How To: SIM Card Locked

How To: SIM Card Locked

If your phone is showing the ‘SIM LOCKED’ error when you have tried to access it, it is usually caused by the phone restarting after being shut off due to low battery, upgrading the software or manual resets, essentially any time your phone has been turned off then turned back on again (and the PIN option has not been turned off in the settings).

SIM Locked Telstra

1

The PIN or Personal Identification Number is a four digit number that you will need to enter in to unlock the SIM and access your phone. Your PIN will be located under the scratch panel on the credit card sized card that came with the SIM (unless you have changed it previously).Telstra: SIM Card Locked

2

If you cannot find the PIN and you know your Personal Unlocking Key (PUK) code (an 8 digit number that is unique to your SIM card), your PIN is usually the last four digits of the PUK code.

 

3You have three attempts to enter in the PIN code correctly. If you enter the PIN in incorrectly three times, your phone will prompt you to enter in your PUK code.

 puk_2

4If you continue to enter an incorrect PIN once your phone requests the PUK or the PUK code you entered in is wrong, the SIM will self destruct. If this happens, you will need to get a new SIM to keep using your phone and request a SIM replacement.

 

Tip: Once you’ve gained access to your phone again, if you don’t want the phone to ask you for the PIN again, make sure to turn off the PIN in the options:

  • iPhone: Settings > Phone > SIM PIN
  • iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular models): Settings > Cellular Data > SIM PIN
  • Android: Settings > Security > SIM Card Lock and uncheck the checkbox

If you find yourself needing your PIN or PUK code, or if you require a SIM replacement, Phonenomena can assist you. Just give us a call on 1300 721 281 or email us at sales [at] phonenomena [dot] com [dot] au!