Your Samsung Phone Could Save a Life or Fail You! Why This Critical Update Is Non-Negotiable
By: Riza
Posted: 25 Nov 2025•6 min read
Last Updated: 06 Mar 2026
If you have an older Samsung Galaxy, you might need a quick update or even a new phone to make sure you can call for help in an emergency. Tests by Australian carriers show that more than 70 Samsung models do not always switch to another network when your main one is down, which could stop calls to Triple Zero from going through. Some telcos are even blocking these phones until they are fixed or replaced.
Sadly, on 13 November 2025 in Sydney, a person could not reach Triple Zero because their phone software was out of date, and they later passed away. Samsung and the carriers are urging everyone to update their devices or replace them if needed. Regulators are now looking closely at the issue
Why Is This Happening?
The recent shutdown of 3G networks removed a critical safety net. Many older Samsung phones were designed to fall back to 3G for emergency calls when 4G was not available. Without that fallback, these devices can fail during outages or poor coverage. Some models also have firmware-level settings that require deeper fixes beyond a simple software update
Impacted Samsung Devices
Some older Samsung devices may not connect to Vodafone or TPG networks for Triple Zero calls if Optus and Telstra are unavailable. These devices need to be updated or replaced to ensure they operate reliably in an emergency.
Model Name | Device Name |
|---|---|
SM-A720F SM-A520F SM-J120Z SM-J320Z SM-J530Y SM-N920I SM-G920I SM-G925I SM-G928I SM-G930F SM-G935F | Galaxy A7 (2017) Galaxy A5 (2017) Galaxy J1 (2016) Galaxy J3 (2016) Galaxy J5 (2017) Galaxy Note5 Galaxy S6 Galaxy S6 Edge Galaxy S6 Edge+ Galaxy S7 Galaxy S7 Edge |
Model Name | Device Name |
|---|---|
SM-A315G SM-A325F SM-A426B SM-A505Y SM-A525F SM-A715F SM-A716B SM-A725F SM-A530F SM-G610Y SM-J730G SM-J810Y SM-N970F SM-N980F SM-N985F SM-G780F SM-G780G SM-G985F SM-G398FN SM-G525F SM-F707B SM-A115F SM-A125F SM-A127F SM-A205YN SM-A217F SM-A226B SM-A305Y SM-A326B SM-A515F SM-A526B SM-A705Y SM-A908B SM-F900F SM-N975F SM-N976B SM-N950F SM-N960F SM-N981B SM-N986B SM-G973F SM-G977B SM-G975F SM-G970F SM-G980F SM-G981B SM-G781B SM-G988B SM-G986B SM-G991B SM-G998B SM-G996B SM-G950F SM-G955F SM-G960F SM-G965F SM-G715FN SM-F700F SM-F916B SM-J250G Motorola Moto G35 5G | Galaxy A31 Galaxy A32 Galaxy A42 5G Galaxy A50 Galaxy A52 Galaxy A71 Galaxy A71 5G Galaxy A72 Galaxy A8 (2018) Galaxy J7 Prime Galaxy J7 Pro Galaxy J8 Galaxy Note 10 Galaxy Note 20 Galaxy Note20 Ultra Galaxy S20 FE Galaxy S20 FE Galaxy S20+ Galaxy XCover 4s Galaxy XCover 5 Galaxy Z Flip 5G Galaxy A11 Galaxy A12 Galaxy A12s Galaxy A20 Galaxy A21s Galaxy A22 5G Galaxy A30 Galaxy A32 5G Galaxy A51 Galaxy A52 5G Galaxy A70 Galaxy A90 5G Galaxy Fold Galaxy Note 10+ Galaxy Note 10+ 5G Galaxy Note 8 Galaxy Note 9 Galaxy Note20 5G Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G Galaxy S10 Galaxy S10 5G Galaxy S10+ Galaxy S10e Galaxy S20 Galaxy S20 5G Galaxy S20 FE 5G Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G Galaxy S20+ 5G Galaxy S21 5G Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Galaxy S21+ 5G Galaxy S8 Galaxy S8+ Galaxy S9 Galaxy S9+ Galaxy XCover Pro Galaxy Z Flip Galaxy Z Fold 2 5G Galaxy J2 Pro Motorola Moto G35 5G |
Please note that this does not affect newer Samsung devices. The initial notice will be sent to impacted Yomojo users before 27 November 2025. We’ll provide three notices in total, and the final deadline for the software update is 6 January 2025.
