Proactive Action - Xiaomi (& Other Chinese Brands / Import) Phone Owners Affected by 3G Shutdown (Now Due to Be Network Blocked)

Tuukmaak on 24/10/2024 - 13:56
Last edited 01/11/2024 - 18:13 by 1 other user

UPDATE 1/11/24 - Response from grey import seller after I contacted them regarding a Redmi Note 12 that is no longer working. (Of course I know it is not their fault, but this is a good way to get more pressure on Xiaomi to do an update, and to put pressure on the government to whitelist"
"We have investigate the issue comprehensively and follow up instantly with distributor and ask them to push Xiaomi to resolve the issue. After our best endeavor, as of 31 OCT, Xiaomi confirm that their device is actually capable of emergency calls over 4G or 5G. This is an compatible device. However, the disconnection results from new ACMA regulations effective October 28, 2024, requiring carriers to restrict devices that can’t support 000 emergency calls over 4G or 5G from accessing their networks. It is out of our control. It is a government, manufacturer and network provider level. They recklessly blocking usable phone regardless of compatibility. They block for most phones that not purchase from them or from their partners and force you to buy a new one from them.
Meanwhile, we are pushing our distributor to communicate with manufacturer for updating the list and there are news that a firmware update will soon launch from Xiaomi."

UPDATE 1/11/24
Statement from Xiaomitech Australia (related to those who purchased in Australia through authorized channels)
https://shorturl.at/pAyfu

UPDATE 30/10/24 - Please also email
[email protected] as we now have some traction

  • After multiple emails I finally got a NON-standard response! Hope is on the horizon! If this ends up working, you all can shout me a beer (or preferably a non-alcoholic and refreshing beverage)!

"Hello, Greetings from Xiaomi Customer Support! This is Eric.
Thank you for your feedback. We have noticed this situation, and concerned team are working on it. Please wait for the system update.
We would like to know if your device is only unable to use the emergency call function normally, but is able to use other functions normally, or if it has no signal/service at all. Once we have your feedback, we will get back to you with proper handling.
Best Regards
Xiaomi Global Email Service"

SUMMARY

  • Certain 4G and 5G phones currently working on VoLTE may be actively blocked through a government directive after 28th October
  • These are usually grey import phones that revert to 3G for 000 emergency calls
  • There are a lot of people ignoring the annoying text and voice messages on their phones, thinking "My phone IS 4G/5G, I am not affected"
  • Come October 28, there is going to be a tsunami of shock and anger

Oct 24 last minute legislation to block 4G and 5G phones that revert to 3G for 000 calls
https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2024L01353/asmade/downloads

Banana3's Summary (READ THIS FIRST to understand what the issue actually IS, instead of spouting "3G shutdown has been announced for years…")
"Again, the issue is not whether 3G should be shut down or not. I think most people in this discussion agree that it needs to be shut down. The issue is that a few years ago the communication was: as long as your phone supports 4g, then you should be fine. Then earlier this year: No, 4g alone is not going to cut it, you need to have a phone that supports VoLTE. Then: Wait, actually, not just any VoLTE, only those that the network allows your phone to use (yes, Vodafone told me that when my perfectly working VoLTE phone stopped working after they shut down 3g). Then on the last minute: Oh wait, actually, not just that, your phone also needs to be able to call 000 on 4g by default. None of these have been properly planned, or thought of, or mitigated. It's all just a big mess. If anyone is confused, it's not their fault."

What to do?

Useful information:
The Little Known Problems with VoLTE Emergency Calling - https://medium.com/@jamesdwho/the-little-known-problems-with…

Mobile 3G Mobile Phone Xiaomi

Comments

  • masterqur on 28/10/2024 - 23:34

    So they are just reading your IMEI and determine whether they think your phone qualify. You can check this (dummy IMEI for a pixel9): 350266801111111

    https://amta.org.au/3g-closure-old/check-my-device/

  • Korban Dallas on 28/10/2024 - 23:41

    Amaysim working here mi10t. Boost dim dead.

  • Sam44 on 29/10/2024 - 00:58
    +1

    Guys… Anyone in Sydney affected by the 3g shutdown yet?

    Currently using huawei y5, my dual sim phone uses both optus Sims. Been able to use 4g Data and still receiving signal.

