In 2024, How To Fix OEM Unlock Missing on Lenovo?

How To Fix OEM Unlock Missing on Lenovo ThinkPhone?

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Unlock is a function on Android devices. It allows you to unlock your phone bootloader. A bootloader or bootstrap loader gathers the operating system files, loads them into memory, and hands over control, essentially starting your device. Unlocking the bootloader assists you in installing custom ROMs, flashing custom kernels, and rooting your phone.

However, this freedom comes with some trade-offs. Most manufacturers will void your warranty if you unlock the bootloader, and it can also make your phone face higher risks of malware and other security threats. Additionally, it can be difficult to relock the bootloader once you unlock it.

If you encounter the OEM unlock missing on your Android phone despite wanting to unlock your bootloader, this article can help. You will learn the step-by-step guide for the different methods to fix the missing OEM unlock option. Before diving into solutions, let’s explore why this option might be unavailable in the first place.

Part 1: Why Is OEM Unlock Missing on Your Device?

Finding that OEM Unlock is missing on your Android phones can be frustrating, particularly if you plan to modify your software or install a custom ROM. But don’t worry. There are several possible explanations for this. Let’s explore some of the most common reasons:

Manufacturer Restrictions

The Missing OEM Unlock option can often be due to restrictions imposed by your device’s manufacturers. They may intentionally remove this option to safeguard device security and compatibility. It is common with carrier-locked devices. As a result, the OEM Unlock option may not show.

Bootloader Already Unlocked

In some cases, the Android OEM Unlock Missing issue arises when the bootloader has already been unlocked. Relocking the bootloader might make the option reappear. But exercise caution as this process can erase device data.

Developer Options Not Enabled

It might seem obvious, but sometimes the simplest things get overlooked. The OEM Unlock option can only be accessed from within Developer Options. If this menu isn’t enabled, you won’t see it.

Carrier-Locked Devices

The OEM Unlock Missing issue can also occur if your device is carrier-locked. Carriers often impose restrictions to prevent users from switching networks, and bootloader unlocking is one way to do that. Unfortunately, the missing OEM Unlock option is usually intentional, and unlocking your device can be more complicated.

Security Features

Enhanced security features, like Samsung’s KNOX, can sometimes conceal the OEM Unlock option. Temporarily turning off these features might show the option, but it’s crucial to be aware of the potential security implications of doing so.

Corrupted Bootloader

A corrupted bootloader can also lead to the Android OEM Unlock missing problem. The bootloader plays a role in the boot process, and if it’s damaged, it might not display the necessary options. This can be caused by software glitches, failed flashing attempts, or even hardware issues. In this scenario, you might need to consult your device’s manufacturer or a technical specialist to help repair or re-flash the bootloader.

Connectivity Issues

A poor connection between your device and computer can also prevent the OEM Unlocking from showing up. Check your cables and try using different USB ports to ensure a stable connection.

Part 2: How To Enable Missing OEM Unlock Without a Password?

Unlocking your phone’s bootloader (OEM Unlock) varies across models and brands. Some need a passcode or PIN after rebooting the phone, while others don’t. Even if your phone doesn’t require a separate password, your existing screen lock (password, PIN, pattern) will usually be needed to enable the missing OEM unlock option.

But what if you forgot that, too? Wondershare Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock can help bypass forgotten passwords and unlock your phone even if you don’t have the technical knowledge. Here’s a quick breakdown of its key features in this area:

Success Rate

High success rate for bypassing various lock screen types, including PIN code, pattern lock, passwords, and fingerprints.

Ease of Use

Provides a concise and intuitive interface that guides users with clear instructions and on-screen prompts.

Comprehensive Features

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock tool can remove the Android phone lock screen without resetting your Samsung or LG device. It can also help you bypass Google Factory Reset Protection (FRP) on mainstream Android brands.

Extensive Device Compatibility

Aside from Samsung and LG, it covers a wide range of popular Android brands like Vivo, Huawei, Xiaomi, Oppo, etc.

Regain control in minutes with Dr.Fone. First, download the app to your desktop and install it. Once it’s up and running, launch Dr.Fone and prepare to unlock your device with ease. You’ll find detailed instructions below – even if you don’t know your phone’s lock screen, Dr.Fone has you covered.

