Network Locked SIM Card Inserted On Your Lenovo ThinkPhone Phone? Unlock It Now

Carriers provide cellular connections so you can access the Internet, send text messages, and make phone calls without Wi-Fi. You cannot escape the carriers once you begin using a cell phone.

Customers can purchase a new handset via carriers or the mobile phone market. You may need an unlocked phone if you wish to use a different carrier’s service on your smartphone. However, if you want a gadget linked to a specific SIM card, you may buy one from the carriers for a reduced price.

Part 1: What Does It Mean If Your Lenovo ThinkPhone Asks for SIM Network PIN?

When your phone prompts you to enter a SIM Network Unlock PIN, it means that your device is currently locked to a specific mobile network carrier, and it can only be used with SIM cards from that carrier. This locking mechanism is usually put in place by the carrier or the phone manufacturer to ensure that you continue to use their services, typically for the duration of a contract. As a result, your phone cannot be freely used with SIM cards from other carriers until it’s unlocked using the correct PIN or code.

Part 2: Why Does Your Lenovo ThinkPhone Say Invalid SIM Card – Network Locked SIM Card Inserted?

System Errors

Since SIM locking is a smartphone restriction implemented to stop it from being used on other networks, Android system errors can cause network-locked SIM cards. Resetting these errors can help unlock your network locked SIM card inserted device. Service providers decided to provide a formal SIM unlocking option as a result.

Because of this, any locked SIM may be readily unlocked, and once a device opens, it can work like a conventional mobile phone and with any SIM card of the user’s choosing.

Carrier Lock

The consumer must stick with the same service provider for a specific time after purchasing the bundled device and data pack. This is called a carrier lock on the Lenovo ThinkPhone device and is one of the most common errors in network locked SIM card inserted devices. During that time, the Lenovo ThinkPhone device will be network- or SIM-locked, prohibiting the user from changing service providers.

The user cannot change the SIM. The service provider will offer the SIM Unlock code needed to unlock the handset when the contract expires. The gadget can be used with any other SIM card and exported to another country without problems when the network lock has been removed.

Region Lock

Apple and AT&T initially worked together to implement the SIM lock and the SIM locked devices. The original purpose was to force the user to continue using the same service provider in a specific area or time.

However, some telecom service providers sell the handsets with select data plans as bundled plans in collaboration with the Lenovo ThinkPhone device manufacturers. As a result, the handset will cost less than it would otherwise. Sometimes, these offers are particular to a specific region, called a carrier lock.

Firmware Problems

Sometimes, the Lenovo ThinkPhone device manufacturers release many versions of the same firmware for different geographical locations.

As a result, it may be possible that the user may face contradictions in the agreement of device firmware and the network-locked SIM card that was supposed to be used on the Lenovo ThinkPhone device. Due to firmware problems, the users may also face a network-locked SIM card-inserted device.

Part 3: How to Unlock Network Locked SIM Card Inserted?

Unlocking a network-locked SIM card may seem like a complex task. However, it can be a straightforward process if you follow the right steps. In this section, we will guide you through the process of unlocking your network-locked SIM card. We will discuss 3 different ways you can unlock a network-locked SIM card inserted:

Method 1. Contact Network Carrier to Unlock Network Locked SIM

Contacting your network carrier is often the most recommended choice. It is a straightforward and reliable method to unlock your network-locked SIM card. Unlocking your network-locked SIM card through your carrier is a reliable and legal method. Before contacting your carrier, get information like your device’s IMEI number and account details. There are several ways to get in touch with your network carrier’s customer support.

You can call the customer support hotline, visit the website, or go to a physical store. The process usually involves receiving an unlock network code, which you need to use. Once you’ve entered the unlock code, your phone should display that it’s now unlocked. Test it with the new SIM card to ensure that it can make calls, send texts, and access mobile data without any issues.

Method 2. Use Online Unlock Service to Unlock Network Locked SIM

There are many online services available for unlocking a network-locked SIM card. In case you don’t want to go through your network carrier, these can be a good alternative. These services employ the IMEI number of the Lenovo ThinkPhone device to unlock smartphones.

One such service is Canada Unlocking , which offers to unlock your network-locked SIM card via email. Follow these steps to unlock a network-locked SIM card via online services:

Step 1: Use a web browser to access an online SIM card unlocking service like Canada Unlocking. On the main page, choose your network carrier or device brand.

Step 2: Follow it by providing the IMEI number of your device. Afterward, make the required payment, and you will receive the unlock code via email.