    I wonder maybe in next few days they will shut down soon?

    • masterqur on 29/10/2024 - 01:14
      +1

      They could do so and they might do so. That is the problem.

    • stephendt on 29/10/2024 - 01:23

      Have you been getting warning SMS? If so then expect the worst.

    • Zackeroo on 29/10/2024 - 09:04
      +2

      My OnePlus was shutdown immediately in Sydney. Not sure how yours is still going… Maybe to do with Optus, I'm on Telstra

  • masterqur on 29/10/2024 - 01:39
    +2

    I think this summarize it well. It is just a white list, not about whether the phone is actually able to make 000 call.

    https://imgur.com/a/7nIfd3C

    from comment of https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPlTz-3estM

  • whyisave on 29/10/2024 - 03:02
    +1

    Stop Telco 4G/5G Device Blocking & VoLTE Restrictions - Australia's 3G Shutdown [Petition - Change.org]
    https://www.change.org/p/stop-telco-4g-5g-device-blocking-vo…

  • neoleo on 29/10/2024 - 08:25
    +2

    If all telco companies include Vodafone really have blocked your android phones/android tablets, maybe IMEI change is the last hope. Do it at your own risk. It's your own devices, right? I haven't tried this IMEI change:

    https://drfone.wondershare.com/sim-unlock/change-imei-androi…

    I remember very long time ago I tried "Mobile Uncle Tools" and "MTK engineering mode" in my mediatek processor phone to see the details.

    It looks like MTK engineering mode is not available in my Moto G54 (second phone) even though it uses Mediatek processor. But, Moto G54 is supported and not banned by telco companies.

  • timhn on 29/10/2024 - 08:38
    +6

    Wondering what will happen to tourists arriving to Australia, pop in a SIM card purchased at airport and found their phones still have no signals.

    • neoleo on 29/10/2024 - 08:42

      Maybe they can only use roaming for 2 months maximum.

    • Costanza on 29/10/2024 - 08:47

      Yea maybe an IMEI check during activation and some way to prove your a tourist (to get the 90 day exemption).

      • whyisave on 29/10/2024 - 09:36

        Is there a 90-day exemption ?

        • Costanza on 29/10/2024 - 09:42
          +4

          https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2024L01353/asmade/text

          71 Exception – foreign travellers in Australia

          Sections 65, 67 and 69 do not apply if a carriage service provider:

          (a) is aware, or becomes aware, that the mobile phone is being used by an end-user who is a foreign traveller in Australia who intends to remain in Australia for a period of no longer than 90 consecutive days; and

          (b) has sent a notification to the mobile phone to the effect that the mobile phone is not configured to be able to access the emergency call service.

    • joelmuzz on 29/10/2024 - 19:32
      +1

      There is a 28 day notice period for everyone. And a 90 day exemption period for tourists, if they are aware you are a tourist.
      They should be aware since you cant activate an anonymous SIM, you have to do the ID registration so that knows you are foreign.
      And of course the message can say to "text TOURIST if you plan of staying in australia no longer than 90 days".

      Most likely they will just get pretty lax with enforcement after the first two months.
      Almost all local phones will have already been eliminated so nobody will be paying any attention.

  • WatchNerd on 29/10/2024 - 09:25
    +1

    Anyone asked for a refund from their service provider who has blocked them yet?

    For example if you've recently bought a 1 year plan and weren't made aware your phone won't work before buying then it would be a breach of consumer law.

    • whyisave on 29/10/2024 - 09:42
      +4

      For example if you've recently bought a 1 year plan and weren't made aware your phone won't work before buying then it would be a breach of consumer law.

      What's interesting to me is, we have a 12-month Boost SIM plan (the $300 plan) and Boost has been saying that the 3G shutdown is happening, for a lot of this year (2024).
      This 12-month plan is in a Xiaomi phone, which is 5G capable.
      Last week, Boost says

      We previously reached out to tell you that your current Xiaomi <model> device won’t work when the 3G network is switched off.
      We’ve done additional testing and our records now show that you should be able to continue to use your current Xiaomi <model> device after the 3G network is switched off.

      So, even the telco network is telling me the phone is fine to use, after the 3G shutdown, but the Boost SIM stopped working in this phone **and* the SIM does not work in a Samsung Galaxy S21 5G phone either, to which Boost support says the solution is for a SIM swap (!?!?!)