Step 1: Select Screen Unlock from the Toolbox homepage. Then, establish a connection between your locked Android device and your computer using a USB cable.

Step 2: Specify the Lenovo ThinkPhone device type for screen lock removal.

Step 3: Select Unlock Android Screen to proceed.

Step 4: Choose the brand of your phone from the supported brands.

Note:

The following steps will vary based on your device’s manufacturer. Please refer to the instructions on your screen to proceed into Download or Recovery mode.

Step 5: The screen unlock process is underway. If it encounters trouble, click Try Again. Once Dr.Fone successfully unlocks your Android device, tap Done.

Now that you’ve regained access to your device thanks to Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock, you can move forward with enabling the OEM unlock missing option. Next up, we’ll guide you through the steps in several ways. Let’s start with the Developer options.

Part 3: How To Enable OEM Unlock Missing From the Developer Options?

Developer Options, a hidden menu in Android, offers advanced features like app debugging and custom ROM installation. But if the Android OEM unlock option is missing, you can’t unlock your device’s bootloader. Below is a step-by-step guide for you so the OEM unlock missing option will show in the Developer Options. Remember, this process may erase your device data, so a complete backup is essential before proceeding.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Android phone.
Step 2: Navigate to About Phone at the bottom of the list, then tap Software information.

Step 3: Tap on the Build number repeatedly (7 times) until you see a message saying, “You are now a developer!“ or similar.
Step 4: Go back to Settings > System and find the Developer options menu.
Step 5: Scroll down and tap the toggle switch next to Enable OEM Unlock to turn it on.

Step 6: A warning message explaining the risks of turning on the OEM unlock will appear. Read it carefully and tap Enable if you want to proceed.

Step 7: Enter your PIN or password to confirm the unlock when prompted
Step 8: Your device will reboot, and OEM Unlocking will be enabled.

Part 4: How To Fix OEM Unlock Missing by Adjusting Date and Time?

Some manufacturers intentionally delay the availability of the OEM unlock after a software update for security reasons. Changing the date to a past date before the update rolled out can trick the system into displaying the option, as it thinks the update hasn’t happened yet. It is a temporary fix, and the option will likely disappear again later when the Lenovo ThinkPhone device automatically syncs the correct date.

If you intend to try this method, follow these steps to enable OEM unlock missing or greyed out after an Android update:

Step 1: Open the Settings app.
Step 2: Go to System or General management, depending on your Android version.
Step 3: Tap on Date and Time.
Step 4: Turn off Automatic date and time.

Step 5: Tap on Set date and choose the desired older date from the calendar.
Step 6: Tap on Set time and choose the desired time from the clock.
Step 7: Tap on Done to save the changes.
Step 8: Go back to the Developers options and turn off the Auto update system option.

Step 9: Go to Settings > Software update, then turn off Auto download over Wi-Fi.

This method should enable the OEM unlock missing issue. Otherwise, proceed to the next section for another solution.

Part 5: How To Fix OEM Unlock Missing by Removing SIM Card?

Certain carriers restrict bootloader unlocking on their devices to ensure compatibility and prevent unauthorized modifications. For these phones, unlocking the SIM card becomes crucial before you can toggle the OEM unlock option. Here are the steps to fix the OEM Unlock missing or greyed out using SIM card removal:

Step 1: Use the SIM ejector tool (often included with your phone) or a small pin to push the tray out.
Step 2: Go to Settings > General Management > Reset, then select Factory data reset. Enter your PIN or password if needed.

Step 3: Review the warning and tap Reset to confirm.
Step 4: Once the reset is complete, your phone will restart. Connect to Wi-Fi when prompted.
Step 5: Skip any prompts to log in to your Google or email account. Then, repeat the process to open the Developer Options in the previous sections.

Conclusion

Having the OEM Unlock missing or greyed out can leave Android users feeling locked out of customization possibilities. Fortunately, this article has outlined helpful solutions like enabling the Android OEM Unlock missing option via the Developer Options. You can also try other methods above, like adjusting date and time settings or even a sim card removal trick. For those facing forgotten lock screens, we’ve offered guidance on bypassing them using the Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock tool to access the necessary phone settings.

