The PUK code governs your SIM card rather than your phone.
While beefing up your cell phone security can protect your wireless account from thieves, requiring a PIN code to use your device could also thwart you. If you incorrectly enter your code too many times, your phone may prompt you to enter the PIN Unlock Key, or PUK, instead. This security feature is designed to protect your SIM card from abuse by others. Knowing track down your PUK code can help you to quickly regain access to your phone and avoid the costly replacement of your SIM card.
Obtaining Your PUK Code
You can get the PUK code in a few different ways. If you have the packaging that came with your SIM card -- which wireless retailers sometimes advise to keep in a safe place -- the PUK code is often printed on the plastic card to which the SIM was initially affixed. If you've already discarded this packaging, contact your wireless service provider to request the code. While some carriers allow you to submit these kinds of requests online, the quickest way to obtain your PUK code is to simply call your carrier. Your wireless service provider will give you the code after you prove your identity by providing the last four digits of your social security number or your account password.
Code Entry
With your PUK code in hand, you can now attempt to regain access to your phone. If the screen currently displays a prompt directing you to enter the code, do so carefully. If the prompt is not currently on screen, turn the phone off and then back on; the prompt should appear after the reboot. Enter the code and follow any other on-screen directions to unlock your device. You may be directed to create a new SIM PIN; enter a code that you will definitely remember going forward.
PUK Blocked
If your phone displays "PUK Blocked," it means that you've entered an incorrect code 10 times in a row. When this happens, the phone permanently scrambles the SIM card in order to prevent the theft of your personal information, so you have to purchase a new SIM card in order to regain access to your phone. Obtain replacement SIM cards from wireless retail outlets. If there are no retail locations for your service provider nearby, call your provider and order one over the phone. Some carriers also allow you to purchase replacements from their websites.
Retaining Your PUK Code
As your PUK code is always available from your wireless provider, you may not wish to write it down for the sake of storage. However, doing so could help you avoid the additional hassle of requesting the code should you ever need it again. If you decide to keep the code for future reference, be sure to store it at home rather than your wallet or purse; this makes it more difficult for potential thieves to thwart your cell phone security and gain access to your account.
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