      • whyisave on 29/10/2024 - 09:57
        +4

        Plot Twist:

        After the Boost SIM spent about 4-5 hours away from the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G phone,
        it now works in the S21 phone now 😂

        • KaitoKid1412 on 29/10/2024 - 10:19

          That's strange, but also not good that boost said it would work but didn't.

    • Zeph101 on 29/10/2024 - 17:55

      I wouldn't say that its a breach of consumer law.

      They are still providing the service.

      You would have to prove you asked in advance that the device you are using would not be compatible with their network after 3G was turned off.

      I mean how are they to know what device you are using when you sign up. I have never been asked what device I want to use for the plans I have bought.

  • KaitoKid1412 on 29/10/2024 - 09:56
    +1

    Are people with phones blocked currently falling either one or both of these categories:

    1. Live in Tasmania
    2. On Telstra or its wholesale network

    Has anyone not in these categories got banned too?

    • Encify on 29/10/2024 - 09:58
      +1

      My parents live in Tasmania and they were cut off unfortunately.
      One was Coles and other Boost.

    • HopSkipJumpFallSplat on 29/10/2024 - 09:59
      +2

      Vic and blocked on Boost but not Amaysim, if Boost is in the phone Amaysim is also blocked, remove Boost and Amaysim is fine, I expect it to be blocked by Optus is the days to come.

      • KaitoKid1412 on 29/10/2024 - 10:10
        +1

        There could be a quirk here, not sure how accurate it is but I heard Optus network modem settings are more generic than Telstra's, so maybe the phone works better/is compatible on Optus than Telstra, which may save it.

        I have noticed I get one less error (some random sync call history thing) on Optus compared to on Telstra.

        Having said this, it could just be a delayed Optus action.

    • pegaxs on 29/10/2024 - 10:03
      +6

      I don’t live in Taswegia
      I am on Aldi

      Daughter’s phone, a Redmi 12 bought from JB HiFi very late last year has been fully blocked. Her SIM works in my Pixel 7 Pro, but the phone is dead in the water. My SIM doesn’t work in her phone either.

      Am going to go and get a Vomitfone SIM today to check if that will possibly fix it.

      I’m spewing because I asked at the time if this phone was good to use on the Telstra network and that it was 4G and did VoLTE, and was assured it would be ok.

      • HopSkipJumpFallSplat on 29/10/2024 - 10:06
        +6

        JB is still selling the Redmi 12.

        • pegaxs on 29/10/2024 - 13:23
          +3

          That's why I didn't even bother looking into it. Was in there only just on saturday (26/10) and they had them "on special" for $199. I thought "well, if they are still selling them, it will be fine to keep using ours.

          • Renegade1970 on 29/10/2024 - 21:08

            @pegaxs: Inwas going to buy the redmi 12. So it's blocked is it?

            • pegaxs on 29/10/2024 - 22:18

              @Renegade1970: Mine is, yes, your mileage may vary. It would be an easy slam dunk under ACL to get a refund.

              You can also use the ACMA website and there is an IMEI checking tool and before you pay, you can get the phone’s IMEI number off the box and try it there to see.

      • KaitoKid1412 on 29/10/2024 - 10:06
        +5

        That's very disappointing that a JB hi-fi bought phone got blocked

      • Duff5000 on 29/10/2024 - 10:08
        +8

        Get a refund from JB. Not fit for purpose.

        I would be surprised if they put up a fight over that.

        https://www.accc.gov.au/system/files/Warranties%20and%20refu…

        If something goes wrong – checklists
        The following checklists may help you work out
        if you are entitled to a refund or other kind of
        remedy.

        If you have a problem with goods you bought, ask
        yourself these questions:

        • Was it unreasonable for the goods to have a
        problem when you consider their price, quality
        and age?

        • Have you found that you cannot use the goods
        for the purpose you bought them for, even
        though you explained it to the salesperson?

        • Are the goods you received different from the
        description you were given at the shop, or do
        not match the sample you were shown?

        If the answer to any of these questions was ‘yes’,
        then the goods may not meet one or more of the
        statutory conditions listed on pp. 5-6 of this guide.
        If you think this is the case, you may be entitled to
        a refund or other remedy.

