If you forget the PIN and mistakenly input it several times, then your handset is locked, and you have just a way of unlocking it to use it again. If the lock SIM option prompts you to enter the PIN code, and you never changed it, then type the default (you can find this on the SIM Card Holder from which your SIM Card came). If you incorrectly enter the PIN code three times, your phone is locked and requires PUK (Personal Unlock Key) to unlock.
If you forget your PIN code and input it incorrectly 3 times, your mobile phone is locked and can also be locked permanently when the incorrect PUK code is entered a specified number of times.
- How to Know if your SIM is Locked
- How to Unlock SIM Card without a PUK Code
- How to Unlock a SIM Card on an Android or iPhone
- How to Relocate PUK Enter Dialog
- Other Ways to Unlock a Locked SIM Card
- How to Find PUK Code by Dialler
- How to Bypass PUK Code to Unlock SIM Card
- Final Word
- Don't Miss It:
- Frequently Asked Questions
How to Know if your SIM is Locked
If you suddenly cannot place or receive any calls or messages, it may be because of a blocked SIM Card. If you have recently acquired a new SIM card, you should have received an unlocking code, the PUK code (also known as a personal unlocking key). These codes are used to unlock a locked SIM card in case its previous operator has locked it for reasons like nonpayment of bills or a final breach of contract.
There are specific security reasons your SIM could get blocked by the network provider, including entering the wrong PIN codes more than once, faking/guessing your charge card PIN multiple times, etc. These reasons might cause network providers to lock your SIM card, which can be unlocked by PUK codes alone.
How to unlock a blocked SIM is one of the crucial information every SIM card user must have, and it is also very important to make sure you maintain the safety of your SIM card package, just in case any situation arises where the SIM is blocked, that could help you easily access the PUK code if needed. Before entering any network provider’s office, you can unlock a blocked SIM using some important info.
It is always a good idea to take safety measures to protect your private information; however, remember, in the case of your SIM, you will have to keep both the PIN code and the PUK number handy.
How to Unlock SIM Card without a PUK Code
From the menu, simply choose Manage Devices, and then scroll down; you will see an option for Unlocking your SIM Card (PUK Code).
Under SIM PIN, click on Change SIM PIN. Generally, you will need to enter your existing SIM Lock PIN by default, which you can get from the handset manufacturer or your carrier, though you can change this later via the same menu. If you cannot remember the PIN or PUK Code and have locked the SIM, then you will have to go through these 3 easy steps, which are mentioned below, and once again, you will be able to unblock your SIM without a PUK Code.
Then, your phone displays the PUK screen, letting you know that you have 10 remaining attempts before your SIM becomes unusable forever. If you accidentally misplaced your SIM, you will have to call your customer care service number for the proper PUK code to be recovered. If your device suddenly starts freezing while the unlocking process is going on, usually this means that you entered in the incorrect unlock code multiple times.
How to Unlock a SIM Card on an Android or iPhone
If your SIM card is locked and you don’t have the PUK code, there are still a few things you can do. This will vary for different networks. For example, if you are using a GSM SIM card, you will have to contact your network provider and speak to a representative to find out the cause of the lock.
If you use a CDMA card, you may need to contact the nearest service provider to unlock the SIM card because different network providers use different unlocking methods.
How to Relocate PUK Enter Dialog
Suppose you exit out of the “Enter PUK” screen. In that case, you should still be able to access your PUK code by going to Settings and then tapping “Cellular,” or it might simply appear by itself whenever you attempt to access something that involves cell phone service. You will then get an OTP on your number, and you will be able to get the PUK code after this step. From the menu, simply choose Manage Devices, and then scroll down; you will see an option for Unlocking your SIM Card (PUK Code).
Follow the same steps mentioned earlier, and under SIM PIN, click on Change SIM PIN. Generally, you will need to enter your existing SIM Lock PIN by default, which you can get from the handset manufacturer or your carrier, though you can change this later via the same menu. If you cannot remember the PIN or PUK Code and have locked the SIM, then you will have to go through these 3 easy steps, which are mentioned below, and once again, you will be able to unblock your SIM without a PUK Code.
Then, your phone displays the PUK screen, letting you know that you have 10 remaining attempts before your SIM becomes unusable forever. If you accidentally misplaced your SIM, you will have to call your customer care service number for the proper PUK code to be recovered. If your device suddenly starts freezing while the unlocking process is going on, usually this means that you entered in the incorrect unlock code multiple times.
Other Ways to Unlock a Locked SIM Card
You can contact your network provider and get the SIM card unlocked or visit a nearby store and ask them to unlock your SIM card. If you have a new SIM card and don’t have the PUK code, you should have received a code for temporary unlocking. You can enter this to unlock your SIM card until you receive the official PUK code. After a few days, your network provider will send you the PUK code.
How to Find PUK Code by Dialler
Remove and reinsert the SIM card, and right after turning your phone on, enter this secret code *22233421#. This is it; this will delete your previous PIN code or PUK code.
You can keep using this PIN code. However, you can also switch it out if you wish (this will add security, in case you are concerned). The PIN code is a code you must type the first time you put your card into the phone.
The annoying bit is the codes will vary by operator, so you have to Google for the correct one by the operator. Another annoying part is that users will not be aware of the security code itself, so you will have to Google the procedure for finding the security code through a different USSD code. Fortunately, there are several ways to retrieve that code, even if you do not remember it by heart.
If you want to change your SIM’s security PIN or disable it, you can do that by following these easy steps. Choose the sim lock switch from the SIM Lock menu to change or disable the existing PIN Lock. Under the ENTER PIN, type your existing PIN and choose to disable the PIN Lock or enter a New PIN Lock.
How to Bypass PUK Code to Unlock SIM Card
If you have tried everything and still can’t unlock your SIM card, it may be time to try to bypass the code. The best way to bypass the PUK code is by using an automated PUK code bypass tool. These tools are very simple to use and take just a few minutes. All you have to do is enter the current PUK code and the new PUK code that you want to use. After that, the automated PUK code bypass tool will do the rest. And you will be able to unlock the SIM card and make calls.
However, remember that you should only use a PUK code bypass tool as a last resort because these tools are illegal and may be shut down any day. If this happens, you will not be able to use them anymore and will have to contact your network provider.
Final Word
Now that you have learnt how to unlock the SIM and find the PUK code, you don’t need to worry if yours or any of your acquaintance’s SIM cards get blocked. You can follow the steps shared in this blog or get it unlocked by your network provider. You can also ask for a temporary unlocking code if you have a new SIM card.
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