Samsung Re-Locked After Update? Fix for S25, S24, Fold 6 & Flip 6 (Working 2026 Method)

If your Samsung phone became network locked after a recent update, especially on models like S25, S24, Fold 6 or Flip 6, the issue is usually caused by changes in modem (CP) firmware after OTA updates. A working fix involves flashing an older modem version with the same BIT level and preventing future updates that may trigger the relock again.

This issue has been widely reported after the January 2026 Samsung updates, especially on U.S. carrier devices that were previously working normally.

What Happens When Samsung Gets Re-Locked?

• Network Locked or Phone Locked message
• Phone asks for MCK unlock code
• SIM card no longer works

This can happen even if the phone was fully working before the update.

Why Samsung Phones Re-Lock After Updates

Samsung updates the modem (CP) firmware separately from the main system. When this changes:

• Previous unlock state may no longer apply
• Carrier restrictions may be re-applied
• Device may behave as locked again

This is especially common on newer U.S. Samsung models.

Supported Models

• S25 Series: SM-S938U, SM-S937U, SM-S936U, SM-S931U
• S24 Series: SM-S928U, SM-S926U, SM-S921U
• Fold 6: SM-F956U
• Flip 6: SM-F741U

Working Fix: Flash Older Modem (CP)

The most effective fix is to flash an older CP (modem) firmware with the same BIT version.

• Do NOT downgrade BIT version
• Use correct firmware for your exact model
• Flash only CP file (not full firmware)

This restores the previous modem behavior and allows the phone to accept SIM cards again.

Important Limitation

• OTA updates may stop working
• Future updates may relock the phone again

Disable Updates (ADB Method)

adb shell cmd package disable-user user 0 com.wssyncmldm
adb shell cmd package uninstall user 0 com.sec.android.soagent

Requirements:

• USB debugging enabled
• Samsung USB drivers installed
• ADB tools installed

Important: Different Fix for S25 vs S24

Samsung S25 models use a newer firmware structure and may require a different approach when flashing fails.

How to Flash Samsung S24, S23, S22 or Older with Odin Without Losing Data

If you want to flash firmware on a Samsung S24, S23, S22 or older Samsung Galaxy model with Odin, the safest beginner method is to use the correct firmware for your exact model, load the BL, AP, CP and HOME_CSC files properly, and avoid downgrading below the allowed bootloader version. Using HOME_CSC usually helps keep user data, while CSC performs a clean flash and may erase the phone.

This guide is written for beginners and GSM technicians who want a simple, safe workflow for updating or repairing Samsung firmware with Odin, while reducing the risk of errors, freezing, soft brick, or data loss.

Watch the full step-by-step Samsung flashing tutorial using Odin below. This method works for S24, S23, S22 and older models and helps avoid common errors and data loss.

What This Method Is For

This Odin flashing method is useful when you need to:

• Update Samsung firmware manually
• Repair software issues caused by corrupted firmware
• Flash stock firmware back to the phone
• Fix boot loops caused by software problems
• Change or restore firmware when the phone still allows normal flashing

It is especially useful for Samsung S24, S23, S22 and many older Galaxy models where standard Odin flashing still works correctly.

Supported Samsung Models

This guide can apply to many Samsung Galaxy models, including:

• Samsung Galaxy S24 series
• Samsung Galaxy S23 series
• Samsung Galaxy S22 series
• Samsung Galaxy S21 and older supported models
• SM-S928U, SM-S926U, SM-S924U
• SM-S918U, SM-S916U, SM-S911U
• SM-S908U, SM-S906U, SM-S901U

Always confirm the exact model number before flashing. A firmware package for a similar-looking model may still be incompatible.

Files You Need Before Flashing

Before starting, prepare the following files:

• Samsung USB drivers – needed so the PC can detect the phone correctly
• Patched Odin – often preferred by GSM technicians for better compatibility
• Correct Samsung firmware – downloaded for the exact model and region/CSC
• USB cable – preferably original or high-quality
• Windows PC – Odin is a Windows flashing tool

For firmware, you can use a trusted Samsung firmware source such as SamFW. The most important thing is not just downloading firmware, but downloading the correct firmware for your exact model, binary and CSC.

Important: HOME_CSC vs CSC

This is one of the most important parts of Samsung flashing.

• HOME_CSC is usually used when you want to keep the user data on the phone.
• CSC performs a cleaner flash and may erase data from the device.

If your goal is to update or repair the phone without wiping it, use HOME_CSC. If the phone is badly corrupted, stuck in boot loop, or needs a clean repair, using CSC may be required, but the customer must understand that data loss can happen.

Step 1: Check the Exact Model Number

Before downloading anything, confirm the exact Samsung model. You can check it from:

• Settings > About phone, if the phone still boots
• Download Mode screen
• The phone box or original label
• ADB, if the phone is detected and USB debugging is available

Do not assume the model based only on the phone name. For example, a Samsung S24 Ultra can have different variants depending on region and carrier.