        Stop using the goods and take care of them until
        you are able to return them or notify the business
        of the problem.

        • pegaxs on 29/10/2024 - 13:08
          +5

          Yep, was only there on Saturday and asked and they were still saying “if you got it from us, it’ll be fine” and it isn’t… so next time I’m at their store, I’m checking again. Next issue I can see it “oh, you didn’t get it from this store…" bullshit… But I will be chasing it up under ACL…

      • avtek on 29/10/2024 - 10:13

        when you activate the vodaphone sim don't use the redmi 12 as it wont be able to receive and reply to confirmation texts from vodaphone during the activation process as the phone is blocked - use the pixel to activate the vodaphone sim - then after it is all up and running and your number is ported to vodaphone take the sim out and put it into the redmi

        • pegaxs on 29/10/2024 - 13:11

          Im not porting any numbers around until I know 100% that it is working… I have two test SIMS here to try and I wonrt be porting anything until I have tested both thoroughly.

          At the moment, the daughters SIM is working in "compliant" phone (ie: Pixel 7 Pro I got from Telstra 2~ish years ago), but her RedMi is not working at all, only on WiFi (even though it has been turned to 4G only/VoLTE)

      • whyisave on 29/10/2024 - 11:54

        Her SIM works in my Pixel 7 Pro, but the phone is dead in the water.

        I'm curious, … this Pixel 7 Pro has a hardware fault ?

        • pegaxs on 29/10/2024 - 13:21
          +1

          No, the Pixel 7 Pro I got from Telstra about 2 years ago, it works flawlessly with any SIM. Her phone isnt working. It doesn't matter what "Aldi" SIM I put in her phone (my SIM, my wife's, the backup 4G router, 4G security camera) none of them work.

          I have several other "Chinese" phones in the house as test units and none of them work either. My RedMi Note 10 doesnt work. My RedMi Note 9 doesn't work. Ironically, my Hisense A5C works fine :/ Guess it hasnt been on the network long enough to be flagged and banned. All the RedMi phones were banned literally almost immediately. They cant ALL have gone down with "hardware faults" in less than a day.

          I have a Sloptus and Vomitfone SIM to try in each of them and will report back later.

          • whyisave on 29/10/2024 - 13:50

            @pegaxs: Thanks for clarifying.
            The reason I asked, was because I thought of getting the Pixel 7 Pro last night,
            because I don't want to wait to find out what to do, about the parents' Xiaomi phones that I need to look after.

            The strange thing is, the "blocked" Boost SIM in the Xiaomi phone, did not 'want to work' in another functioning phone (Xiaomi/Poco F5 5G or a Samsung S21 5G), so I was a bit confused.

            Maybe, I need to give it some time, eg. a few hours, for the phone network to 'learn the SIM + IMEI'.

            I have several "Chinese" phones (including Redmi Note 10, Note 11), as well as other Samsung phones (stock ROM and custom ROM), and they all gave varying results, which was inconsistent at some times, for me to formulate a conclusion.

      • joelmuzz on 29/10/2024 - 19:42

        JB is still selling them right now.
        So there must be some setting to enable VoLTE. Or a firmware update?
        There is a code which people say toggles the setting: ##86583##

        • Duff5000 on 29/10/2024 - 19:58

          could they have the same name but multiple model numbers? Plenty of phones have that going on.

          They dont ban based on phone settings, it is all down to what model phone the imei shows up as.

        • Iggemo on 29/10/2024 - 20:30
          +2

          It doesn't matter what you do with your settings, that model is blacklisted. JB is selling expensive bricks.

    • Duff5000 on 29/10/2024 - 10:06
      +3

      Yep, people need to say which state and network they are on when commenting blocked or not.

      • whyisave on 29/10/2024 - 10:12

        Me:
        NSW.
        3 x Xiaomi phones (2 phones are 4G, 1 phone is 5G).
        Boost is blocked in phones which are not 5G.

    • KaitoKid1412 on 29/10/2024 - 10:17
      +1

      From replies so far, the categories seem to be holding up.

      It is concerning for us not blocked yet, as our time may come when Optus decides to block on the mainland.

