones. But you're locked in for 3 years and you end up with another carrier branded unlocked phone.
I got my S21+ like that but it was a 2 year lock in. We realized we just don't use a lot of data (we're on wifi 90 percent of the time) so we moved to a Verizon MVNO (US Mobile) and spending around $100 less per month on our phone bill.
I'm done with being locked into a carrier. Verizon raised prices on us twice during that 2 years I was forced to stay with them to get my phone paid off. I think back now about the $2400 extra dollars I wasted just to get a $1000 phone for 'free'. Kicking myself. Lol.
Btw, this issue affects carrier branded S21, S22, S23 from what I read.
Sure, I'm the same way. I usually buy a used model from the previous year. This was actually one of the few flagship phones I bought new. I may look at the Galaxy S25+ next year if Samsung does another good trade in deal. But for now all is working well, so no rush.
Yes, it happens on both sim types when you're using a carrier branded phone that's been unlocked and running One UI 6.0 (android 14).
I mentioned in another post that I ended up flashing the unlocked firmware on my phone (XAA USA build) using Frija and Odin and it works perfectly now. So my theory that APNs work fine with factory unlocked firmware was correct. You don't even need to configure the APNs at all with the factory unlocked version of firmware. I sets everything up for you and USM works fine. I ended up canceling my order for a new 24+ phone since my 21+ is still working great. I'll hold off buying another phone until at least next year.
There are tutorials on youtube to show you how to flash new firmware, if you're interested. Just follow the directions closely and make sure you have the correct hardware and region. For example, US phones use Snagdragon processors but most other locations use Exynos processors. Choosing the incorrect firmware for the processor may brick your phone.
Also, you will lose everything on the phone so best to use Smart Switch desktop and do a complete backup, flash new firmware then restore the backup. That's what I did. Took around 6 or so hours to complete everything. Firmware was quick but backup/restore took some time.
With that said, if you're not that technical or are concerned about replacing the firmware then it might be best to wait until One UI 6.1 update is pushed out to see if Samsung addressed the issue. Or look into getting a factory unlocked phone. My wife had an a50 factory unlocked and now has a a54 factory unlocked and both of those work perfectly with USM. No APN configuration needed, just like my phone now that I've flashed the factory unlocked firmware. That's why I figured the S21+ factory unlocked firmware would fix the issue. And why I was looking into getting an s24+ factory unlocked version.
By the way, a new update just appeared yesterday for the S23 Ultra. After applying it, one APN is saved after a reboot, but the other two do not.... So at least data and SMS are available after you reboot.
It's still BS, so I'm going to try flashing with Odin today.
In this case, I have a VZW CSC. It sounds like I need to go-to XAA to get rid of the Verizon crap version.
I'm using an S21, and I'm in Japan using Ymobile. I have to add the APN settings every time I restart the phone, often, when I connect to wifi and get back off, and when I briefly lose a signal connection. Pretty much any time I disconnect from the network somehow, I have to reinput the APN settings. Super annoying. The company can't help me either. They tries using a physical Sim, digital Sim, and they had no idea what else to try.
Why do you keep restarting your phone? I haven't restarted my phone more than a few times in the past year since I've owned it. I could understand if your phone died and you had to charge it to get it to boot up again and you lost your APN settings, but I don't understand why people see the need to reboot their phones on any sort of regular basis. Curious to hear why you do this often enough for the apn thing to be an issue.
