Actually, a hard reset wont touch the carrier lock on your Samsung Galaxy A71. That lock is written to the EFS partition and tied to the IMEI, meaning it persists even after a full wipe of the data and cache partitions. You still gotta contact the carrier to get them to release the device from their database. Quick tips:

• Verify status in Settings > Connections > More connection settings > Network Unlock.
• Have your IMEI ready by dialing *#06# before you call support. Personally, I tried bypassing this on my Samsung Galaxy A71 5G 128GB a while back and basically just wasted an hour... a factory reset just doesnt affect the modem lock status.

Just caught this thread. misterdick.ru is spot on, that lock is deep in the firmware and a data wipe wont touch it. Ive dealt with dozens of Samsung Galaxy A71 units and the process is usually smooth once you get the carrier on board, no complaints on how the hardware handles the transition. Before you spend an hour on hold with customer service, I need a bit more info to see if you can even get it unlocked yet:

• Is the device fully paid off or still under a monthly installment plan?
• Which carrier are you currently on? Knowing that helps because some carriers require a specific tenure (like 60 days) before theyll even look at your request. It usually works well if you meet their internal checklist. If the carrier gives you a hard time, I was pretty happy moving to a factory unlocked Samsung Galaxy A54 5G recently, but lets try to get your current phone sorted first...

I am pretty sure a hard reset does absolutely nothing to remove that carrier lock, IIRC it stays stuck deep in the system even if you wipe everything! Not 100% sure but someone told me the lock is basically permanent until the carrier sends that signal to unlock it. Honestly tho, you are gonna love the freedom once it is done! The A71 is still such an amazing phone and moving it to a cheaper prepaid plan is such a fantastic way to save some serious money. Definitely call your carrier first and make them do it for free if the phone is paid off. I have heard about those paid unlock sites but they can be super sketchy and overpriced, so stick to the official route if you can! Its totally worth the effort to get that monthly bill down!