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.

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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!

Still Using Pattern Locks with Lenovo ThinkPhone? Tips, Tricks and Helpful Advice

They have been along for a long, long time now – pattern locks – the easiest of all smartphone locks. You just swipe your finger across to create an easy pattern lock of your choosing and that’s it, it becomes your new screen lock. No more remembering tedious digits! So, why have these easy pattern locks become outdated, and why do people still continue to use them? Let’s take a dive and find out all about pattern locks.

Part I: Things To Know About Pattern Locks

The first cellphone locks were 4-digit number locks. Then came 6-digit codes, and even alphanumeric ones. Pattern locks were all the rage a while ago. Though pattern locks continue to be used, they are not considered safe to use any longer. What is all that about? Here’s what you need to know about pattern locks, whether you are a seasoned pattern lock user or not.

I.I: What Are Pattern Locks?

Believe it or not, technology has advanced at such a rapid pace in the last two decades that you’d be forgiven if you don’t know what a pattern lock is, especially if you have only ever used iPhones, or Android phones in just the last few years.

Pattern locks are patterns you create on your smartphone and designate as a smartphone lock/ screen lock. There is a 9-point keypad of sorts, and you start swiping your finger from any point to any point for any which way you feel like. Android 13 allows a minimum of 4 points registered. They are easy to create, and easy to use, hence called easy pattern locks.

Pattern locks have only ever been offered on Android devices and were commonplace a few years ago until they were deemed not secure enough for use by modern standards because they were easy to figure out by malicious actors.

I.II: Popularity and Usage

Pattern lock is a feature unique to Android and has been so since the start. Naturally, it is one of the preferred ways users have come to unlock their Android devices over the years. Even though modern Android smartphones come with fingerprint recognition and face recognition technologies, there exists a large subset of users still addicted to and acclimatized with the pattern lock feature, opting over fingerprint and face recognition.

There has been, however, research conducted into the safety and security offered by pattern lock in Android.

I.III: Advantages and Drawbacks

Modern smartphones very nearly contain the entirety of our lives; photo memories, video memories, important documents both financial and personal in nature, banking apps, ID and ATM/ credit cards in the “wallet” apps, and whatnot. A smartphone falling into the wrong hands could very nearly be used to devastate the rightful owner, both financially and otherwise. And this is not a claim out of thin air; spyware/ malware/ phishing attacks are on the rise around the world. Locking the smartphone, once considered optional and an unnecessary hassle, is now an absolute must.

Advantages of Pattern Locks

There is no denying that using an easy pattern lock to lock their smartphone seems enough for most users. Swiping your finger across your smartphone to unlock it feels not only cool and futuristic but safer and more secure than remembering and punching in digits. And, for the most part, it is true, given that 4-digit PINs can only have 10,000 unique combinations!

Disadvantages of Pattern Locks

While very easy to use, security researchers and experts have come to agree that the feature is not in the least safe to use, and that is because of how people use the pattern lock feature (discussed in detail below in part II). Some go so far as to say that most pattern locks can be breached in just 5 attempts or less. Imagine that!

What is more, research has found that humans have an uncanny ability to correctly guess a pattern lock simply by viewing the unlocking! The test comprised showing the test subjects videos of users unlocking their phones from different angles and varying distances, and it was found that around 64% of test subjects were able to correctly guess a 6-point pattern lock in one viewing only, and 80% could correctly guess the pattern after just two viewings. By contrast, only 11% were able to correctly deduce a 6-digit PIN after one viewing, and only 27% after viewing twice. This goes to show just how insecure pattern locks are!

Part II: How People Use Pattern Locks

We might wonder how anyone would be able to guess the correct pattern of our device, but believe it or not, it is possible, eerily easily at that! We are all the same humans, after all! You know how people usually set PINs that could be significant dates in their lives? How they get car registration numbers that mean something to them? The same ‘logic’ applies to their setting pattern locks.

At DEFCON 23, Marte Loge, an M.Sc. Computer Science student, presented something that stunned people around the world. She said, “Tell me who you are, and I will tell you your lock pattern.” What followed was an expert presentation outlining and detailing user behaviors around pattern locks.

These are some commonly created pattern locks by people:

• - shapes of alphabets,
• - shapes of numerals,
• - any other easy-to-make, simple shape.

Marte Loge presented the image below, showing how people naturally gravitate towards creating simple shape patterns, in her research.

To further help you see how easy it might be for anyone to guess your pattern, Marte Loge also presented some statistics.

• - 77% of people started their patterns in one of the 4 corners.
• - 44% of Loge’s subjects started their pattern with the first dot, the top-left one. The next number was 15% for the top-right and 14% for the bottom-left.
• - These percentages did not vary much depending on left-handedness or right-handedness.
• - On average, irrespective of gender, people set 5-point patterns, with 4-point patterns being the most common. This means that the number of combinations on average was 7152 for 5-point patterns and a bogglingly low 1624 for 4-point patterns.

The above data makes it amply clear how using an easy pattern lock is actually worse than using a 4-digit PIN, simply because how people are usually using the pattern lock feature.