Method 3. Repair Your Lenovo ThinkPhone Firmware If Your Unlocked Phone Suddenly Network Locked

Coming across “Network Locked SIM Card Inserted“ doesn’t necessarily mean that your SIM card is network locked. It can also happen due to a system bug or glitch. This can be the case if you suddenly face this issue after recently updating your device. In such scenarios, you need a reliable Android system repair tool like Wondershare Dr.Fone.

With this tool, you can repair Android OS system issues such as black screen of death, apps crashing, and many more. It supports over 1000 Android models across all major Android brands for system repair. Below are the steps you need to fix the network-locked SIM card issue:

Step 1: Download and Connect Wondershare Dr.Fone

First, download Wondershare Dr.Fone from its official website. Install the software on your system and launch it to proceed. Establish a connection between your Android and the system using a USB cable. Furthermore, access the “Toolbox” section and select “System Repair” to move forward.

Step 2: Add Your Lenovo ThinkPhone Device Details

After selecting “System Repair,” you will proceed to a new window. Here, choose the “Android” button and proceed to the next screen to select “Start.” Now add your device details like “Brand”, “Name,” “Model,” “Country,” and “Carrier.” Then, checkmark the “I agree with the warning and I am ready to proceed” box from the bottom right corner and click “Next.”

Step 3: Solve the Network Locked SIM Card Inserted Issue

Now, you need to put your Android device into Download Mode. You can follow the instructions given on the screen for it. As soon as the Lenovo ThinkPhone device is in Download Mode, Wondershare Dr.Fone will start downloading the firmware. Once it is downloaded and verified, click “Fix Now.”

Confirm your choice by inserting “000000” in the pop-up dialogue box and tap “Confirm.” It will start the Android repair process to fix all system issues.

Bonus Tip. How to Unlock Network Locked Sim Card Inserted on iPhone?

If you want a fast and easy method to unlock your network-locked iPhone, you can use a third-party tool such as Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock (iOS). It is the best sim-unlock tool for iPhone users. It enables users to safely unlock their devices within five minutes. With Dr.Fone, you don’t have to wait for the sim-unlock code or reset your device firmware that can remove all your data.

You can download Dr.Fone on your PC and use it to unlock your iPhone without data loss. You can also use Dr.Fone to unlock your iPhone’s screen lock and Apple ID. Although Dr.Fone is a one-stop solution for all of your phone-related problems, its sim-unlock only works for Apple devices. Here is how you unlock your carrier-locked iPhone with Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock (IOS).

• Download and install Dr.Fone on your PC. Launch the application and select the “Screen Unlock” tab from the list on the homepage.

• Now, click on the “Remove SIM Locked” tab on the next page. You can only use it to unlock iPhones.

• Connect your iPhone and PC with a USB cable. Once your device is ready, click on the “Start” option to proceed with the sim unlock process.

• Next, the system will detect the Lenovo ThinkPhone device connection, then its information will show up on your PC screen. If all of it is OK, click on the “Unlock Now” option.

• You cannot unlock your iPhone without a jailbreak, so you must do it before the system unlocks it. You can learn about the jailbreak process via the guide, or watching the video provided by Dr.Fone to jailbreak your iPhone is also feasible. The process is compatible with devices running iOS 12 to iOS 14.8.1.

• Now, you have to complete three tasks on your iPhone. First, put the SIM card out of your device. Open “Settings” and tap on the “WIFI” option. Tap on the blue exclamation mark next to all the connected networks and select “Forget This Network.” Now, switch off the “WIFI” and insert the locked SIM card in your iPhone. Click on the “Continue” option on your computer.

• After that, Dr.Fone will automatically start the SIM unlocking process. You can see its progress on your PC. The process only takes a few minutes to complete, so you don’t have to wait for a long time.

• After the process ends, all the sim restrictions on your iOS device are now removed and you can use sim cards from any network carrier. Next, click on the “Done” option to end the sim unlocking process.

Part 4: Why is SIM Unlocking Important?

As previously stated, a SIM lock enables a service provider to stop a customer from using the smartphone with the SIM cards of another service provider. This guarantees that the Lenovo ThinkPhone device is only being used with the original SIM card for each provider. This locking also has a lot of drawbacks because it is incompatible with any other SIM card.

1. The phone cannot be used with other SIM cards if the SIM lock is enabled. Customers must therefore adhere to the current plan as is.
2. Since nobody wants to purchase a locked phone, it is hard for someone to sell or gift the mobile.
3. Traveling abroad with a SIM-locked phone could provide some challenges because you won’t be able to use a local SIM card on the phone while you’re there.

All the problems can be fixed, and the SIM works in any nation with the removed SIM lock.

Conclusion

Any of the methods above can work to get around the prohibition against using other SIM cards with your Android handset. The best thing about using Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock is that you don’t need unlocking codes to complete the tasks.