Step 2: Download the Correct Firmware

After confirming the exact model, download firmware that matches:

• The exact model number
• The correct bootloader/binary version
• The correct CSC or region
• The Android version you want to flash

Avoid downgrading below the allowed bootloader version. Samsung devices usually block downgrades when the binary version is lower than the current one.

Step 3: Extract the Firmware Package

After downloading the firmware, extract the archive on your PC. You should normally see files similar to:

• BL – bootloader file
• AP – main system file and usually the largest file
• CP – modem/baseband file
• CSC – clean flash file, may erase data
• HOME_CSC – used when trying to keep data

Be patient when loading the AP file in Odin. It is often large and Odin may look frozen for a short time while it processes the file.

Step 4: Install Samsung USB Drivers

Install Samsung USB drivers before connecting the phone in Download Mode. If the drivers are missing or corrupted, Odin may not detect the device correctly.

After installing the drivers, restart the PC if needed. This simple step can prevent many connection problems.

Step 5: Put the Samsung Phone into Download Mode

To enter Download Mode on most recent Samsung models:

1. Power off the phone completely.
2. Hold the required button combination for your model.
3. Connect the USB cable to the PC while entering Download Mode.
4. Confirm the warning screen to continue into Download Mode.

The exact button combination can vary by model, but most newer Samsung devices use the volume buttons while connecting the USB cable.

Step 6: Load the Odin Files Correctly

Open Odin and load the files in the correct slots:

• BL goes into the BL slot
• AP goes into the AP slot
• CP goes into the CP slot
• HOME_CSC goes into the CSC slot if you want to keep data

Do not mix the files. Loading the wrong file into the wrong slot can cause flashing errors.

Step 7: Start Flashing

Once Odin detects the phone and all files are loaded correctly, click Start.

During flashing:

• Do not disconnect the cable
• Do not close Odin
• Do not restart the PC
• Wait until Odin shows PASS

The first boot after flashing can take longer than usual. This is normal.

How to Avoid Odin Freezing or Crashing

If Odin freezes or crashes while loading files, especially AP, try the following:

• Use a patched Odin version
• Run Odin as administrator
• Extract the firmware fully before loading it
• Place firmware files in a simple folder path, such as C:SamsungFirmware
• Close unnecessary programs before flashing
• Use a stable USB port directly on the PC, not a hub

In many cases, Odin is not actually frozen. The AP file can take time to load because it is very large.

When This Method May Not Work

This method works well for many Samsung S24, S23, S22 and older models, but it may not be suitable for every situation.

It may not work if:

• The phone is on a newer bootloader and you are trying to downgrade
• The firmware does not match the exact model
• The device has a deeper software or partition issue
• The phone is a newer model that requires a different flashing workflow
• The device is already badly soft-bricked

If your Samsung phone suddenly became network locked after a recent update, this article explains why it happened and what you can do about it.

Since the January 2026 Samsung update, many users have reported that their phones, which were previously unlocked, became locked again after installing the update. This has been happening mostly on newer U.S. Samsung models, and in most cases the devices had been unlocked using what is commonly known as the Limited Country Unlock, also referred to as the Relock method.

After updating, affected phones may start showing messages such as Network Locked or Phone Locked. In some situations, the device may even ask for an MCK unlock code, including on carriers that normally do not require one. For many users, this comes as a surprise, especially if they were not aware of the unlock method originally used on their phone.

Why this happens after updates

The Limited Country / Relock unlock method works under specific conditions and relies heavily on software behavior. When Samsung pushes a major update or a security patch, those conditions can change. As a result, the system may silently reapply the original carrier lock during or after the update process.

This is why the issue suddenly appeared for many users after the January 2026 update.

How the relock can be fixed

In many cases, the relock can be fixed by flashing an older modem (CP) firmware, as long as it has the same BIT (binary) version as the firmware currently installed on the phone.

The BIT version is critical. Flashing a modem from a lower BIT version will not work, but using a compatible CP from the same BIT version can restore network access.

An important side effect of this method is that, because the modem version no longer matches the rest of the firmware, Samsung OTA system updates usually stop working automatically. This is actually useful in this situation, because it helps prevent the phone from updating again and re-locking itself.

In the video linked below, the entire process is shown step by step.

Samsung S25 Odin Flash Fail: How to Fix Stuck at super.img Error

If your Samsung S25, S25+, or S25 Ultra fails in Odin and gets stuck at super.img, the issue is usually not caused by bad firmware or missing drivers. On newer Samsung models, this error often appears because Odin cannot complete the flashing process with the current workflow, especially on some U.S. variants and newer firmware structures.

In this guide, I’ll explain why the error happens, what the red “Download failed” message means, and the working method used by GSM technicians when Odin fails at super.img.

Common Odin Errors on Samsung S25

When flashing Samsung S25 series devices, many technicians report errors such as:

• Odin FAIL! at super.img
• Complete(Write) operation failed
• Odin stuck while writing system or super partition
• Phone shows a red download error message

The most common message displayed on the phone is:

Download failed due to incompatible DOWNLOAD program. Please try again with latest version.

This message can be confusing because it suggests that you simply need a newer Odin version. In many cases, that is not the real solution.