Part III: Tips For Using More Secure Pattern Locks

Now, we know how hard it is to break habits cemented over years of use, so in case you must at all costs use a pattern lock only, the least you can do is try and change your easy pattern lock to a better, more secure hard pattern lock.

III.I: How to Create More Secure Patterns

Here are some tips to help you create a better, more secure pattern lock for your smartphone.

• - Avoid using any of the corners to start the pattern.
• - Never use your first initial as a pattern.
• - Never use a digit shape as a pattern.
• - You can pass through the same pattern lines multiple times over. This makes it more difficult for someone to guess your pattern correctly.
• - Use all 9 points on the grid while setting the pattern lock! That simple act takes the possible pattern combinations to over 140,000, significantly more than 10,000 for 4-digit PINs, and vastly superior to paltry 1624 for a 4-point easy pattern lock!

III.II: Forgot Your Pattern? Unlock Your Lenovo ThinkPhone Without Pattern Lock With Dr.Fone

Supercharged with the information above, you went ahead and changed your easy pattern lock to a hard-to-guess pattern lock. Only problem is, your brain is habituated to that old pattern, and you’ve suddenly forgotten what the new pattern was! Well, worry not; Wondershare Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android) will help you unlock your phone without pattern lock !

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

The Best Tool to Unlock Your Lenovo ThinkPhone without Pattern Locks!

• Remove all Android screen locks (PIN/pattern/fingerprints/face ID) in minutes.
• Bypass the FRP lock of Samsung without a PIN or Google account.
• Everyone can handle the lock screen without any tech knowledge.
• Provide specific removal solutions to promise good success rate.

4,008,669 people have downloaded it

Download the newest version of Dr.Fone from the Wondershare website and launch the app.

Step 1: Go to Toolbox > Screen Unlock and click Android.

Step 2: Click Unlock Android Screen.

Step 3: You will see a list of supported manufacturers on the next screen. Select yours.

Step 4: Now, follow the onscreen guide to prepare your device for screen unlocking.

After completing the process, when the Next button becomes available, click it.

Your device will be successfully unlocked.

Note that this method wipes all data on the Lenovo ThinkPhone device. There is no way around it. You may be able to unlock select older Samsung devices without data loss. Check this list for those devices.

Closing Words

Pattern locks are outdated and not safe to use an easy pattern lock – there are no two ways about it. As such, our recommendation is to start using a 6-digit PIN along with biometric or face recognition. However, we do understand that sometimes, you simply cannot use biometrics or face recognition. For those instances, we recommend that you use this guide and create a more secure pattern lock for your device. In case you forgot your pattern, there is always Wondershare Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock (Android) to save the day.

How to Unlock Lenovo ThinkPhone Phone without Any Data Loss

In today’s digital age, our Android phones serve as the primary hub of our lives, holding a treasure trove of personal and professional data. Yet, the frustration of being locked out due to forgotten passwords or malfunctioning security features can be overwhelming, compounded by the fear of data loss during the recovery process. However, there’s a beacon of hope - a way to unlock your Android phone without any data loss. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the latest techniques, tools, and methods to regain access to your Android device safely without a password, PIN, or fingerprint. Let’s dive into it now.

Part 1. How to Unlock Lenovo ThinkPhone Phone with Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

If you or someone accidentally forgot or mistyped/misentered your lock password and caused it to lock permanently, of course, you will find ways to unlock it at first. But if you are not connected to the internet, or did not register a Google account for your device, your last resort would be to factory reset your device. That will totally wipe everything you have and save it on your device. If you want to unlock your lock screen without having to worry that your device data will be erased, Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android) is your phone unlocking software .

safe & secure

Note: This tool temporarily support unlocking part of Samsung and LG locked screen without losing data, but other Android phone will be wiped all data if you try to unlock the screen with Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android).

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

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.

4,464,578 people have downloaded it

Steps on How to Unlock an Android Phone with Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

Step 1. Connect your Android phone to your PC with Dr.Fone installed, then run the program.

Step 2. Then, you should see the “Screen Unlock” tool, so proceed into it. After that,  click “Android” > “Unlock Android Screen.”

Step 3. Then choose “Remove without Data loss” to unlock part Samsung/LG devices without data loss and find your device model.

Step 4. Follow the instructions on the program to get the Android phone into “Download Mode.”

• 1. Power off the phone.
• 2. Press and hold volume down + home button + power button at the same time.
• 3. Press the volume up to enter download mode.

Step 5. The loading process will take you a few minutes because it is going to verify first your device’s compatibility.

Step 6. Wait until everything is done. You should then see your device already has no lock screen.

That’s how to unlock an Android phone with just one click using Wondershare’s Dr.Fone. If your device is not Samsung or LG, you can use a more advanced mode to unlock your phone .

Part 2. How to Unlock Android Phone with Aroma File Manager (with Data Loss)/h2>

If you weren’t able to open your Wi-Fi or data connection or enable USB Debugging, this is the way for you to unlock your lock screen. This could be a bit complicated, but it should work.

