After restarting the smartphone or changing the device, the cell phone asks for the PIN of the SIM card. But what can you do if you have forgotten them?
The smartphone is now one of the most important items in everyday life. Data is stored on it, it functions as a means of payment, for communication and much more. Therefore, the devices should always be well protected. Most users usually use a PIN, fingerprint, Face ID – or a combination of these things to lock their device. But the SIM card itself is also secured by a PIN, which you rarely need. This is because it is only requested after the device is restarted – for example after a system update or a device change. This makes it even easier for users to forget the SIM PIN that they do not use every day. But what then?
Forgot your SIM PIN? The PUK helps
The so-called PUK is certainly the best-known method. Anyone who takes out a new mobile phone tariff will also receive a new SIM card including an information sheet. In addition to the SIM PIN, which is required to activate the card, the PUK is also noted on this.
The PUK is also known as the Super PIN. The abbreviation stands for “Personal Unblocking Key”, which basically describes its function. It is essentially the master key of the device. It usually consists of an eight-digit sequence of numbers and functions as a second password or replacement code.
If users forget their SIM PIN to unlock their smartphone and enter it incorrectly three times, the SIM card will be blocked. You will then need the PUK to unlock it again. After entering it successfully, you can then set a new PIN and unlock the smartphone. You should write down the new PIN and keep it safe.
What to do if the PUK has also been forgotten?
When using the PUK, please note that it may be entered incorrectly a maximum of ten times. The SIM card is then permanently blocked. Then users either need a new card or have to rely on the provider’s goodwill.
You can now also access the PUK online via the respective provider’s portal. Alternatively, you can also go via the responsible service hotline. Once you have successfully identified yourself there, you can ask for the PUK – of course it is best to do so before you have entered it incorrectly ten times.
SIM code can be changed
In order not to always forget the SIM PIN, it can be changed quite easily. For example, in a code that is easier to remember. The appropriate settings for this are available on both Android smartphones and the iPhone. You can read exactly how changing the SIM card PIN works in the linked article.
Unlike the SIM PIN, the PUK cannot be changed independently. You should therefore keep the letter on which the number is written in a safe place.
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