September 17, 2023, 2:37 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
After restarting the smartphone or switching devices, the phone asks for the SIM card’s PIN. But what can you do if you’ve forgotten it?
The smartphone has become one of the most important items in daily life. It stores data, functions as a payment method, facilitates communication, and much more. Therefore, these devices should always be well protected. Most users employ a PIN, fingerprint, Face ID, or a combination of these for device security. However, the SIM card itself is also secured by a PIN, which is rarely needed. It’s only requested after a device restart–such as after a system update or device change. This makes it easy for users to forget the SIM PIN they don’t use daily. So, what then?
Forgot your SIM PIN? The PUK can help
The so-called PUK is certainly the most well-known method. When you sign up for a new mobile plan, you receive a new SIM card along with an information sheet. This sheet includes the SIM PIN needed to activate the card, as well as the PUK.
The PUK is also referred to as the Super PIN. The abbreviation stands for “Personal Unblocking Key,” which describes its function at its core. It’s essentially the master key for the device. It usually consists of an eight-digit number sequence and serves as a second password or backup code.
If users forget their SIM PIN to unlock their smartphone and enter it incorrectly three times, the SIM card is locked. They then need the PUK to unlock it again. After successfully entering it, they can set a new PIN and unlock the smartphone. They should note the new PIN and keep it safe.
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What to do if the PUK is also forgotten?
When using the PUK, note that it can be entered incorrectly a maximum of ten times. After that, the SIM card is permanently locked. Users will then need a new card or must rely on the provider’s goodwill.
However, the PUK can now also be retrieved online through the respective provider’s portal. Alternatively, you can contact the appropriate service hotline. Once successfully identified, you can request the PUK–ideally before entering it incorrectly ten times.
SIM code can be changed
To avoid always forgetting the SIM PIN, it can be easily changed. For example, to a code that’s easier to remember. The appropriate settings are available on both Android smartphones and iPhones. You can read exactly how to change the SIM card PIN in the linked article.
Unlike the SIM PIN, the PUK cannot be changed independently. Therefore, the document with the number should be kept safe.
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