The SIM PIN code is a security feature that protects against unauthorized individuals accessing your SIM card data. Some smartphone models come with this option on by default, while others need to have the feature enabled. In this tutorial, we examine how you can easily change your SIM PIN on your Android and iOS device. In addition, it’s possible to renounce the code altogether if you are confident that your device doesn’t need the extra layer of protection.
Also read: How to Fix “SIM Not Provisioned MM 2” Error On iPhone And Android
Why It’s Important to Lock Your SIM
Your SIM card doesn’t just contain your address book. Actually, the small plastic card also stores other valuable data, including SMS text messages, billing information and data usage.
As it happens, this data can’t be secured merely by setting up a PIN, passcode or some type of biometric lock on your phone. Only by activating the SIM PIN lock can users make sure this information will be secured against any potential hacking attacks.
A vast majority of carriers provide standard SIM PIN codes like 0000 or 1234, while others generate random codes. In any case, it’s always a good idea to change the default code to boost the security of your device and prevent someone from simply guessing what your code is.
Also read: Should You Use an Older Android Phone?
How to Turn On/Off SIM Lock on Android
To turn on the SIM lock feature on a device that doesn’t have it activated by default, you will need to know your phone’s default SIM PIN. As mentioned above, most carriers use defaults, but that’s not always a rule. In the U.S., two of the biggest carriers – Verizon and AT&T – use 1111, while T-Mobile employs 1234 instead.
If these codes don’t work for you, you should try to call your carrier or check your provider’s website to obtain the default SIM PIN. Make sure you have the correct information before typing the code, though, because if the number of PIN input attempts exceeds three times, your SIM will get blocked. To unblock it, you will need to enter the PUK to unlock the SIM. The PUK is the PIN Unlocking Key that is sometimes delivered with your SIM card.
Once you’ve obtained your default SIM PIN, the next step is to turn on the SIM lock feature manually on your device. The path will vary based on your smartphone model and the Android version it’s using. For the purposes of this tutorial, we used a Pixel device running Android 12.
Enable SIM Lock
- Open the Settings app on your phone.
- Scroll down until you find “Security.”
- Find and tap on “Advanced settings” (all the way at the bottom).
- Tap on “SIM card lock.”
- Select your SIM card (if you have a dual-card device).
- Toggle the “Lock SIM card” option on.
- Input your default SIM PIN and click “OK.”
- For those who feel they don’t need a SIM PIN code, it’s important to follow these steps as well to check whether the option is on or off on your device. If it’s on, use the toggle (#6) to disable it.
With the SIM PIN activated, every time you fire up the device or reboot it, you will be required to input the default SIM PIN number.
Alternatively, on different devices you may need to follow a slightly different path like “Security & Privacy -> More Settings -> Encryption and credentials” to find the SIM card lock.
On our older Honor device running Android 8.1 Oreo, the feature was found under “Settings -> Security & Location -> SIM card lock.”
Bottom line, make sure you look for the option in the Security/Privacy sections of your phone’s Settings. If you still can’t find it on your own, try and perform a search in Settings using the keywords “SIM” or “Lock.”
Also read: 22 Android Secret Security Codes You Need to Know
How to Change Your SIM PIN Code on Your Android
On the other hand, if you want to simply change your default code to something else, follow these steps.
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down until you find “Security.”‘
- Find and tap on “Advanced settings” (all the way at the bottom).
- Tap on “SIM card lock.”
- Select “Change SIM PIN.”
- Input your old code.
- Input your new SIM PIN, then press “OK.”
Alternatively, if for whatever reason you wish to remove the SIM PIN lock from your device, all you have to do is follow the steps above again, then toggle off the “Lock SIM card” option.
If you followed the steps to a T, you’ve now successfully added a layer of protection that will keep your SIM data safe.
Also read: How to Fix the Obtaining IP Address Error on Android
How to Turn On/Off Your SIM PIN on iPhone
If you have an iPhone, these are the steps you need to take to enable your SIM PIN option. The default SIM PINs are the same for the three major carriers in the US, as explained above in the Android section.
- Open the Settings app on your iOS device.
- Go to “Cellular.”
- Select the “SIM PIN” option toward the bottom.
- Toggle on the option. Make sure you know your carrier’s default SIM PIN option once you’ve enabled it. Check your carrier’s website or contact support if you’re not sure.
Also read: What Is eSIM and Who Can Use It?
How to Change Your SIM PIN Code on iPhone
- Open the Settings app on your iOS device.
- Go to “Cellular.”
- Tap on “SIM PIN.”
- Select the “Change PIN” option.
- You’ll need to input your default SIM PIN.
- You will be asked to type in your new SIM PIN.
- That’s it, you’re done. Make sure you remember your new code.
Also read: How to Run iOS Apps on an Android Device
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I find my PUK code?
If you can’t remember or find your PUK code, don’t try to guess it. Once you get it wrong 10 times, your SIM card will get blocked, and you will need to request a new SIM card.
The best solution would be to contact the carrier that gave you the SIM card. If you’re not sure which carrier that is, you may want to turn off the phone and remove your SIM card and check the carrier’s name or logo.
Once you get in contact with your carrier, ask them to provide you with the PUK code. If you’ve exhausted your PUK attempts, you will have to request a new SIM card.
2. What’s a PIN2 code?
A PIN2 code is similar to the standard PIN code. It’s a rarely used code that aims to protect access to specific features of your SIM. For instance, it can activate a phone’s restricted directory. These option can be found with certain carriers but not all.
3. Is it a good idea to continue using my carrier’s default SIM PIN, once I’ve enabled the feature?
The short answer is no. Using a unique SIM PIN will help you keep your info private if case your phone is stolen. If you keep the default SIM PIN on, you make it easier for the thief to guess that code. Once the thief is granted access to your phone, they will be able to make calls or send texts in your name and access even more sensitive data, such as bank information. You should do everything you can to prevent that. Obviously, adding an additional authentication method to access your phone like a fingerprint or lock pin also helps keep your data away from harm.
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