Do Not Risk It: Your Urgent Call to Action (Literally!)
Do not delay. Act now. The time for complacency is over.
🟠 Check Your Device NOW
Visit the Yomojo website or contact 1300 966 656 directly to see if your Samsung model is on the impacted list. These lists were circulated in the first week of November 2025. You can also visit Samsung Support for more details.
🟠 Update Your Software Immediately
Go to Settings → Software Update → Download and Install. Apply all pending updates until your phone says, “up to date.” This is the simplest and potentially most crucial step you can take.
Watch this video on How to update your Samsung device: https://youtu.be/2fEX9Ati2KU
Important:
If you do not install the latest software, your device will be blocked from the network. Carriers have confirmed that the deadline to update is 6 January 2026, and blocking will occur 28–49 days after the initial notification (around 15 January 2026).
🟠 Replace your Device
If your device is identified as having a deeper software issue that cannot be patched, or if your device is on the list that requires immediate replacement, you will need to replace it entirely to ensure reliable emergency call access. This may seem extreme, but your safety is paramount. Yomojo is offering a $75 credit to help offset the cost of upgrading your device starting from 20 October 2025 onwards.
Some Affordable Triple Zero-Compliant Phones (Australia)
Brand | Month 1 | Model Name | Price Range(AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
Samsung Samsung Samsung Samsung Nokia Motorola Motorola Nubia ZTE | Galaxy A15 5G Galaxy A25 5G Galaxy A35 5G Galaxy A55 5G G42 5G Moto G15 Moto G86 Power 5G Focus 2 5G Optus X Start 4 | SM-A156B SM-A256B SM-A356B SM-A556B TA-1581 XT2341-1 XT2343-2 NX721J P503 | $299 – $349 $399 – $449 $499 – $549 $599 – $649 $399 – $449 $229 – $249 $499 – $529 $249 – $299 $79 |
Do not call emergency numbers to test
Please avoid making test calls to Triple Zero, as it can block emergency lines and put others at risk. If you have any questions or concerns, your service provider will be happy to help.
Extra Tips
🔸 Enable VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling: These features improve emergency call reliability when cellular coverage is weak.
🔸 Check Carrier Notices: Optus have legal obligations to block non-compliant devices between 28 and 49 days from the date of the initial notification which will be around 15 January 2026.
🔸 Stay Updated: Even if your phone is not on the list, keep your software current. Emergency call routing depends on the latest firmware and network settings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Does this affect all carriers?
Yes. This issue affects multiple Australian carriers, and all have legal obligations to block non-compliant devices between 28 and 49 days from the initial notification (around 15 January 2026).
2. What else can I do to ensure emergency call reliability?
Enable VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling in your phone settings. These features improve emergency call reliability when cellular coverage is weak.
3. Can I make a test call to Triple Zero to check?
No. Under no circumstances should you make test calls to Triple Zero. This can clog emergency lines and endanger others. If you have concerns, contact your service provider directly for guidance.
4. What happens if I do not update my phone?
If you do not install the latest software, your device will be blocked from the network. The deadline to update the software is 6 January 2026, giving customers a grace period to update or replace their devices.
5. Why are older Samsung phones affected by this issue?
Older Samsung models were designed to fall back to 3G networks for emergency calls when 4G was unavailable. With 3G networks now shut down, these devices may fail to connect during emergencies unless updated with new firmware that supports VoLTE and proper fallback mechanisms.
6. Do I need to replace my phone?
If your device has a deeper software issue that cannot be patched, you will need to replace it. You may contact our customer service team for more information on how we can support you.
Bottom Line
If you own an older Samsung Galaxy, this update is non-negotiable. Seconds matter in an emergency. Do not let outdated software stand in the way of saving a life.
You may also refer to: https://www.yomojo.com.au/news/triple-zero-calling-update-2025-incompatible-devices