You only have three attempts to unlock your SIM card via PIN. If you input the wrong SIM PIN three times, your SIM card will be locked — cutting off access to voice and data. Stop inputting anything if you can't remember your SIM PIN after a few tries.
If you enter an incorrect SIM PIN three times in row, your SIM will be blocked. To unblock you SIM, you'll need to key in your PUK code.
If you accidentally locked your SIM card due to three failed attempts, your phone asks you to enter a Personal Unlock Key (PUK), an eight-digit number. This number is located on the packaging your SIM card came in. If you don't have the box, contact your operator and verify yourself to get the PUK.
The reason many network providers SIM lock their phones is that they offer phones at a discount to customers in exchange for a contract to pay for the use of the network for a specified time period, usually between one and three years.
Inputting your PUK code
1. Before attempting to input your PUK code, ensure that you have the correct code provided by your Network provider. 2 . After ten unsuccessful attempts to input your PUK code, the SIM card will be permanently disabled.
'PUK Lock' or 'SIM Lock' errors
If a SIM PIN security code has been entered incorrectly multiple times, the SIM will lock and require you to enter a PUK code to use your device again. Be careful! If you incorrectly enter your PUK code 10 times, your SIM will need to be replaced.
If you locked your SIM card, you will be prompted to enter the password when you insert that SIM into a new phone. If you know the password, enter it to unlock your SIM. If not, you can unlock the SIM with a PUK (pin unlock key) that comes from your mobile provider.
If you incorrectly enter your PUK code 10 times, your SIM will need to be replaced.
Insert your locked SIM card into the old phone and then switch it on. It is advised to wait for about 3 minutes, then switch off the phone. After this, remove and insert the SIM again.
SIM card protection
You can lock and unlock each SIM card that you use in your device with a PIN (Personal Identity Number). When a SIM card is locked, the subscription linked to the card is protected against misuse, meaning that you have to enter a PIN every time you start your device.
The PIN is an acronym for Personal Identification Number and represents an access code made of four digits. When you buy a SIM card, you also receive a PIN for it. You need this four-digit code to enable the SIM card once you have inserted it into your phone, to be able to access your operator's mobile network.
1. Default SIM Pin code of Sprint and T-Mobile is 1234. 2. Default SIM Pin code of AT&T and Verizon is 1111.
If you forget your PIN and enter it incorrectly three times, your PIN will be 'locked', preventing you using it.
How Bad Is a Hacked or Stolen SIM Card? Your SIM card plays a crucial role in online security. Each one is individual and tied to your personal account. If someone gains access to your SIM card data, they can take control of almost any protected account you hold — including your bank accounts.
If you entered 3 incorrect PIN codes and your phone displays “SIM card blocked” or “Enter PUK code”, your SIM card has been blocked to ensure your security. To unblock your SIM card, you must enter a PUK (PIN Unlock Key) code.
Loss of network connection: When a sim card is canceled, it can no longer connect to any network, preventing you from making calls, sending messages, or using data. Loss of phone number: When a sim card is deactivated, the mobile phone number linked with it is no longer usable.
A replacement SIM can take up to 24 hours to activate in busy periods, however it's usually much quicker.
Unlock the USIM or SIM card using the personal identification number unlocked key (PUK). If a user enters an incorrect PIN for three consecutive times, the USIM or SIM card is locked. To unlock the USIM or SIM card, enter a PUK. PUKs are provided by the carrier.
A PUK is required when you want to unlock a phone. You'll need one in the event that your handset is locked by your current network and you want to use a SIM card from another network. You'll also need to get a PUK code in the event that you mistakenly enter the wrong PIN code and you are automatically locked out.
Your PUK code is the 8 digit number found on either the SIM or the additional SIM packaging. By default, your PIN code is the last 4 digits of your PUK code – but obviously if you've changed your PIN code yourself, this will no longer apply.
The SIM card may fail to perform properly if it is worn or has mechanical damages. In such case the damaged card can be replaced with a new one in the nearest service center keeping the phone number and the balance. The service costs AMD 500.
Call your network provider.
If you cannot find it, give your mobile network a call, and customer support will be able to give you the PUK code or generate a new one after you have answered some security questions. The network provider is going to ask you to prove your identity.
Your PUK (Personal Unlocking Key) is an 8-digit code unique to your SIM card.