Getting started

The following sections describe how to set up your Librem 5 or Liberty Phone for the first time.

See also

1. First Run sheet as included with the phone

2. Quick Start Guide: (PDF; source).

3. Librem 5 Hardware Reference

Materials

Component	Required?	Notes
nano-SIM card 1	No, but…	Required if you wish to place and receive phone calls/texts/data
microSD card	No	Useful for removable storage expansion
3FF format (micro-SIM sized) smart card	No	Useful for hardware-encrypted communication

1

SIM cards are provided by your mobile network service provider.

Install nano-SIM and microSD cards

The phone accepts a nano-SIM card and a microSD card in the slot marked in the diagram below. These are installed together using the tray included with the phone.

1. Ensure that the phone is fully powered off. 2

2. Place the phone on a flat, hard, level surface with the screen facing down.

3. Insert the point of the extraction tool into the hole at the end of the tray, at right angles to the side of the phone.

4. Push the point firmly into the hole until the tray pops out, then gently pull the tray out of the slot.

5. Insert the nano-SIM card into the tray on the edge of the phone, as shown in the diagram below.

6. Optional: Insert a microSD card into the vacant slot.

The tray will click into the socket when fully closed.

2

See this known issue for details.

Charge the phone

The device must be charged before it can be used.

1. Plug the charger into a mains power supply

2. Place the phone on a flat, hard, level surface

3. Connect the phone to the charger via the USB cable provided The indicator light should appear red to show that the phone is charging. It will turn off again when the phone is fully charged. 3

4. Allow the phone to charge for at least an hour

5. Unplug the charger from the power outlet

6. Unplug the USB cable from the phone

3

Refer to the Troubleshooting section to address any charging issues.

Power on the phone

1. Ensure that the screen is visible.

2. Locate the power button.

3. Press and hold down the power button until the indicator light appears green. The screen will illuminate shortly afterward.

See also

See the Troubleshooting section if the device fails to power on. If this is true, there may be an issue with the battery.

Unlocking the screen

Once powered on, the device will greet you with a locked screen. If the screen has switched off, briefly press the power button to switch it on again.

A locked screen should now be visible at this point. To unlock the screen:

1. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to reveal the passcode entry screen.

2. Enter your passcode using the numeric keypad, then press the Unlock button.

Tip

You can change the passcode at any time by following these steps.

If this is the first time you are unlocking the device, the Welcome screen of the Initial Setup application will appear. Otherwise, the phone will display the app drawer.

Locking the screen

Button method

Lock the screen by briefly pressing the power button on the side of the phone.

UI method

At the top-left corner of the settings panel is the lock the screen button. At the top-right corner of the settings panel is the power button. Tap this to access menu items that let you lock the screen, restart the phone, and switch off the power.