Mobile Networks

The Librem 5 is designed to work on a wide range of mobile networks. The modem you chose should already be installed in the phone, and it should be suitable for your region. To start using the phone for calls, messaging and cellular data services, you need to install a SIM card and enable it. This is normally done when you set up the phone.

The sections below cover each step in the process.

Switch on the Modem

The phone cannot configure the mobile network without access to the modem. If the modem is disabled, slide the switch into the enabled position, away from the SIM slot.

The locations of kill switches on the edge of the phone

The modem should now be enabled.

Unlock the Phone Screen

If the screen is locked, unlock it by sliding the arrow up to reveal the keypad. Unlock the phone by entering your passcode as usual.

Open the Settings

Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the settings panel, then long press the Cellular icon.

The tools button on the settings panel

The Settings application will open.

If the modem is disabled with either the hardware kill switch or with the software toggle switch, you will see the following page.

The cellular page cannot be accessed until the modem is enabled

Ensure that the hardware switch is in the enabled position then tap the software switch in the top-right corner of the page.

Unlock the SIM Card

If the SIM card was not unlocked when the phone was powered on, this page will show that the SIM card is locked.

The cellular page is locked until the SIM card is unlocked

Press the Unlock button to start the process of unlocking the SIM card. You will be prompted to enter the PIN code for the SIM card – this will have been supplied by your mobile network service provider.

The SIM unlock page with the PIN code entered

Enter your PIN code using the on-screen keyboard and press the Unlock button. You only have a limited number of attempts to enter your PIN code, so take care to enter it correctly. Once the PIN code has been entered, the settings will be shown.

The cellular settings page

This page allows the modem’s usage of the mobile network to be configured.