What Does ‘Enter PUK Code’ Mean And Why Did The Sim Get PUK Blocked On Lenovo ThinkPhone Device

If your SIM card is disabled, you probably entered the incorrect PIN code too frequently. Your SIM locks itself after three to five wrong inputs, on average. Although it might be annoying, doing these guards against unauthorized access to your phone and personal data. If your cell phone is lost or stolen, PUK blocked will prevent prospective hackers from making calls.

Your mobile phone display can say “PIN blocked” or “Enter PUK code.” PUK stands for PIN Unblocking Key in the PUK code. The PUK code is seldom given to you when you receive your membership in the US. Contact Your Lenovo ThinkPhone provider’s customer support if you don’t know your PUK code.

Part 1: Why Was My Sim Card Blocked?

1. 3 times incorrect Pin entered

Sometimes when you forget your pin and keep on entering the wrong one, you can get PUK Blocked. You can utilize three to five chances, and your sim gets blocked when you enter the incorrect pin in all of these attempts.

2. Wrong PUK code entered

Sims are frequently blocked; therefore, if you have your PUK, keep it in a secure location separate from your phone. This is because it is the key to unlocking your SIM. The SIM will be permanently disabled, and you will have to buy a new SIM card if you input the wrong PUK ten times in a row.

Part 2: What To Do When I Blocked My Sim Card?

Your SIM card has been disabled to protect your security if you enter three wrong PINs and your phone shows “SIM card banned” or “Enter PUK code”.

You must input a PUK (PIN Unlock Key) code to unlock your SIM card.

Go to your phone’s settings to customize your PIN code after using a PUK code to unlock your SIM card. Pick a PIN that is simple to remember.

If your PUK code was delivered to you by email:

You got an email with multiple codes, including PUK1, PIN2, and PUK2.

If your PIN is locked, use PUK1 to unlock it.

Only a few phones employ PIN2 and PUK2 codes to restrict access to certain SIM card functionalities.

PIN2: The default code for your SIM card; If this code has been altered, use the PUK2 code to restore it.

PUK2: Your PIN2’s unlock code if it has been blocked.

Part 3: How Can I Have My PUK Code To Unlock Sim Card?

1. Get it from sim card packaging

The packing box is the best and easiest place to look for the PUK code to unlock your SIM card.

You probably have memories of the flat plastic package you got when you bought a SIM card. Your PUK and default SIM pin code should be written on the package.

Please look around your home for the package and look on the back for the key. On some older packaging, it could be sealed behind a scratchable region, whereas on other, more recent ones, you might find it unsealed.

In either case, the correct PUK has 8 numbers and should be simple to enter to unlock your SIM card.

2. Have it from carrier website

In all honesty, I doubt I’ll ever be able to locate my SIM card package again, and I imagine most people feel the same way.

But happily, a lot of cell companies let you access your account on their app or website to check your SIM card PUK. Please log in to the appropriate website or app, then go to your profile to see whether anything about “PUK” is available there.

It shouldn’t be an issue if you were utilizing or signed in to the platform before your SIM was disabled. However, if not, you might not be able to access anything since you could be asked to input an OTP to verify your identity.

Please remove the SIM card and try again if you can’t access your phone to utilize the app or website because of the SIM lock. After receiving the PUK code, you can re-insert the SIM and input it.

3. Contact your carrier

It’s time to call customer support, which should be simpler for most individuals if none of the above options work for you. For example, your mobile service provider created your SIM card. Therefore, they have all the information you would require. Before they divulge anything to you, though, they should be able to verify your identity.

Use a different phone to call your customer service number and describe the issue. And following a series of inquiries, they should offer your PUK number as identification.

However, customer service won’t release the code if you can’t back yourself up. And at that point, there’s probably nothing further you can do. Therefore, make sure you have some information, such as your name, address, date of birth, etc., before you call them.

Part 4: Easy Tool For Sim Card Unlock

If you want to unlock your PUK blocked sim card, you can use a network unlock tool like Dr.Fone. With Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) , you can remove the PUK block on your sim card instantly. You don’t have to contact your network carrier or search for the PUK code, as you can use your PC to unlock any sim card.

Dr.Fone enables users to unblock their sim cards within minutes. It is a fast, safe, and easy-to-use tool that works as a one-stop solution for any of your smartphone-related issues. Before you try to unblock your sim card with Dr.Fone, do remember that this feature is only for iPhones and iPads. Here is how you can use Dr.Fone to open your PUK blocked sim card.

