How to Unlock a SIM Card on an iPhone: Turning Off the SIM PIN

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A quick and easy guide to access your iPhone's SIM card

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Trying to turn off the SIM PIN feature on your iPhone? This wikiHow teaches you how to remove the security code from your iPhone's SIM card. Doing so will allow you to restart your phone and make calls without having to enter the SIM PIN. You can easily deactivate the PIN in the Settings app.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Turning Off Your SIM PIN

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    This is the grey gear icon on the Home Screen.
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    It's about a third of the way down the Settings page.
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    This option is near the bottom of the page.
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    Doing so will signal to your phone that you would like to unlock your SIM card.
    • If this slider is white, your SIM card is unlocked already.
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    If you don't know your SIM PIN, you can call your service provider for a reset code.
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    It's in the top right corner of the screen. As long as your SIM PIN is accurate, your SIM card should now be unlocked.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Getting an Unlock Code from Your Carrier

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    Before using one of the numbers listed below, try calling *611 or 611 --on most phones, this is the default customer support line.
    • Sprint Customer Service - 1 (888) 211-4727
    • AT&T Customer Service - 1 (800) 331-0500
    • Verizon Customer Service - 1 (877)-746-0909
    • T-Mobile Customer Service - 1 (800) 922-0204
    • Make sure you have your carrier account PIN on hand so that you can verify your identity.
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    In most cases, you won't reach an actual human being when you call initially. Instead say something like "I want to remove a lock PIN on my SIM card" and wait for your call to connect to a customer service representative.
    • You may have to wait for up to several hours to get in touch with a representative.
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    You may also need to explain to them that you aren't trying to unlock your iPhone itself--just the SIM card.
    • The unlock code is officially known as a "PUK" if your SIM card is now locked because of too many failed PIN entries.
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    This is the four-digit PIN you'll enter when you go to unlock your SIM card.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I unlock a SIM card when I have forgotten my password?
    Jay
    Community Answer
    You should visit your carrier and show evidence that it's you with your full name, phone number etc.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 16 Helpful 7
  • Question
    My sim is saying "locked sim." I don’t know what to do. Please help. I cannot call or anything.
    TD96
    Community Answer
    This must mean your phone is locked to your previous phone carrier. Ask the carrier to unlock it for you, or simply get a new unlocked/locked to your new carrier's phone.
    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
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      Tips

      • If you have any doubts about your SIM PIN, call your service provider (e.g., Verizon) and ask for help.
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      Warnings

      • Trying unsuccessfully to guess your SIM PIN three times will result in your SIM PIN being permanently locked. [1]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201529

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Open Settings .
      2. Tap Phone .
      3. Tap SIM PIN .
      4. Slide the SIM PIN switch left.
      5. Type in your SIM PIN.
      6. Tap Done .

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