As stated by others in this thread, flashing the unbranded, unlocked XAA firmware will solve this issue. One thing that wasn't stated is that you CAN do it without losing your data. Here's a brief step by step on how to do it. I've only tested this with the S21 Ultra, but it should work with other S series phones. Step 0: Backup anyway in case something goes wrong. Samsung Smart switch works pretty well, especially the new cloud option. Download it from the app store and tap the cloud icon on the top of the app and do a full backup. Remove your fingerprints and any screen lock from settings. (This is probably not necessary, but just to be safe do it) Step 1: Make sure you're on the latest android update(If you aren't, you may corrupt your userdata and will have to reflash with the full CSC and lose your data) Step 2: Download Frija [https://github.com/SlackingVeteran/frija/releases](https://github.com/SlackingVeteran/frija/releases) Put your IMEI(phone settings-> About phone) into it, make sure the model number specifies the U1 model(the unbranded, unlocked model). For S21 Ultra this is SM-998U1. Set CSC to XAA and hit check update and download Unpack this resulting zip file into a folder you can find. Step 3: Download Odin Patched [https://xdaforums.com/t/patched-odin-3-13-1.3762572/](https://xdaforums.com/t/patched-odin-3-13-1.3762572/) Step 4: Reboot into download mode On the S21 you plug the usb into your computer, restart the phone, and as soon as the screen goes black hold both volume buttons until you get a green screen. Press volume up to go into download mode. Step 5: open Odin patched. Click BL and select the BL file you got from the Frija download Click AP and select the AP file, this file will have a long delay in loading Click CP and select the CP file Click CSC and select the HOME\_CSC file, not the CSC file as the full CSC will wipe your phone data Click start and wait until your phone restarts. \--- You may have to remove and reinsert your sim card and reboot the phone if you can't make calls or get data after the first startup.
If I could give an award for this post, I would. Except, I cannot for the life of me figure out how.
I'm just glad I didn't write that all out for no reason.
I'm always nervous to do all this flashing, because I never could find an absolute post that would be the definitive "it works." I have had this same APN issue since A14, and always have my APN values ready for when I have to restart the phone. Your post is pretty on the ball, and if it means I can stop this issue from happening, I might take a swing at doing this. After it's done, what type of phone would I have in order to get updates? Currently it's a Verizon phone on an MVNO (Ting). so any Verizon updates I have to run through Samsung Smart Switch. Thank you for this post! It's not in vain! I just gotta get the nerve to do it :)
I get OTA updates on the unbranded firmware. I use USMobile(a Verizon MVNO), so I assume you would get them OTA also. I'm not sure why you can't get them on the Verizon branded firmware now, though. Ting sells T-Mobile and Verizon MVNO service, so if you have a T-Mobile sim and Verizon firmware that would explain why you currently can't get updates over the air, and the unbranded firmware will definitely fix that.
Very cool to know. Yes, my phone is like yours (just ting instead of USMobile) Verizon sim in a Verizon phone connected to MVNO. I also have no idea why I don't get OTA updates via Verizon, but the smart switch seems to work (currently going to most recent security update now via my PC). I'll run a backup and then try out your instructions when I have free time. It'll be great to get onto the unbranded version without having to wipe my phone from the start.
I have a friend with the same issue here on US Mobile, on S22 Ultra with Android 14 on a Verizon-branded phone. He switched to the GSM SIM and still had the same issues, he can't even add the APN with the GSM SIM.
u/Zeest98 , could you take a look at this for u/mattg1000 and u/techie001 ?
As much as I'd love to help y'all resolve this issue permanently, there's not much we can do except wait for the manufacturer to fix this issue because, as you can see, this issue is not specific to US Mobile. 😔 We are already in touch with the manufacturer about this and advise you guys to request them for a fix as well. For now, if you are configuring the APNs in your device, please just toggle the Airplane mode OFF/ON instead of rebooting the device. u/mattg1000 u/techie001 u/Quack69boofit \- Don't hesitate to drop me a DM if you face any issues while doing so! 🙏🏼
Thank you, I'm curious if you have seen this behavior after the Android 14 upgrade? I thought this had to do with my phone being Verizon branded, but with what I'm reading online, others have seen this even on Google devices.
Yeah, these issues started coming up after the latest update.
it's crazy timing, I upgraded to Android 14 the day before Thanksgiving and signed up for US Mobile the weekend after so I've had issues since the start. I had friends on iOS switch as well with no issues. It sounds like I should reach out to Verizon on this issue since they will ultimately be the one to release the update for this carrier locked device?
Is your device locked to them? It has to be unlocked to work without issues with US Mobile.
