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What Is A PUK Code?
Have you ever forgotten the code that your phone asks for when you boot it up? We are talking about the code to activate the SIM card, not the code or unlocking pattern. Surely it is very frustrating not even knowing how to get it back.
If you try to unlock your phone using a random number, after the third time you will lock your phone, and it will ask you for another code.
Probably you will think, how can I know that other code if I did not know the first one? Do not worry anymore. Here we will talk about SIM cards and the codes related to them.
Continue reading and learn more about this topic:
SIM cards, PIN, and PUK code
If you have a smartphone, you have probably also purchased a SIM card. SIM stands for Subscriber Identity Module and it is a small chip that contains all the information you need to connect your smartphone with your phone carrier. They come in different sizes, including standard, micro, and nano. Nowadays there are even ones called eSIMs that are virtual.
SIM cards are unique, you cannot find two SIM cards with the same phone number and information. What you can do is remove the card from your cell phone and place it into another phone. In this way, you will have all the information on that other phone.
The thing is, that mobiles networks needed to ensure the safety of its use since it is very easy to put it in a new phone and start using it. This is when the PIN and the PUK code are born.
PIN stands for Personal Identification Number, which is a security code that you will need to enter each time the device you are using is started. It is usually made up of four digits. When you buy your SIM card, it will come embedded in a plastic card. That plastic card will have information about the carrier and also the PIN.
Despite being an important security measure, you can deactivate the option if you do not find it necessary. In this case, every time you turn on your cell phone, no code will be asked, and maybe another person could have access to your information (by placing the card into another phone).
Now, if you have the option enable, you must remember your PIN because you will need to introduce it every time you restart your device. If you forget your PIN, and that you try three times and you still cannot find the number, your SIM card will be locked.
This is when the PUK code comes into play.
PUK stands for Personal Unlocking Key. It is an eight-digit code that is used to unlock a locked SIM card. If unfortunately, you forgot your PIN, the PUK code will save you from losing all your information and having to buy a new SIM card.
Let’s find out much more about the PUK code.
How can I get my PUK code?
There are three ways in which you can find your PUK code. The first one is to check in the plastic card where your SIM card came from. The PUK is usually there next to your PIN. That is why we highly recommend keeping that plastic card in a safe place (you never know when you will need it).
Maybe the PUK code could not be visible, so you will need to scratch an indicated surface to reveal it.
However, what if you do not have that package?
The second option is to go online and look for the code on your mobile’s carrier website. You will need to have an account and sign in. Your PUK code should be there in your profile. Most carriers offer this service on their website, so it is good to check first if you can have an online account.
If none of the above worked, there is a third option that is to call your network provider. Customer support should be able to help you with this. Probably they will ask you for some information to validate your identity (name, date of birth, address), so you will not receive the PUK code if you cannot prove you are the owner of the SIM card.
What happens after I enter my PUK code?
You entered the wrong PIN three times. Your phone is locked and you are informed that you need to type in the PUK code. Finally, you found it and now you enter it into your phone. What is next?
After all that, you will need to enter a new PIN and your phone will be ready to use again. However, please write down that new PIN in any case that you need it.
If in the end you could not find your PUK code and try to enter a number and it says that it is wrong, be careful. After trying ten times, your SIM card will become useless and you will need to buy a new one.
That is why we suggest that you check first with your phone carrier that you have the correct PUK number.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the PUK work?
Consider it a second level of security, after the PIN.
What is the difference between a PIN and the PUK code?
You use the PIN every time that you turn on your device (if you have the feature enable). Otherwise, you use the PUK code to unlock your SIM card.
Can I get my PUK code without knowing my number?
If you have the plastic card with the PUK code, you will not have problems. If you do not have it, you can call the provider but you need to be the owner of the SIM card.
n this article, we showed you an overview of the security options that mobile carriers provide with their SIM cards. You just need to be sure that the next time you purchase a card, please keep the package!
