Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

PUK stands for "Personal Unlock Key", meaning personal unlock code. This is the unique code associated with the phone SIM and usually has 8 characters. The PUK code is required when the SIM card is locked and you enter the wrong password more than 3 times. The phone is then locked and needs to enter the PUK code. This code is usually not difficult to find.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Uses of PUK codes

1. 

   When do you need a PUK code? When setting up a PIN for your SIM card as additional protection, you'll need to enter it every time you turn on the phone. In other words, the PUK code is only needed when you enter the SIM card PIN incorrectly too many times.
   • A message that a locked PUK code appears on the screen. At this point, you need to enter the PUK code to access the phone.
   • If you enter an incorrect PUK code more than 3 times, the SIM card is blocked. If the PUK code is entered incorrectly more than 10 times or more, the SIM card will no longer be available. PUC is another name for PUK code on some phones, but essentially the same and has 8 characters.

2. 

   
   
   How does PUK code work? The PUK code is the personal key used to protect your SIM card. Note that the PUK code of each SIM card is unique.
   • There are several other reasons for you to know the PUK code; The most common scenario is when you switch to a different mobile operator but don't want to change the phone number.
   • Although the carriers are not the same, often the PUK code is quite easy to get. Be sure to write it down somewhere so that you don't forget it, and be aware that some carriers limit the amount of time the PUK code is available.
   • The PUK code is the second layer of security to the SIM card. Not for phones only, this code is unique to the internal SIM card. The PUK code is held by the network operator.
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Part 2 of 3: Find the PUK code

1. 

   
   
   Check the SIM card packaging. If you have just bought a SIM card, you can see it on the packaging. Sometimes the PUK code is printed on it.
   • Looking at the SIM card box (if applicable), the PUK code is usually on the box or product label.
   • If you can't find the PUK code, call the store where you bought your phone, and they can assist with the problem.

2. 

   
   
   Call your carrier. The PUK code of each SIM card is unique, so you can only request this information from your mobile operator. They will sometimes provide this info the first time you get your SIM card, but not all carriers do.
   • After connecting to the switchboard and answering the security questions, the customer service staff will read or renew the PUK code for you.
   • Your mobile network service provider will ask you to prove your identity. They may sometimes ask for the birthday, the address, or even the SIM card code on the package. They will refuse to provide the PUK code if you cannot prove that you are the owner of the phone.

3. 

   Check it out on the carrier's online site. You can login to your account and try to find the PUK code on the website of the mobile network service provider (most overseas carriers have this service).
   • Log in to the customer account on your computer or phone and look for the PUK code on the account page. The location of this option will vary by carrier. In Vietnam, Viettel provides the My Viettel application (for Android and iOS). After installing and registering / logging in, click on the yellow button with + in the lower right corner of the screen and select "Lookup PIN & PUK". Enter your capcha code and click "Lookup PIN & PUK", the information you need will appear.
   • Some pre-paid overseas phones also use the PUK code, you can look up online if you know the account holder's phone number and date of birth.If you don't have an online account, you can easily create by phone number and basic information to prove identity.
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Part 3 of 3: Enter the PUK code

1. 

   Enter the PUK code on the phone. Usually a message asking for the PUK code appears on the screen.
   • Follow the instructions on your phone to complete the process.
   • Take different steps for different phones, but most report that the phone is locked and requires the PUK code to be entered.

2. 

   Enter a new PIN. If you have to use the PUK code because you have entered the wrong PIN many times, after accessing the phone, you need to enter a new PIN for the SIM card.
   • As such, the phone is unlocked and can be used normally.
   • For some phone models, users need to press * * 05 * before entering PUK code. Then, enter 8 more PUK digits and press enter. Nexus One users need to dial * * 05 *, PUK code, *, PIN number, *, new PIN number again and end with #.
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Advice

• Calling the carrier's customer service switchboard is still the fastest way.

Warning

• Don't waste time guessing the PUK code. If you enter incorrectly more than 10 times, the SIM card will be locked permanently.