Enable Cellular Networking

The Librem 5 is designed to work on a wide range of mobile networks. A cellular modem should already be installed in the phone, and it should be appropriate for your region. A SIM card must be properly installed and enabled to use the phone for calls, SMS messaging, MMS messaging and other cellular data services.

The sections below cover each step in the process.

Power 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 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 Settings

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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