Help please - unlocked my Lenovo B from O2

butterflymum

... using network unlock code.


The code was accepted and the 'network locked' screen disappeared, I was then able to use my phone on a new network. Later, after being powered off, I switched on my phone and, the 'network locked' screen appeared again. It won't shift until I re-enter the unlock code. Not ideal having to do this each time I switch the phone on. Anyone have any experience of similar happening and how did you resolve it? I've tried a 'soft reset' (removed battery whilst phone switched on, then put it back after 30 seconds) but still happening.

AndyPix

Did you unlock the phone with no sim card inserted ?

butterflymum

I inserted the new network sim card first, as this seemed the only way to get the 'network locked' screen to show in first instance and allow me to enter the code.

Enceladus

Where did you get the code from? O2?
I suggest you try backing up anything you want to keep and perform a factory default reset. If the unlock has been correctly applied then the phone should still be unlocked when it restarts. If not, then re-enter the code when prompted and this time the unlock should be correctly applied. If not, then the phone must have a fault. Also re-install any firmware updates from Lenovo.

butterflymum

Not from 02. After some research, I used a seller on Ebay who has been selling there for numerous years and has numerous and generally excellent feedback. Had initially noticed this seller recommended by MSE/HUKD members etc.


As said, the code does work in that it initially unlocks the network and I am able to use new network's sim (and see it properly recorded in settings etc). It stays unlocked if I leave phone switched on and sleeping, but if I switch phone off completely and then switch on again, the network locked screen appears yet again. There is no problem unlocking it again with the code, other than it is a nuisance to do so.


It is certainly looking like the factory default reset might be my next step, but I had been hoping to avoid doing that. I have already done a 'soft reset' (removed battery whilst phone on), but no change.

Jon_01

I recall from a long time back that there were 4 different unlock codes for most handsets. One would unlock for good, and one or two of the others would unlock until a power off.

I have no idea if this is still valid for newer devices, but it might be worth checking with the dealer to make sure they've generated the right code?

butterflymum

It's a newish model, and afaik, only one code is needed. Seller is adamant that correct code generated (actually refunded me, as they couldn't understand why it wasn't providing the expected 'permanent' unlock).

butterflymum

Did a factory default reset this afternoon and updated Lenovo software etc.


Alas, problem still same. Unlock code entered, network unlocked message appears, new network shows and can be used, but if phone switched off then the 'network locked page appears again when switched on.


Trust me to have a phone that doesn't want to accept a permanent unlock. I only decided to unlock it as I had the chance of a sim with free minutes/texts/data through my broadband provider and it seemed a waste not to make use of it.

GunJack

why are you insisting on turning the phone off at all?OK, it doesn't solve the issue, but:-
1. it's a workaround and
2. my phones never get switched off, why would you want to?? Easy to mute it if circumstances dictate (meetings, etc.)

...and no, I'm not a phone-addict Millennial

ballyblack

put phone in aeroplane mode instead of powering down

butterflymum

Thanks for your suggestions GunJack and ballyblack.


I know I can do either and that this will 'get around' the problem, but I suppose I was just frustrated that there was a problem that wasn't expected and curious as to why it is continuing (thankfully I'm not a cat).


Technology always fascinates me and I enjoy discovering why sometimes it doesn't work as expected and how, where possible, it can be corrected when something unexpected does occur.