Steps are provided below, and please follow the step-by-step guide carefully to avoid a boot loop or any other damage.

Step 1. Download Aroma File Manager on your PC. This is a tool that unlocks Android phones. Android users can use it for free.

Step 2. Go to your Downloads folders and copy the downloaded zip file.

Step 3. Plug into your PC a memory card that you can insert into your phone later. Then, go to your list of connected devices and select the memory card.

Step 4. Paste the copied Aroma zip file. Once copied, eject it from your PC, then insert it into your Android device.

Step 5. Enter Recovery Mode for your device. Each Android device has its own ways of entering recovery mode, so take a look at this link and find your device.

Step 6. When you are already in Android Recovery Mode, use your volume keys to navigate to ‘’apply update from external storage’’, then select the zip file you copied a while ago. It will be flashed on your device.

Step 7. After it, restart, and recovery mode will reopen as Aroma File Manager, so go to its settings and select ‘’Automount all devices on start’’, then restart. Back in Aroma File Manager, go to the directory data>system. Check if the ff. exist. If they do, delete them. Then restart again.

• gesture.key (pattern) / password.key (password)
• locksettings.db
• locksettings.db-shm
• locksettings.db-wal
• signature.key
• sparepassword.key

Now you have your device booted up, and your Android lock screen is still locked, just gesture in or enter anything. It will be unlocked. And that’s how to unlock an Android phone using your device.

Part 3. How to Unlock Android Phone Using Minimal ADB and Fastboot (with Data Loss)

If you weren’t able to connect to the Internet, but you, fortunately, enabled your USB Debugging option before your device was locked, the ARONSDB tool from the Android SDK package can help you unlock your Android phone.

Here is the step-by-step guide for you to follow

Step 1. Go to Minimal ADB and Fastboot download page.

Step 2. Download the tool’s latest version.

Step 3. Open the downloaded Minimal ADB and Fastbootzip file and install it.

Step 4. Make sure your device is connected, then go to the Minimal ADB and Fastboot installation directory.

This PC [Win 8& 10] or My computer [Windows 7 & below]> Local Disk (C:) [primary drive]> Program Files [for 32-bit] or Program Files (x86) [for 64-bit] > Minimal ADB and Fasboot.

Step 5. Inside the folder, hold the Shift key on your keyboard, then right-click your mouse. An additional “Open command window here” will appear so select that.

Step 6. ADB terminal will pop out. Now, the first is to type in ADB devices. This is to check if your device is recognized by ADB. If there is no device listed below, try to remove and reconnect your Lenovo ThinkPhone and retype the command. If there are listed devices already, proceed.

Step 7. Finally, type in the following commands one by one. These commands will remove your lock screen.

• adb shell
• cd /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases
• sqlite3 settings.db
• update system set value=0 where
• name=’lock_pattern_autolock’;
• update system set value=0 where
• name=’lockscreen.lockedoutpermanently’;
• .quit

This would work if you have your USB debugging turned on before it was locked. That’s how to unlock Android using ADB.

Part 4: How to Unlock Phone via Find My Device (with Data Loss)

Google Find My Device is another handy way to unlock your locked Android device. However, it requires you to have your Google ID credentials and you have previously enabled Find My Device features. Moreover, it will erase all the data on your device. Use the following steps to unlock your Android phone via Find My Device:

Step 1: Open a web browser on a computer or another device and visit the Find My Device website. Now, sign in with the Google account that is linked to the locked Android device.

Step 2: After signing in, you will see a list of devices associated with your Google account on the left side of the screen. Select the locked Android device from the list and choose the “Erase Device” option from the menu on the left-hand side.

Step 3: You will now be asked to confirm your identity through a Google account password or using a pass-key. Afterward, follow the on-screen instructions to erase and unlock your Android device.

Part 5: How to Unlock Android Phone without Losing Data in Safe Mode

One way to unlock your Android phone without losing the data is by utilizing Safe Mode. This method works only if the screen lock you have been using is a third-party app. Since Safe Mode disables third-party apps, you can easily use it to uninstall the problematic app. Here is how to unlock an Android phone without losing data:

Step 1: On your Android device, press and hold “Power” and “Volume Down” keys together for 3 seconds. After the Power menu becomes visible, press and hold the “Power off” option.

Step 2: After a while, you will see the “Safe Mode” option on your screen with some basic instructions. Now, you can use the button to boot into Safe Mode and remove the screen lock application.

Part 6. How to Unlock Android Phone without Any Data Loss Using Google Account (Android 4.4 or lower)

If luckily, you left your Wi-Fi open and luckily connected to the internet, this is the easiest way to unlock your Android phone.

The step-by-step guide for you to refer

Step 1: Retry the incorrect password or pattern until the ‘’Forgotten Password/Pattern’’ appears below. Then select that.

Step 2: Check ‘’Enter your Google Account details’’ then tap next.

Step 3: Input your Google Account details, username, and password. You are done.

You will be given the option to input a new password or pattern right after you enter your Google account details. But if not, Google must have emailed you your temporary password or pattern that you will input to unlock your lock screen.

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