  • zachhambo on 29/10/2024 - 10:13
    +2

    Everyday Mobile, NSW, Poco F2 Pro 5G blocked 28th

    • shane2770 on 29/10/2024 - 10:19

      Same here same fone but Belong mobile
      It shits me because i wanted to use the fone as a 5g hotspot as I have nearly 1.5k gb data banked
      Now it's useless

      • nobro25 on 29/10/2024 - 10:35
        +4

        1.5k gb? Just say 1.5 TB.

  • [Deactivated] on 29/10/2024 - 11:03
    +1

    The hard cut off for the block is this Friday November 1

    No surprises that Optus have gone even harder than Telstra on this stealth handset upgrade

    Their losses from the major hack, total network outage and dumping all that Huawei 5G gear have been huge and now they are trying to claw it back

    • KaitoKid1412 on 29/10/2024 - 12:09

      Isn't the hard cutoff November 4? So won't know for sure until then.

  • djoz on 29/10/2024 - 11:16
    +2

    I'm just having mixed feelings as I write this but looks like the best way now to hold on to your dear Xiaomi phones is to switch to Vodafone and move to Cairns.

    • The shutdown is starting from Tasmania and moving upward north.
    • Vodafone seems to have not blocked any phones as of now.

    satire post only – not an official mobile service advice

  • whyisave on 29/10/2024 - 11:48
    +3

    Australian 3g network shutdown, devices affected & providers List
    https://www.reddit.com/r/SonyXperia/comments/1gdvvv5/austral…

    Following list of Sony phones, published on Monday, 28 OCT 2024.

    Doesn't work:

    Xperia XZ Premium - Telstra

    Xperia XZ1 - Telstra

    Xperia 1 ii - Telstra / Optus / abb

    Xperia 1 III - Telstra / Optus /abb

    Xperia 10 iii – Telstra.

    Xperia 5 iii - Telstra

    Xperia 1 IV - Telstra / Optus

    Xperia 5 IV - Optus /abb

    Xperia Pro I - Telstra / Vodafone )

    Xperia 1 V - Telstra /Aldi mobile

    Works:

    Xperia XZ Premium (if it has Telstra or Retail Firmware) - Telstra

    Xperia 10 ii Softbank JP (SEA Firmware) - Coles Mobile (Optus)

    Xperia 1 V (bought from Hong Kong, not rooted) - Optus

    Xperia 5 V - Vodafone

    Xperia 1 VI (XQ-EC72 HK) - Telstra

  • zachhambo on 29/10/2024 - 12:14
    +5

    https://www.telstrawholesale.com.au/3G-Network-Closure-Block… Just discovered this, could be useful for those wanting to check other devices using IMEI/TAC. All xiaomi and oneplus models from 2021 onwards that I've tested have passed (excluding redmi note 10 pro).

    • rhabdoviridae on 29/10/2024 - 12:32

      Thanks, mate. My Xiaomi phone has passed according to that.

    • chrisie on 29/10/2024 - 12:33

      Interesting just tested the IMEI listed on the Xiaomi Poco f3 and it has passed

      • shane2770 on 29/10/2024 - 12:52

        I tested the Poco f2 Pro said it was ok
        But put belong card in and no go

        • zachhambo on 29/10/2024 - 14:00

          Is first 8 digits of IMEI (TAC) 86406404?

    • LePhasme on 29/10/2024 - 12:52
      +3

      It's weird, this is saying my phone is fine while I still received sms saying it would be disconnected

      • chrisie on 29/10/2024 - 12:57

        I agree as I too still received sms saying phone is not compatible

      • KaitoKid1412 on 29/10/2024 - 13:03

        Potentially a new list, whereas the SMS check is using an old list

    • Duff5000 on 29/10/2024 - 13:04
      +3

      No idea what to make of that. Says phones are ok but people have already been kicked off with those models.

      • KaitoKid1412 on 29/10/2024 - 13:06

        Could be related to what region of the phone it is?

    • Iggemo on 29/10/2024 - 13:14
      +1

      The site is completely ozbargained atm so i can't check lmao..

      edit: Redmi Note 9 fails

    • Tiredman on 29/10/2024 - 13:24

      Nice thanks. Passed with my Note 11 Pro 5G.

    • KaitoKid1412 on 29/10/2024 - 14:04

      Is there anyone on Telstra who has passed this checked but still didn't work for their phone in reality?

