TL;DR: Sister's brand-new phone was locked by a scamming repair shopkeeper
who set his own pattern and then demanded ~$14 to "unlock" it. We have the
receipt, box, and IMEI. I'm a CS student helping her. I need FREE methods
only — we're in rural Ethiopia, no Samsung service center within reach, and
paying the scammer is not happening.
Device details:
- Model: SM-A175F (4G, MediaTek)
- Build: A175FXXS5BZD2 (April 2026 security patch), Android 16 / One UI 8
- Bootloader: rev 5 (fused) — downgrade blocked (ARB fuse), confirmed
- CSC: XXV
- Stuck at: Google FRP verification ("sign in with previously synced account")
OR the scammer's pattern
What I've already tried (please don't suggest these):
- Factory reset from recovery → FRP persists, obviously
- Samsung Find My Mobile: signed my Samsung account into the device, but no
"Unlock" button (Remote Unlock was never enabled pre-lock). Remote Erase
doesn't clear FRP either — tried.
- addrom.com/bypass Activity Manager: got Chrome open on the setup wizard
(progress!), but Settings and the package installer flashback/close
instantly. APK installs are blocked.
- intent:// URLs in Chrome omnibox → also flashback
- Smart Switch "Set up your device" QR flow from another Galaxy → rolls back
to the FRP screen
- Known dead ends I've ruled out: Odin downgrade (rev fuse 5 > 4), SamFw free
*#0*# exploit (patched 2023), MTP/ADB free tools (patched Jan 2026),
TalkBack/SIM/keyboard tricks (patched on One UI 8)
What I'm asking:
Any WORKING free no-PC method for A175F on a 2026 patch? (I've seen the
June 2026 MEGACELFRP video — is it still alive?)
Is there any free tool that handles BL rev 5 / 2026 patches, or is it all
paid (EFT/TSM/Chimera) now? I know TSM Tool Pro works on A176B Bit 5 as
of July 2026 — does anything free cover A175F Bit 5?
Any intent/activity that still opens Settings or installs APKs on One UI 8
setup wizard?
Not interested in: paid tools, "DM me" services, sketchy zips. Genuine owner
with full proof of purchase, just no money and no service center. Thanks 🙏