• Open Dr.Fone on your PC. After launching the application, select the “Screen Unlock” tab from the homepage to access the “SIM unlock” tool.
• Next, select the “Remove SIM Locked” option on the next page. The sim unlock feature is only available for iPhones and iOS devices.

• Use a USB cable to connect your PC and iPhone. After you ensure that your device is connected, click on the “Start” option to begin the sim unlock process.

• Now, Dr.Fone will check your iOS device and show its information for verification. Click on the “Unlock Now” option if it’s correct.

• The iPhone sim unlock will not work without a jailbreak, so you have to do it before the system start removing the sim lock. You can follow the guide about how to jailbreak your iPhone provided by Dr.Fone. The unlock process runs well with devices of iOS 12 to iOS 14.8.1.
• Now, you have to finish three easy steps to set up your iPhone. First, extract the sim card from your device. And follow the following steps. After this, click on the “Continue” option.

• After you complete these steps, Dr.Fone will directly remove the sim lock on your device. You can view the progress on your screen. The process will not take a long time to complete, so you only have to wait for a few minutes.
• After Dr.Fone ends the sim unlock process, there will be no sim restrictions on your iOS device. It means you can use sim cards from any network carrier. Now, click on the “Done” option after your task is complete.

Conclusion

People who still have their SIM pack shouldn’t have trouble figuring out “how to acquire a PUK code to unlock a SIM card”. However, for those without it, getting in touch with customer service may be the only option. As long as your SIM card has accurate information, this process should be simple.

Once you have the proper PUK to unlock your SIM card , don’t be reluctant to write it down somewhere you can easily find it later. It might not be a terrible idea to store it on your Google Drive. This way, you will not see PUK blocked, as you know how to unlock PUK blocked sim card.

How to Unlock SIM Card on Lenovo ThinkPhone online without jailbreak

Isn’t it so frustrating when you try to change your SIM or your network, but just can’t because your phone is locked under contract? Phones are our life source in this global age, it’s our tether to reality, to the world! But if you have a carrier locked phone, then that connection is basically under contract by an external agency! You can’t change your networks, there are limitations on how you use your phone, and when you have to travel abroad you have no option other than paying the roaming charges. If you, say, have an iPhone 5c and have these frustrations, it’s likely you’re already wondering how to unlock the iPhone 5c.

Chances are that if you’ve had a carrier locked phone for a while, you might have already forgotten what cellular freedom feels like. But we’re here to remind you. All you have to do is break that carrier-lock, and you’re good to go. However, you should be careful when doing so, cause if you try using a jailbreaking technique, it could have major repercussions. So we’re here to give you some valuable advice about how to unlock iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, or even Android phones.

Part 1: Unlock SIM Card on Lenovo ThinkPhone via jailbreak

Before we get into telling you how to unlock iPhone 5, or the SIM Card on iPhone or Android, we should first tell you what Jailbreaking is. You might have heard of this term before, and I’m sure it sounded ominous to you. Jailbreak? It sounds awfully close to ‘Prison break.’ Well, considering the carrier lock is sort of like a prison for your cell, it is an accurate terminology. But Jailbreak isn’t just about breaking the carrier lock. That might happen as a by-product, but the real purpose is to break free of the software restrictions which are generally applied to Apple devices. This might seem like a good option because, well, who doesn’t want to break free of all of Apple’s restrictions? But that always comes at several heavy risks.

Threats of unlocking SIM via Jailbreak

1. Not Permanent

This has got to be one of the biggest reasons for not jailbreaking your phone. It is not at all permanent! In fact, the moment you update your system, your jailbreak is lost and if you’ve started using a different SIM it will no longer function, and you’re gonna have to go back to using that Carrier you tried so hard to escape from! It’s really not worth the effort. Of course, you could stop updating altogether, but then that will bring us to…

2. Risky

If you don’t update your iOS, or Mac or iPad or any device at all, in this day and age, you’re basically just asking to be hacked. That is not to excuse those who do the hacking and plant malware on your system, but if you leave your front door open in a shitty neighborhood, well then you only have yourself to blame once you get robbed!

3. Warranty

Jailbreaking has now become kind-of-legal, in a very tenuous sense, but that doesn’t mean Apple wholeheartedly welcomes jailbreaking. If you do so, you will never again be able to avail of the warranty on your phone. And with the kind of major bucks you have to shell out for those iPhones, you best keep that warranty intact.

4. Lack of Apps

Many top-notch and crucial app companies and organizations simply refuse to make their applications usable in jailbreak phones, as they are extremely risky and prone to hacking. As a result, you would have to rely on a bunch of non-professional apps made by amateurs, which is more likely to put your phone in harm’s way.

