How to Unlock a Sim Card Without a PUK Code

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Protecting your SIM card with a PIN can prevent unauthorized use of your cellular plan, but if you enter your SIM PIN incorrectly three times, you'll need an 8-digit PUK (Personal Unlocking Key) to unlock it. This wikiHow article will teach you how to get your PUK code from your mobile provider and unlock your SIM card.

Question 1 of 3:

What's my SIM PIN?

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you've protected your SIM card with a PIN, your phone will ask for the SIM PIN each time you restart it or remove and reinsert the SIM. [1] If you haven't changed the PIN, most SIM pins are 0123 or 1234 by default. [2] But don't try to guess the SIM PIN if you don't know what it is—if you mis-enter it 3 times, you'll only be able to unlock the SIM if you use a PUK code from the provider.
    • SIM PINs are different from the PIN you use to unlock your phone's screen, and most phones do not have SIM PINs by default.
    • If you see a message on your phone that says "Locked SIM" or similar, you'll need to enter the SIM PIN to do anything on the phone.
    2. Advertisement
Question 2 of 3:

My SIM is locked, so what do I do?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Don't try to guess the PUK, as entering it incorrectly too many times will permanently lock the SIM—if this happens, you'll have to replace the SIM entirely.
    • Fortunately, your mobile provider will provide you the PUK so you can reset your SIM. You'll just have to prove your identity over the phone or at an in-person location.
    • If you're not sure who your provider is, remove the SIM card—you'll see the provider's name there.
    • Some providers let you see your PUK when you log in to your online account. Look for an area of your account dashboard called something like "SIM" or "SIM Card," which should have a sub-area called "PUK" or similar. [3]
Question 3 of 3:

What if I can't get my PUK or it doesn't work?

PDF download Download Article
  1. The worst thing that can happen is that you lose access to your SIM card completely—as long as you have a removable SIM, your mobile provider should be able to issue you a new one. If you stored any contacts or texts on your old SIM, they'll be gone, but storing things on SIM cards is rarer these days.
    2. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    My SIM is showing PUK lock. Does that mean the phone is locked permanently?
    Community Answer
    No, as explained above.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 7 Helpful 29
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      11 Tips & Tricks to Fix a Missing Windows Laptop Mouse Cursor
      How to
      Enable Function Keys via Your Keyboard or Computer Settings
      How to
      Open EXE Files
      How to
      Use Keyboard Shortcuts
      Installing Two Operating Systems on Your PC: Dual Boot Guide
      How to
      Install an Operating System on a Brand New Computer
      How to
      Install a Different Operating System on a PC
      How to
      Install Linux Programs from TGZ Files: 7 Easy Steps
      How to
      Make a Computer Operating System
      How to
      Encrypt Your Samsung Phone
      How to
      Lock Desktop Icons in Place
      How to
      Use an Operating System from a USB Stick
      How to
      Check PC Specs on a Computer, Phone, or Tablet
      How to
      Use MS DOS
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201529
      2. ↑ https://www.samsung.com/my/support/mobile-devices/a-new-sim-card-inserted-in-my-smartphone-and-now-it-is-asking-me-for-a-pin-to-unlock-it/
      3. ↑ https://www.vodafone.cz/pece/en/my-number/pin-and-puk/pin-and-puk-codes

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you enter your SIM PIN incorrectly 3 times, you'll only be able to unlock your SIM with an 8-digit Personal Unlocking Key (PUK). Fortunately, your provider will give you your PUK if you can prove your identity. If you can't get your PUK or enter it incorrectly too many times, you will need to replace the SIM card.

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 102,569 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement