The PUK (Personal Unlock Key) code is a unique code that usually consists of an 8-digit number and is linked to your SIM card. When you have created a lock code on your SIM card and entered the lock code incorrectly 3 times, your phone will be blocked and you will need the PUK code to access your phone again. PUK codes are not difficult to find.
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Part 1 of 3: Using the PUK Code
Step 1. Know when you need the PUK code
If you have created a PIN code on your SIM card for security reasons, you will need to enter the PIN code every time you turn on your phone. You will need the PUK code when you enter the wrong PIN code many times.
- A notification will appear that your phone is blocked. When this happens, you will need to enter the PUK code to access your phone again.
- If you also enter the wrong PUK code 3 times, your SIM card will be blocked. If you enter the wrong PUK code 10 times or more, your SIM card cannot be used again. The PUK code is also commonly called PUC and they are the same thing. The PUK code consists of an 8-digit number.
Step 2. Understand how the PUK code works
The PUK (Personal Unlocking Key) code is a lock code used to protect your SIM card. Note that the PUK code is a unique code that is attached to each SIM card.
- Apart from that, there are other cases where you need to know your PUK code. The most common case is if you still want to use the same number when you want to switch to another service provider.
- Getting the PUK code is usually very easy depending on the service provider you use. Make sure you write the PUK code in a place that is easy to remember, and keep in mind that some service providers limit how long the PUK code is active.
- The PUK code is the second layer of negotiation on a SIM card. The PUK code is a unique code on each SIM card, not on the phone. PUK codes are managed by the network operator.
Part 2 of 3: Getting the PUK Code
Step 1. Check your SIM card packaging
When you have just bought a SIM card, check the packaging of the SIM card. Some SIM cards have the PUK code on the packaging.
- Check the box used when sending your SIM card. The PUK code is usually listed on the box or on a specific label.
- You can also contact the store where you bought your phone if you can't find this code, and they can usually help you find it.
Step 2. Contact the service provider you are using
The PUK code is a unique code on your SIM card, and you can only get it over the cellular network. There are some networks that provide this code when you first get the SIM card, but not all networks do the same.
- If you can't find it, contact customer service at your service provider for a PUK code or create a new PUK code by answering a few security questions.
- The service provider will also ask you to prove your identity. This sometimes requires your date of birth and address. If you can't prove that you own the SIM card, then you can't get the PUK code. You may also be asked to state the SIM card code from the package.
Step 3. Check your service provider's online services
You can try to get the PUK code online as long as you have an account on the service provider's website (most service providers have this service).
- Log into your account on your computer and look for the PUK code section of your account page. The location may vary depending on the service provider you use. For AT&T Wireless, sign in to your AT&T online account. Select “wireless” from the “myAT&T” tab at the top of the page. Select “phone/device”, then select “unblock SIM card”. A new page containing your PUK code will appear.
- Some prepaid cards also use a PUK code and you can get one if you know the phone number, name and date of birth of the cardholder. If you don't have an online account, it's usually easier to create one if you know your phone number and can prove your identity with provide some information.
Part 3 of 3: Entering the PUK Code
Step 1. Enter the PUK code into your phone, you will see a notification appear asking you to enter the PUK code
- Follow the instructions on your phone to complete the process.
- Different phones have different steps. But most phones will tell you that your phone is locked and you need to enter the PUK code.
Step 2. Enter the new PIN code
If you have entered the PUK code because you entered the PIN code incorrectly, you will need to enter a new PIN code for your SIM card after you have entered the PUK code.
- Once done, you can unlock and reuse your phone.
- Some mobile phone users must type **05* before entering the PUK code. After that, enter the 8 digit PUK code and press enter. For Nexus One users, you can type **05*, PUK code, *, new PIN code, *, repeat new PIN code, #.