Why Odin Fails at super.img on Samsung S25

The super.img file is part of the newer Android partition structure. It contains important system-related partitions, and on newer Samsung devices it can be more difficult to flash using older or standard methods.

On Samsung S25 models, Odin may fail because of:

• Firmware and bootloader compatibility issues
• Newer partition handling on recent Samsung models
• Carrier-specific firmware restrictions
• Incorrect flashing package or file selection
• Using a method that works on older Samsung models but not on newer S25 devices

This is why simply changing USB cables, reinstalling drivers, or downloading another random Odin version does not always fix the problem.

Supported Samsung S25 Models

This guide is mainly useful for Samsung S25 series devices, including:

• Samsung Galaxy S25
• Samsung Galaxy S25+
• Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
• SM-S931U / SM-S931U1
• SM-S936U / SM-S936U1
• SM-S938U / SM-S938U1
• U.S. carrier variants such as Verizon, T-Mobile, Tracfone, Xfinity, Spectrum, USC and similar models

The exact result can depend on the firmware version, binary level, carrier variant, and current phone status.

How to Fix Odin Flash Fail on Samsung S25

Before trying advanced solutions, always check the basics first. Many flashing failures happen because the setup is not clean or the firmware package does not match the device.

Step 1: Confirm the exact Samsung model

Check the model number carefully before flashing. For example, SM-S936U and SM-S936U1 may look similar, but firmware compatibility can still matter.

You can usually check the model from:

• Download Mode screen
• Phone settings, if the phone still boots
• Back label, box, or original order details
• ADB or service mode, if available

Step 2: Match the firmware correctly

Use firmware that matches the device model and bootloader version. Do not try to downgrade below the allowed binary level, because Samsung bootloader protection can block the process.

Before flashing, check:

• Model number
• Region or CSC
• Bootloader version
• Carrier variant
• Android version compatibility

Step 3: Use the correct Odin files

For a standard Samsung firmware package, files usually include:

• BL – bootloader file
• AP – main system file, often the largest file
• CP – modem/baseband file
• CSC – clean flash file
• HOME_CSC – usually used when trying to keep user data

If the phone is already soft-bricked or stuck after a failed flash, a clean flash may be required. However, always explain to the customer that data loss can happen, especially if CSC is used instead of HOME_CSC.

Step 4: Do not keep retrying the same failed Odin method

If Odin fails repeatedly at super.img, repeating the exact same process usually wastes time and may make the situation worse. At that point, the issue is probably not a simple cable or driver problem.

This is the moment where GSM technicians usually switch to a tested professional workflow instead of continuing with random Odin versions.

Professional Fix Used by GSM Technicians

In real repair work, the most reliable fix is to use a method that properly handles the Samsung S25 firmware structure and avoids the common Odin failure at super.img.

The working method shown in the video above was tested in a GSM repair environment and is useful when standard Odin flashing fails with the incompatible download program message.

The goal is not to guess blindly, but to:

• Identify the exact device variant
• Use the correct firmware path
• Avoid unsupported downgrade attempts
• Use a tested flashing workflow for newer Samsung models
• Recover the device safely where possible

When Odin Is Not Enough

Odin is still useful for many Samsung flashing jobs, especially on older devices or standard firmware updates. However, newer Samsung models may require more careful handling.

You should consider using a professional GSM tool or asking for technical support when:

• The phone fails repeatedly at super.img
• The phone shows the incompatible download program error
• The device is a newer U.S. carrier model
• The phone is soft-bricked after a failed flash
• You are unsure about binary, CSC, or firmware compatibility

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using the wrong firmware model – even small model differences can matter.
• Trying to downgrade – Samsung bootloader protection may block it.
• Using random Odin versions – this rarely fixes newer partition issues.
• Ignoring the CSC – wrong CSC handling can cause problems or data loss.
• Flashing without checking binary level – this is one of the most common mistakes.

FAQ: Samsung S25 Odin super.img Error

Why is Odin stuck at super.img?

Odin may get stuck at super.img because newer Samsung firmware uses a more complex partition structure. The issue can also be related to firmware compatibility, bootloader restrictions, or carrier-specific firmware behavior.

Does this mean my firmware is bad?

Not always. The firmware may be correct, but the flashing method may not be suitable for the device variant or current firmware structure.

Can I fix it by downloading a newer Odin version?

Sometimes changing Odin versions helps with older devices, but for Samsung S25 super.img errors, the problem is often deeper than the Odin version itself.

Does this method work on S25 Ultra?

Yes, the same type of issue can appear on Samsung S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra models, including U.S. variants. However, the exact result depends on model, firmware and bootloader version.

Can this cause data loss?

Yes. Any firmware flashing or recovery process can carry a risk of data loss, especially when using CSC or repairing a soft-bricked device. Always back up data when possible.

Need Help with Samsung Flashing or GSM Tools?

At UnlockResellers.com, we work with GSM repair shops and technicians who need reliable software tools, credits, activations, and practical technical support.

We do not only provide access to tools. We also help technicians choose the right solution, avoid common mistakes, and understand which method is safer for each device.