5. Bricking

This basically means your whole system may crash and stop functioning. As a result, you’re gonna’ have to restore the whole thing and try to salvage whatever information you can. Now those who do jailbreak regularly will give you all kinds of excuses like it happens only rarely or that you can retrieve your data simply from the cloud, et al. But do you really want to divest all your time and energy trying to fight off malware, backing up all your data, etc, especially when there is a much more convenient option just around the corner?

Didn’t think so.

Part 2: How to unlock SIM Card on iPhone without jailbreak[Bonus]

As mentioned above, unlocking by jailbreaking is risky and only temporary. Therefore, this is not a very good choice. Honestly, a professional and reliable SIM unlock software is the best option. The good news for iPhone users is coming! Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock has launched a quality SIM unlock service for iPhone. Follow us to know more about it!

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

Fast SIM Unlock for iPhone

• Supports almost all carriers, from Vodafone to Sprint.
• Move to any network operator within minutes aimlessly without data loss.
• You can unlock an iPhone without an R-SIM.
• Support newly released models from iPhone 5S to iPhone X.

3981454 people have downloaded it

How to use Dr.Fone SIM Unlock Service

Step 1. Download Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock and click on “Remove SIM Locked”.

Step 2. Start authorization verification process to continue. Make sure your iPhone has connected to the computer. Click on “Confirmed” to next step.

Step 3. Your device will get a configuration profile. Then follow the guides to unlock screen. Select “Next” to continue.

Step 4. Turn off the popup page and go to “Settings → Profile Downloaded”. Then choose “Install” and type your screen passcode.

Step 5. Select “Install” on the top right and then click the button again at the bottom. After finishing the installation, turn to “Settings → General”.

Next, detailed steps will show on your iPhone screen, just follow it! And Dr.Fone will provide “Remove Setting” services for you after the SIM lock removed to enable Wi-Fi as normal. Click on our iPhone SIM Unlock guide to learn more.

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Part 3: How to unlock SIM Card on iPhone and Android without jailbreak

Now that you know what not to do, i.e., jailbreak, we can finally tell you how to unlock iPhone 5 in a legal, safe and secure manner online, without jailbreaking. Up until a while back, one of the reasons people chose to jailbreak their phones is because the legitimate means was such a headache in which you had to contact the carrier and request a change, and even then they could refuse after several weeks of ‘verification.’ However, now with the slow introduction of apps that can essentially do all the work for you, within a matter of 48 hours, it really makes no sense to jailbreak. So now we’ll tell you how to unlock iPhone 5c using an Online iPhone unlock tool called DoctorSIM Unlock Service.

SIM Unlock Service is really quite the revolutionary tool which just needs your IMEI code and can do all the work for you and send you the unlock code within a guaranteed period of 48 hours! It is safe, it is legal, it is hassle-free, and it doesn’t even lapse your warranty, which proves that it is an officially approved means of unlocking your iPhone. However, before we tell you how to unlock iPhone 5, you should probably be able to verify if your phone is unlocked already.

Part 4: How to unlock SIM Card on iPhone with iPhoneIMEI.net without jailbreak

iPhoneIMEI.net uses an official method to unlock iPhone devices and whitelist your IMEI from Apple’s database. Your iPhone will be unlocked automatically Over-The-Air, simply connect it to a Wifi network (Available for iOS 7, iOS 8, iOS 9, iOS 10 or higher, iOS 6 or lower should be unlocked by iTunes). So you don’t need to send your iPhone to the network provider. The unlocked iPhone will never be relocked no matter you upgrade the OS or sync with iTunes.

How to unlock iPhone with iPhoneIMEI?

Step 1. To unlock iPhone with iPhoneIMEI, firstly go to iPhoneIMEI.net official website.

Step 2. Fill in the iPhone model, and the network provider your iPhone is locked to, and click on Unlock.

Step 3. Then fill in the IMEI number of your iPhone. Click on Unlock Now and finish the payment. After the payment is successful, iPhoneIMEI will send your IMEI number to the network provider and whitelist it from Apple activation database (You will be received an email for this change).

Step 4. Within 1-5 days, iPhoneImei will send you an email with subject “Congratulations! Your iPhone has been unlocked”. When you see that email, just simply connect your iPhone to a Wifi network and insert any SIM card, your iPhone should work instantly!

Well so now that you know all the basics of unlocking carrier phones and the risks of jailbreaking, hopefully you’ll be well equipped to make informed decisions. Of course, Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) Service isn’t the only one available in the market right now. There are a few more. However, this is still a relatively new area, and I can tell from personal experience that the other tools and softwares aren’t completely broken in yet and are more prone to delays, errors, etc. DoctorSIM is an assuredly superior choice.

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