Unlock SIM card

To unlock your SIM card, enter the PIN code you received with your SIM card. If you’ve lost your PIN or are unsure of the numbers, it’s better to try to find the code or contact your provider rather than guessing. You only have a limited number of attempts, and after that you’ll need the PUK code to unlock the SIM card. We explain more about how it works on this page.

Unlock the SIM card with the PIN code

You use a four-digit PIN code (PIN: Personal Identification Number) to unlock your SIM card. You should find the code on the SIM card’s plastic holder it was sent in. But if you’ve forgotten the code and have thrown away the card holder, you can often find the information on your account on the provider’s website or app. If you can’t find the right option or just feel uncertain, you should contact the provider directly for assistance.

Please note! If you have ever changed your PIN to a personal one, that is the one you need to use, and in that case, you will not find the correct information in your account.

It’s important to remember that you only have a limited number of attempts to enter the correct PIN code. With most providers, you have a maximum of three attempts, but there are a few providers that allow more. Double-check with your provider, as you should never try to guess your code. 

If you enter the wrong PIN too many times, your SIM card will be locked, and you will then need what is known as a PUK code to unlock it.

How do you use the PUK code?

The PUK code (Personal Unlocking Key) consists of eight digits, and is used to unlock your SIM card if you entered the wrong PIN code too many times. You have ten attempts to enter the correct PUK code, and after the tenth attempt your SIM card will be permanently locked and you will need to order a new one. Make sure you have the correct PUK code and enter it carefully to avoid wasting attempts.

Please note! Do not confuse the PUK code with the PAC code. The latter stands for Porting Authorisation Code and is only used when you want to transfer your existing number to a new provider and a new network.

Previously, you also needed a PUK code to unlock the phone itself in order to switch to another network. This is now, however, extremely rare as providers are no longer permitted to sell locked mobile phones according to Ofcom rules. 

This rule came into effect in December 2021, so if you bought your mobile after that, you don’t need to worry about getting a PUK code to unlock your phone when switching provider and network. If you bought your mobile before then, you may need to check with your provider if you still need the correct code.

How do you get your PUK code?

Just like the PIN code, the PUK code should be on the card holder that your SIM card was attached to when you received it. If you no longer have your PIN code or if you have saved the code elsewhere, you may need to contact your provider directly. In some cases, you can also find your PUK code within your account, which you access via the provider’s website or app, but the options may vary slightly between providers. Below, we show how it works with some of the providers on the market.

How to get your PUK code from your provider

  • With EE: You must complete a special form on EE’s website. Once you’ve done that, you will receive a text with the PUK code.
  • With O2: Log in to your O2 account and go to My device > Device details, or contact support for guidance.
  • At Tesco Mobile: Log in to the Tesco Mobile app and go to Personal Details to view both your PIN and PUK codes.
  • With Three: Contact Three via chat or by calling 333 from your Three mobile (free if you have an Advanced plan) or 0333 338 1001 from any phone (standard rates apply) to request your PUK code.
  • With Vodafone: If you have entered the wrong PIN code too many times and need a PUK code, call Vodafone on 191 from your Vodafone mobile (free of charge) or on 0333 304 0191 from any phone and say “I need a PUK code”. If you need to unlock your mobile to switch networks, you will instead need a NUC (Network Unlocking Code). You can get the code by completing this form on Vodafone’s website.

Can you disable the PIN code for the SIM card on your mobile?

Yes, you can disable the PIN code for the SIM card directly on your mobile phone. Below, we show you how to do this on both iPhone and Android. Please note that the descriptions serve as examples of the steps taken, and that both the process and menu options may vary between different models and mobile manufacturers, especially when it comes to Android. In this case, we’ve chosen one of the latest Samsung Galaxy models as an example.

Turn off the PIN code on iPhone

  1. Open Settings > Network > SIM PIN.
  2. If you have an iPhone with dual SIM or dual eSIM, go to Settings > Network, tap the number you want to manage, and then select SIM PIN.
  3. Select Turn off SIM PIN.
  4. Enter the PIN code if prompted. If you haven’t changed to your own PIN code, the PIN code that came with the SIM card still applies.
  5. Click on Done.

Turn off the PIN code on Android

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Security and privacy > Other security settings.
  3. Select SIM card security/SIM card lock or similar.
  4. Click the switch next to Lock SIM card to turn off the feature.
  5. Enter the PIN code if prompted to confirm.