Updated October 2020: The PUK code is still the only way to regain access to your SIM card once you're locked out. Have you ever locked yourself out of your SIM card? Sound off in the comments! Your carrier will ask you to verify your identity and information before giving you the PUK code, so this information is only good if you're the account holder or have access to the account or SIM card. If you're worried that your SIM card got into the wrong hands and they can use this info to get into the SIM Card, fear not. If you are ever digging around in your iPhone's settings and manage to accidentally lock yourself out of your own SIM card, then this is how you unlock the SIM card on your iPhone. When you input the correct PUK code, you'll unlock the SIM card on your iPhone, so all voice and data should work once more. The PUK code is typically 8-digits long, so make sure that you type it correctly the first time. You only get 10 attempts to input the PUK Code - don't waste them. If it is not showing up, reboot your phone. If you backed out of this screen, you should be able to access it again by going into Settings and then tapping Cellular, or it may just pop up on its own when you try to access anything involving cellular. Once you obtain the PUK code, input it on the Enter PUK screen. Make sure you have something like Skype that can make outbound calls, or use someone else's phone. Personally, I called my carrier (T-Mobile) through Skype, because it was the only alternative I had (I only have one phone). You can also try a live chat with customer support via your carrier's website or take it into a carrier store. In this case, you'll want to use another device for calling them. Usually this can be done by calling 611 from your mobile phone, but you'll be unable to make calls if you are locked out of your SIM card. How to get your PUK Code and unlock SIM card on iPhoneĬontact your carrier. If you fail the three attempts, your iPhone will ask for a PUK Code, which you can only obtain by calling your carrier.Īt this point, stop trying to guess your SIM PIN, because the PUK code is different and if you fail 10 attempts, your SIM card is locked forever and you'll need to purchase a new one. Of course, you don't want to lock yourself out, but this is how it happens.
Your phone can be unlocked in both of the above-mentioned cases even if Metro PCS will tell you that you are required to wait for 90 days before the device becomes eligible for unlocking.VPN Deals: Lifetime license for $16, monthly plans at $1 & more How to (accidentally) lock yourself out of your SIM card Please note that in this case, the Metro PCS SIM card needs to be inserted into the phone before performing the unlocking process. Your device’s IMEI will need to be registered as Unlocked/Eligible, in Metro PCS’s database and afterward, you are required to open the Metro PCS Device Unlock App and select the Permanent Unlock option. įor these handsets, the unlocking process is a bit different and doesn’t require a code because there is no designated field in which the codes can be inserted. Please use the ‘Device Unlock Application’ to unlock the device”Īll the Metro PCS devices that have the release date after 1st March 2015 can only be unlocked through the Metro PCS Device Unlock App. “This device can be remotely unlocked if eligible. Please note that in this case, you will need a different carrier SIM card (Not Metro PCS) inserted into the phone when entering the codes. Therefore, if you place an order for these devices, you will receive one or more unlocking codes. If your SIM card has a PIN code (4 digits), you will need to insert it.Īfterward, if your phone displays one of the following messages, then you can be sure that your device is network locked: “SIM Network Unlock PIN” or “Network locked “Īll Metro PCS devices that have the release date before 1st March 2015 can only be unlocked by an unlocking code.Insert the “non-accepted SIM card” in the phone (Please make sure the new SIM Card is activated, if not contact the Mobile Operator that sold it to you).In the upper-left corner tap the Airplane Mode icon that looks like a circle with a white airplane in the middle. There are 3 easy steps that you can follow: Once your iPhone is unlocked, swipe up from the bottom of the screen. To find out if your phone is Network Locked to MetroPCS, you’ll need a different SIM card (from a different network provider – NOT the Metro PCS one). Not sure if your phone is Network Locked to Metro PCS? Find out!