    • vanyellow on 29/10/2024 - 14:05

      my mother in laws phone got blocked
      Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Max - With Telstra
      considering its running a Snapdragon 732G, its very disappointing

    • KaitoKid1412 on 29/10/2024 - 16:32

      Xiaomi Lite 11 5G passes, waiting to see how reality turns out

      • cyberbastion on 30/10/2024 - 13:47

        i'm also using Xiaomi Lite 11 5G (Global version). but its failed on telstra check. also its no longer work since last night with amaysim, catch or telstra in NSW.

        • KaitoKid1412 on 30/10/2024 - 13:58
          +1

          Sorry forgot to add, mines is Xiaomi lite 5G NE, so slightly different but essentially the same. Apparently I might get blocked tomorrow

    • AdrianW on 29/10/2024 - 19:47

      Just enter any random 8 digits into that page and you'll nearly always get a pass.

      e.g.
      12345678
      87654321
      11111111
      55555555

    • muchape on 30/10/2024 - 00:09

      oneplus nord n20 se passed
      oneplus nord 3 5g passed
      oneplus nord ce 4 lite passed

      All global version

  • whyisave on 29/10/2024 - 12:35

    Australia's 3G Shutdown - 4G/5G Device Blocking & Capabilities Submission Form
    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc1cWEMH91QvPcboNa3…

    Great questionnaire, to vent your feelings about the 3G Shutdown.

  • Iggemo on 29/10/2024 - 13:31
    +5

    So do we know if buying a NEW redmi will even work? Like, if i was to buy a Redmi Note 13 Pro (Global) from AliExpress for $360, would that definitely work?

    • Duff5000 on 29/10/2024 - 14:20
      +2

      I certainly wouldnt be risking it.

      Personally i wouldnt touch a new import until the 3g shutdown is at least mostly complete so we have some idea what ends up surviving.

    • stealthpaw on 29/10/2024 - 14:21
      +2

      I expect all grey market phones will be entirely banned from this point on.
      Telco's and the government want their cut.

      • Iggemo on 29/10/2024 - 17:11
        +1

        But they sell the same phones at JB Hi Fi… surely it's the model that's whitelisted?

    • avtek on 29/10/2024 - 15:10
      +1

      my friend has a redmi note 13 pro 5g on kogan/vodaphone at the moment without a problem - bought from aliexpress

      • Duff5000 on 29/10/2024 - 15:43

        To early to tell what will happen as they are only just getting started on the blocking.

        Redmi note 9 pro is still working here but i highly doubt it will be for long.

        • samina on 29/10/2024 - 23:50

          for my roommate as well, Redmi note 9 pro is still working.
          My Poco x3 pro nfc still working.
          Another room mates Redmi Note 13 pro dead.

          • Iggemo on 30/10/2024 - 08:52

            @samina: redmi note 19 pro not working???? This is the first one that new ive heard of.. oh no i was planning on buying that : ( Did he get it at aliexpress or JB or ?

            • samina on 30/10/2024 - 09:37
              +1

              @Iggemo: we all room mates bought our phones outside Australia.
              We all have coles sim for international calling.

              • vomit05 on 31/10/2024 - 08:34

                @samina: Is the IMEI number 86094906? For the Redmi Note 13 pro?

      • Iggemo on 29/10/2024 - 17:12

        Can you please keep us posted in the next week or 2 if it continues to work fine !

        • avtek on 29/10/2024 - 18:10
          +1

          will do no worries

    • RiseAndRuin on 29/10/2024 - 15:24

      Some AliExpress now have info on our 3G shutdown and you can ask them to confirm if the phone will work. If there's any issue, you can usually get a full refund, just make sure you don't pick a dodgy seller (check how long they've been in business and their feedback, as you would on ebay).

  • maggiemee on 29/10/2024 - 14:06
    +1

    Lost both signals on my dual sim phone this morning (both has volte enabled). Sim1 = Kogan, Sim 2 = boost. I removed Sim 1 and noticed. SIM 2 working again. I then swapped Sim 1 now = boost and Sim 2 now Kogan, and both are working. Lol

  • TheCunningLinguist on 29/10/2024 - 14:09

    NSW
    Circles life (uses Optus)
    Xiaomi Redmi note 10 pro blocked

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