While these methods provide a solid foundation, it’s always wise to research steps specific to your phone model. And never forget – caution is key. If things get technical, don’t hesitate to seek help from online communities or professional repair services.

Tips: Forget your device password and can’t get access to it? No worries as Dr.Fone is here to help you. Download it and start a seamless unlock experience!

How to Bypass Android Lock Screen Using Emergency Call On Lenovo ThinkPhone?

The main reason why we keep our smartphone locked is to prevent children (or stalkers) checking out our private photos or messages. You don’t want anyone to access your pictures, emails, or other important data. What if you forget your pattern or PIN and cannot access your phone? Or someone changes lock screen pattern to leave you annoyed?

To avoid such types of conditions, we have tried and tested the following methods to bypass the Lenovo lock screen pattern, PIN, password, and fingerprint.

Method 1. Use ‘Find My Mobile’ feature on Lenovo Phone

All Lenovo devices come with the “Find My Mobile” feature. To bypass the Lenovo lock screen pattern, PIN, password, and fingerprint, you can just follow the below steps to get it done.

Step 1. First, set up your Lenovo account and log in.
Step 2. Click the “Lock My Screen” button.
Step 3. Enter a new PIN in the first field
Step 4. Click the “Lock” button at the bottom
Step 5. Within a few minutes, it will change the lock screen password to the PIN so that you can unlock your device.

Method 2. Use Android Device Manager to Bypass Lenovo Password

To know how to unlock a Lenovo phone lock password with Android device manager, make sure the Android Device Manager is enabled on your device.

Step 1. Visit google.com/android/devicemanager on other smartphones or PC.
Step 2. Log into your Google account that you used on your locked device.
Step 3. Choose the Lenovo ThinkPhone device you want to unlock in ADM interface
Step 4. Click on the “Lock” option.
Step 5. Enter a password. There is no need to enter any recovery message. Select “Lock” again.
Step 6. You would see a confirmation below if it is successful, with “Ring, Lock and Erase” buttons.
Step 7. Now you must get the password field on your phone where you can enter your new password, and your phone will be unlocked.
Step 8. Go to lock screen settings on your device and disable the temporary password.

If your device is still running on Android 4.4 or lower, here’s how to bypass the Lenovo lock screen fast.

Step 1. Enter the wrong pattern for five times
Step 2. Choose “Forgot Pattern”
Step 3. Enter your Google account login or backup PIN
Step 4. Now your phone would be unlocked.

Method 4. ‘Pattern Password Disable’ and Custom Recovery (SD Card needed)

To bypass the Lenovo lock screen in this method, you ought to be an advanced user who knows what are “custom recovery” and “rooting”. You have to install any kind of customer recovery, and you should have an SD card on your phone. SD card is required to move a ZIP file to the phone, and it is the only way to transfer the file when the Lenovo ThinkPhone device is locked.

Step 1. Download a zip file named “Pattern Password Disable” on your computer and move it to the SD card of your Lenovo device.
Step 2. Insert the card on your device
Step 3. Restart your device into recovery mode.
Step 4. Flash the file on your card and restart the phone.
Step 5. Now your phone would boot up without lock screen. Don’t worry if you had a gesture lock or password. All you need to do is to input a random gesture or password, and it will be unlocked.

Method 5. Delete the Password File Using ADB

It is yet another option that will work only when you have enabled USB Debugging previously on your device, and your PC is allowed to connect via ADB. If you meet such requirements, it is ideal to use this method to unlock the Lenovo lock screen.

Step 1. Connect your device to the PC using USB cable and open command prompt in the adb directory. Type the command “adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key” and then press “Enter”.
Step 2. Restart your phone, and a secure lock screen must be gone, and you can access your device. Be sure to set a new PIN, pattern, or password before rebooting again.

Method 6. Factory Reset to Bypass Lenovo Lock Screen

A factory reset is the best option in almost any case if one of these solutions couldn’t work. According to your device type, the process may vary. In most devices, you have to turn off the Lenovo ThinkPhone device completely to start the process. But this method will delete all the precious data on the Lenovo ThinkPhone device after the factory reset.

