How to Unlock SIM Card Without PUK Code

You can prevent unauthorized use of your carrier plan by protecting your SIM card with a PIN. But if you forget your PIN and enter it incorrectly three times, the SIM card will automatically activate an additional security lock that requires the user to enter an 8-digit PUK (Personal Unlocking Key) code to unlock it. Unless you enter the correct PUK code (or call emergency services), you won’t be able to use your mobile plan. Luckily we can get the PUK code from the SIM card provider. In case the carrier refuses to provide it, you will have to completely replace this SIM card.

Table of Contents

What is the SIM card PIN?

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PIN codes help protect the SIM card from unauthorized use of cellular service. If you have set up this feature, your phone will ask for your PIN every time you restart the device, remove the SIM card, or reinsert the SIM card. ^{[1] X Research Source} If you haven’t changed it, most SIM cards’ PINs will be 0123 or 1234 by default. ^{[2] X Research Source} However, don’t try to guess the SIM card’s PIN if you don’t know it, because if you enter it wrong 3 times then you can only unlock the SIM card by using the PUK code from your carrier.

The SIM card PIN is different from the one you use to unlock the screen, and most phones don’t have a SIM PIN set by default.
If your phone gives you a message saying “SIM card is locked” or something like that, you need to enter your SIM card’s PIN to perform actions on your phone.

What should I do when the SIM card is locked?

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The only thing you can do when the SIM card is locked is to enter the PUK code. Do not try to guess the PUK code because if you enter it wrong too many times, the SIM card will be permanently locked and then you only have to replace the SIM card completely.

Fortunately, your mobile carrier will provide a PUK code so you can reset the SIM. You just need to prove your identity by phone or in person at the point of sale.
If you’re not sure which carrier you’re using, take out your SIM card to check the carrier name.
Some providers allow you to see the PUK code when you log into your online account. Look for an option like “SIM” or “SIM card” on the online account interface, then see if there’s an item named “PUK” or something similar. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

What should I do if I can’t get the PUK code or the code doesn’t work?

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You can ask your carrier to reissue the SIM card. If the worst-case scenario happens and you lose access to your SIM card altogether, your mobile carrier may be able to assist with a new SIM card reissue (as long as you keep the SIM card locked). Data such as contacts or messages that you save on the old SIM card will be completely lost. However, today users rarely store data on the SIM card because of the device’s internal memory, memory card and cloud services.

Steps

What is the SIM card PIN?

What should I do when the SIM card is locked?

What should I do if I can’t get the PUK code or the code doesn’t work?

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