Older Samsung phones might not dial the emergency number

The major telco has issued a severe warning to Australians depending on older Samsung phones. Under certain network conditions, some of these devices may not be able to make emergency calls to the national number 000 (Triple-Zero). This problem raises major safety issues and impacts those whose gadgets are made to change networks when their main provider is down.

What is the issue?

Internal testing revealed that a collection of aged Samsung mobile phones fail to properly "camp on" to an alternative mobile network (specifically the Vodafone network) when both Telstra and Optus networks are inaccessible. In such situations, the gadget is supposed to link to another available mobile network to make an emergency call. For some older Samsung models, however, that auto-roaming action does not function as intended.

To be clear: under regular conditions, the issue is not with the Optus network nor with Telstra's own network. Normal emergency calls to 000 are unaffected when consumers are connected to the Telstra or Optus network as usual. Only under the particular circumstance when the main network is down, and the device has to change to Vodafone to contact emergency services does the problem show up.

Which devices are affected?

The declaration says that many older Samsung devices—released somewhere around 2016–2017 or earlier—have been found. Telstra specifically identifies types that have to be replaced and others fixable through software upgrade.

Included among the "must be replaced" list are:

• A7 of galaxies (2017)

• Galaxy A5 (2017)

• Galaxy J1 (2016)

• Galaxy J3 (2016)

• Galaxy J5 (2017)

• Galaxy Note 5

• S6, S6 edge, S6 Edge+ Galaxy

• S7, S7 Edge: Galaxy

And beyond those, there are around 60 more models that require software update rather than replacing the device. Telstra says that your device will be blocked from the network if it is not fixed within 28 days of being notified.

Why these matters

Emergency calls in Australia to 000 are meant to be free; when a mobile connection cannot be established with the main network, it should complete the call, automatically move to another nearby network. Should a phone not do that, someone in a life-threatening situation might find their call to emergency services doesn’t go through. Australian authorities view this as a major threat.

Furthermore, this result is arrived at at a time when public trust in the emergency-call network is under stress, particularly after past failures including the large Optus outage in 2025—many people were unable to contact 000.

Telstra recommends what you should do

SMS or email is being sent to affected clients by Telstra with directions. These are the steps:

1. Check your device

Find your model number under Settings → About phone to check whether your device is on the influenced list.

2. Update your device software

Check if your device has an update to be installed

3. Replace your device

 Telstra will give options—in some cases free for vulnerable clients, others may need to buy new—if your model is among those that necessitate full replacement so that you keep compliance.

4. Act within the deadline

Your device might be blocked from the network if you do not respond in around 28 days following notification, therefore you would not be able to Make or get SMS or phone calls, then you will be blocked from utilizing the network to call 000 from mobile.

What you should do right now

Here is a quick checklist for Samsung phone owners living in Australia:

• Find your model number under Settings → About phone.

• View the publicly disclosed list to verify if you are affected.

• Update the software as soon as possible if the cure for your damaged gadget is a software upgrade.

• Should the model need replacement, follow your carrier's instructions and move swiftly.

• You might be operating old software and missing security updates even if your phone is 2016–2017 or earlier, therefore many years old. Think about changing still.

• Don't wait until your gadget fails in a real emergency. Though there is a risk for a phone failure, it is more dangerous to take the possibility of not being able to call for assistance.

Wider Context: Emergency-call safety and network changes

This problem is not unique. Australian telecoms are undergoing major transformation.

The shutdown of 3G networks has taken several older cellphones depending on antiquated voice-calling infrastructure off-grid since emergency-calling feature relies on modern networks' devices enable 4G/VoLTE.

The regulatory framework (Australian Communications and Media Authority – ACMA) demands that mobile network providers make certain devices on their networks be capable of making emergency calls under all justified network circumstances.

Network failures have underlined how important it is for phones to automatically switch networks as needed—but that only works if device firmware and settings support it.

"Grey-market" phones and imported models that might not support local network bands or functions needed for emergency-call compliance also arouse alarm. Though this present alert concerns Samsung devices with local setting, the wider danger persists.

Why this appears to be a handset or configuration issue rather than one from the network provider

Telstra and Vodafone have argued that the fault is in how the equipment were originally set up, especially how they connect to other alternatives. networks in an emergency rather than a Vodafone network failure per se.

In essence, these older Samsung smartphones should travel to Vodafone's network for an emergency call when Telstra's or Optus's network goes down. For some designs, the testing showed that this "camp-on" procedure fails; thus, the call is not completed.

Consequences for users and what ‘s stake

• Life or death scenario

The capacity to contact emergency services is probably the most important quality of any mobile phone in a life-or-death situation. You use your phone to roam if you are in a desolate location or in a situation when your regular provider's signal is inconsistent. link the call via another network as well. Danger exists if your phone doesn't accomplish that.

• Liability & regulation

Mobile providers have legal duties to stop blocked devices that lack emergency calling capabilities, liability and rules. Telstra specifically says it will block gadgets brought not into conformance within the specified period.

• Public trust in telecom infrastructure:

This handset-level problem helps to further highlight shortcomings in the general ecosystem as it follows prior widespread outages impacting emergency calls. Regardless of their type of phone or carrier, consumers expect that when they press 000, it functions.

• Upgrade Pressure and cost:

Users of impacted devices may have unanticipated bills for replacements or for software updates (normally free). Though newer phones may be more efficient, this still weighs unforeseen costs for some.

• Legacy equipment challenge:

Many vintage phones are still in use as backup devices, for secondary purposes, or for senior users. This problem highlights how necessary safety elements could fall short of present standards even when a phone "still functions".

Summary: Important lessons learned

• If you possess an earlier Samsung phone (specifically models from 2016–17 or before) used in Australia, you need verify if it is on the affected list.

• Should your phone's software need to be updated or changed, do not wait until the device locks or malfunctions during an emergency. Update it immediately.

• Check your SMS, emails, and account for any alerts from your mobile provider

• Act proactively even if you haven't been informed; the model's age on its alone is a major risk factor.

• This warning suggests that not all older phones reliably meet that need; your device must be able to change networks and phone 000 in an emergency.

• Consider replacing your phone for security patches, network compatibility (4G/5G/VoLTE), and general performance—not just for emergency-call reasons—rather than just for those purposes.

Last words

When it comes to mobile devices—especially for crucial operations like calling emergency services—the warning from Telstra serves as a reminder that “works today doesn’t guarantee safe tomorrow.” Older Samsung phones can seem to run quite well for basic calls, texting, and apps for many consumers. But they can let you down in the very situation you hope never happens: having to contact 000 when your customary network is gone.

Make fixing the gadget a top priority if you or someone you know utilizes one of the affected Samsung models. A fast update or upgrade might literally save life.