Step 1. Hold the power button and volume down at the same time. It will open the Bootloader menu.
Step 2. Press the volume down button two times to choose “Recovery Mode” and select it by pressing the “Power” button.
Step 3. Hold down the power button and tap “Volume Up” once, and you would enter “recovery” mode.
Step 4. Choose “Wipe Data/Factory Reset” option by using volume buttons.
Step 5. Select it by pressing the Power button.
Step 6. Select “Reboot System Now” once the process is done.

Backup your Lenovo phone regularly in case of any data loss in the future.

Method 7. Boot into Safe Mode

Chances may be that you are using a third-party lock screen app. Then lucky for you, this way works best to bypass the Lenovo lock screen. Specifically, you can boot your Lenovo device into Android Safe Mode .

Step 1. Open up the Power menu from the lock screen and press and hold the “Power Off” option.
Step 2. It will ask if you want to boot in safe mode. Tap “OK”
Step 3. Once the process finishes, it will temporarily disable the lock screen activated by the third-party app.
Step 4. Uninstall the third-party lock screen or just reset the data.
Step 5. Reboot your device and get out of safe mode.
Step 6. Now the irritating lock screen app is removed completely.

Method 8. Other Methods

Step 1. Take your friend’s phone to call on your locked phone.
Step 2. Accept the call and press the back button without disconnecting.
Step 3. Now you can access the Lenovo ThinkPhone device completely
Step 4. Go to the security settings of the Lenovo ThinkPhone device and remove the pattern or pin.
Step 5. It will ask you the correct pin that you don’t know, guess, and try various combinations you can recall.

To avoid forgetting your password or PIN next time, be sure to write the pattern or numbers on a text file or paper to keep them safe. If you have to bypass the Lenovo lock screen pattern, PIN, password, and fingerprint, you may consider using Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android). It is a professional tool that can remove all the fingerprints, pattern, and password lock screens without losing any data on your phone.

Mastering Android Device Manager: The Ultimate Guide to Unlocking Your Lenovo ThinkPhone Device

So, what is Android Device Manager? Android has this amazing native tool to help you locate and remote wipe your lost or stolen phone. We lock our phones via passwords or patterns or fingerprints to maintain the security but what if someone dares to meddle with your phone or unfortunately, it gets stolen? Don’t worry, all you need to do is let Android Device Manager unlock your Android phone. For this, it just needs to be enabled on your phone (before you unluckily locked yourself out of it). Android Device Manager unlocks your phone in a small amount of time, saving you from all the troubles.

In addition to this, the Android Device Manager also unlocks your password/pin-encrypted phone if you have forgotten the passcode by chance. The procedure is quite simple; all you need is a Google account to set this up onyour phone and then you can make use of any other online device to track down your lost or stolen phone or to even wipe all data in it. Phew!

Using the Android Device Manager to track a lost phone

Part 1: What is Android Device Manager lock?

Android Device Manager is Google’s take on Apple’s Find My iPhone. Enabling the ADM is quite easy; just go to google.com/android/devicemanager on your computer and search through your list of devices that are already connected to your Google account. Once you are there, you can easily send a notification to the phone you want to enable remote password application and wiping upon.

ADM comes with a set of features that helps you to unlock your Android phone as well. It not only helps you to find your device, but also Ring it, lock it, and wipe and erase all the data as well, if your phone is lost or stolen. Once you’re logged into the ADM website from your computer, you can avail all these options once your phone is located. It is a wise option to get your device locked by Android Device Manager in case it is lost or stolen, so that your phone is secured.

Android Device Manager can unlock your phone under a specific set of circumstances only.

• First of all, Android Device Manager needs to be enabled on your phone before it is lost, stolen, etc.
• Secondly, your phone can only be tracked by ADM if the GPS option is switched on.
• Thirdly, the Lenovo ThinkPhone device you are using for ADM, must be connected to Wi-Fi or internet, to login to your Google account.
• Lastly, Android Device Manager is not compatible for all Android versions. For now, it is only compatible with devices running Android 4.4 and above, so your phone must be in this category for ADM to work.

Part 2: How to unlock Android phone with Android Device Manager?

Just act according to the following steps, and the Android Device Manager will unlock your phone.