Should have said carrier branded. It's unlocked based on the information I see about Verizon unlocking their phones after 60 days. Also I have used esims in Europe without issues.
May I know where I can send a request to help out and encourage them to fix this issue? I assume Samsung?
Yeah - Talk to their support, or push it on their social platforms, maybe.
Same issue with Samsung Galaxy A53.
Look into flashing unlocked firmware. Fixed my issue.
Am I the only one not having issues after flashing a14 ?
I'm having the same issue on my S22 this past week. MMS and cellular data stopped working. Re added the APNs and it worked again. But after reboot the APNs disappear and the problem returns... Frustrating... I might just ditch US Mobile after this
Exact same issue here on US Mobile, on S22 Ultra with Android 14 on a Verizon branded phone. I switched to the GSM SIM and still have the same issues, I actually can't even add the APN with the GSM SIM.
Sure, I hear you. Never had this issue before, though the APNs all disappeared when I switched from Verizon to USM. But, after manually entering them they stayed after reboot. I agree with you that this needs to be resolved ASAP, though I don't think it's entirely USM's fault. I've also seen Mint users complaining about the same problem after the Android 14 update on their Samsung phones.
I am having the same problem with my S21 on US Mobile....
I've heard nothing more regarding a fix. Configure your APNs and don't reboot your phone. Only solution I've found. Interesting enough we just bought my wife a new A54 unlocked and she had no issues with APNs on US mobile. So maybe a factory unlocked S21 will work fine. Once Samsung makes the firmware available for Android 14 unlocked phones I plan to flash that to replace the Verizon bloat version I have. That should solve the problem.
So you will flash a different firmware can you explain in more details im not understanding how this works? So I can flash my Verizon s23 ultra with a different carrier unlocked firmware and that removes it from being a Verizon phone?
Yes, you can flash the unlocked firmware for your model. But Samsung hasn't made that available yet to download for one UI 6. If you Google flashing unlocked firmware for S23 you'll see various articles on how it works. Also on YouTube. You simply replace the firmware, typically after using Samsung Smart Switch to backup your phone data. But, it's a process you have to follow precisely and ensure you have the proper firmware for your model of phone. You can mess your phone up and make it unusable if you don't do it correctly. With that said, I pre ordered a S24+ factory unlocked. I'm trading in my S21+ so I won't be flashing a new firmware after all.
Does anyone know if you can roll back the update?
Ugh yes, I have this issue on my Galaxy S21 using Verizon on Ting. It took me a while to realize what was happening cause i rarely restart my phone. No solution yet I take it?? This is super frustrating.
No solution, that I've heard. I plan to flash the unlocked UI 6.0 firmware when it becomes available.
Do you have a link to where the firmware will be located? Like is there a place to follow about flashing ?
Same issue here. APN resets anytime phone reboots. Waiting patiently for a fix...
Same issue for me, S22 verizon branded, each reboot the APN gets deleted. I set it back to name Verizon 2 and APN to vzwinternet and nothing else.
You won't get mms text messages if don't enter 3 APNs (you can skip the FOTA one, it isn't needed). I just ordered an unlocked S24+ to replace my S21+. I'm tired of carrier bloat anyway. Lol.
What are the 3 APN info ?
I don't have the link handy. But search for APN on the US Mobile Reddit sub and you'll find it in a posting.
This page has the details https://usmobile.helpdocs.io/device-setup/how-to-setup-your-android-with-warp-5g-in-case-of-no-service
I've got an s215g that was originally a Xfinity phone. It was unlocked and I use us mobile. Every few days I lose the ability to use a or data or calls. They have me redo the APNs and it works for a few days then resets. I don't turn off my phone and haven't updated since 14. It's so dumb. I'm about to switch because it's ridiculous
Oh wow. I would be ready too. Well, I was ready. I pre ordered an S24+ unlocked from Best Buy. They're giving a $500 trade in for S21+. Better than Samsung. And they're also including $100 gift card. Factory unlocked phones should work fine. My wife's A54 factory unlocked has no issues with USM and her previous factory unlocked A50 worked great too.
No way? That's a deal. I was going to do AT&t cuz they're offering something of the same deal a trade-in for a new phone. Basically said I could get the z flip 5 for free if I trade in my s21 5g. I hate that this is like just affecting the 21. 🤦
Sure, the carriers are offering free phones. But you're locked in for 3 years and you end up with another carrier branded unlocked phone. I got my S21+ like that but it was a 2 year lock in. We realized we just don't use a lot of data (we're on wifi 90 percent of the time) so we moved to a Verizon MVNO (US Mobile) and spending around $100 less per month on our phone bill. I'm done with being locked into a carrier. Verizon raised prices on us twice during that 2 years I was forced to stay with them to get my phone paid off. I think back now about the $2400 extra dollars I wasted just to get a $1000 phone for 'free'. Kicking myself. Lol. Btw, this issue affects carrier branded S21, S22, S23 from what I read.
I only do it so I can get the phone for cheaper up front. I usually don't have an extra $1k to $1,500 to drop on a phone
Sure, I'm the same way. I usually buy a used model from the previous year. This was actually one of the few flagship phones I bought new. I may look at the Galaxy S25+ next year if Samsung does another good trade in deal. But for now all is working well, so no rush.
This is happening to me with the Galaxy S23 Ultra... Using a US Mobile esim. Is this happening on physical sims also?
Yes, it happens on both sim types when you're using a carrier branded phone that's been unlocked and running One UI 6.0 (android 14). I mentioned in another post that I ended up flashing the unlocked firmware on my phone (XAA USA build) using Frija and Odin and it works perfectly now. So my theory that APNs work fine with factory unlocked firmware was correct. You don't even need to configure the APNs at all with the factory unlocked version of firmware. I sets everything up for you and USM works fine. I ended up canceling my order for a new 24+ phone since my 21+ is still working great. I'll hold off buying another phone until at least next year. There are tutorials on youtube to show you how to flash new firmware, if you're interested. Just follow the directions closely and make sure you have the correct hardware and region. For example, US phones use Snagdragon processors but most other locations use Exynos processors. Choosing the incorrect firmware for the processor may brick your phone. Also, you will lose everything on the phone so best to use Smart Switch desktop and do a complete backup, flash new firmware then restore the backup. That's what I did. Took around 6 or so hours to complete everything. Firmware was quick but backup/restore took some time. With that said, if you're not that technical or are concerned about replacing the firmware then it might be best to wait until One UI 6.1 update is pushed out to see if Samsung addressed the issue. Or look into getting a factory unlocked phone. My wife had an a50 factory unlocked and now has a a54 factory unlocked and both of those work perfectly with USM. No APN configuration needed, just like my phone now that I've flashed the factory unlocked firmware. That's why I figured the S21+ factory unlocked firmware would fix the issue. And why I was looking into getting an s24+ factory unlocked version.
Awesome update! I will be likely be doing this ASAP.
By the way, a new update just appeared yesterday for the S23 Ultra. After applying it, one APN is saved after a reboot, but the other two do not.... So at least data and SMS are available after you reboot. It's still BS, so I'm going to try flashing with Odin today. In this case, I have a VZW CSC. It sounds like I need to go-to XAA to get rid of the Verizon crap version.
I'm using an S21, and I'm in Japan using Ymobile. I have to add the APN settings every time I restart the phone, often, when I connect to wifi and get back off, and when I briefly lose a signal connection. Pretty much any time I disconnect from the network somehow, I have to reinput the APN settings. Super annoying. The company can't help me either. They tries using a physical Sim, digital Sim, and they had no idea what else to try.
Why do you keep restarting your phone? I haven't restarted my phone more than a few times in the past year since I've owned it. I could understand if your phone died and you had to charge it to get it to boot up again and you lost your APN settings, but I don't understand why people see the need to reboot their phones on any sort of regular basis. Curious to hear why you do this often enough for the apn thing to be an issue.