1. On your computer or any other mobile phone, visit: google.com/android/devicemanager

2. Then, sign in with the help of your Google login details that you had used in your locked phone as well.

3. In the ADM interface, choose the Lenovo ThinkPhone device you want to unlock. Now, select “Lock”.

4. Enter a temporary password. Now go ahead and click on “Lock” again.

5. If the previous step was successful, you should be seeing a confirmation below the box with the buttons – Ring, Lock and Erase.

6. Now, you should see a password field on your phone screen. Enter a temporary password to unlock your phone.

7. Visit your phone’s lock screen settings and disable the temporary password.

The Android Device Manager has successfully unlocked your phone!

A downside to this process, is an error message faced by some users while using ADM. Many users have reported the issue, that when they have tried using ADM to unlock their locked device, an error message has occurred, saying, “since Google has verified that a screen lock is already set”. Basically, this error message conveys that you will not be able to unlock your phone using Android Device Manager, and this is a flaw on Google’s part, not your phone’s.

Part 3: What to do if phone is locked by Android Device Manager

There are 2 situations where you would want to know how to unlock the Android Device Manager lock – one, when you have unfortunately forgotten the screen lock passcode and the other is when your phone is locked by Android Device Manager.

ADM is built to completely lock your device so that unknown people cannot access it. So, if your phone is locked by Android Device Manager, you might be in a problem.While ADM is a wonderful tool to lock your phone or erase and wipe data if its stolen or lost, most of the users have reported the issue that they cannot unlock their phones that are locked by Android Device Manager. A possible solution to this is adding a temporary password via Google login and bypassing the ADM lock. Or, you can try resetting the password again by entering a new password via ADM. If that does not work, you can make use of several third-party applications which can be found in the internet, that will help to completely erase the Android Device Manager lock.

So, now you know how to unlock the Android Device Manager lock. Do keep in mind, your device must be connected to internet or Wi-Fi, to login to your Google account.

Part 4: Unlock Android devices with Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

As mentioned before, many were unable to unlock their phones with ADM. This is why we use the Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android) . It is hassle-free and easy-to-use; the Dr.Fone toolkit needs to be downloaded on your computer and with a few easy steps, it erases any kind of lock-screen passcode and avoids any kind of data loss as well!

Dr.Fone - Android Lock Screen Removal

Remove 4 Types of Android Screen Lock without Data Loss

It can remove 4 screen lock types - pattern, PIN, password & fingerprints.
Only remove the lock screen, no data loss at all.
No tech knowledge asked, everybody can handle it.
Work for Samsung Galaxy S/Note/Tab series, and LG G2, G3, G4, etc.

3,224,627 people have downloaded it

This tool works on removing all four types of lock-screen passcodes – PINs, Patterns, Fingerprints, and Passwords. Anyone can use this tool following these easy steps:

You can also use this tool to bypass the locked screen beyond Samsung and LG.Things you should pay attention is that it will remove all the data after finishing unloking on other brand android phone.

1. Fire up the Dr.Fone toolkit for Android on your computer and select the Screen Unlock among all the other tools.

2. Now, connect your Android device to the computer and select phone model in the list on the program.

3. Boot your phone into Download mode:

• Power off your Android phone.
• Press and hold the volume down+the home button + the power button at the same time.
• Press the volume up button to enter Download Mode.

4. After you get your phone into the Download mode, it will start downloading a recovery package. Wait for this to be completed.

5. When the recovery package download is completed, Dr.Fone toolkit will begin removing the screen lock. This process will not cause any data loss on your Android device, so do not worry. Once the whole procedure is over, you can easily access your Android phone without entering any kind of password. Hurrah!

The Dr.Fone software is currently compatible with Samsung Galaxy S/Note/Tab series, and LG G2/G3/G4 series. For windows, it is compatible with 10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista.

The Android Device Manager is an excellent initiative taken by Google to give people the chance to not lose any data and regain access to their phones. This also teaches us to take precautions before such unfortunate incidents take place. Phones are probably one of the most important belongings of ours, in which we confide all our private and confidential documents that we wouldn’t want to be meddled with.

So, make use of this guide and get back command over your Android phone.

Android Unlock