PUK Code

The Personal Unblocking Code (PUK code) is a security feature to protect the SIM card user in case of phone theft. When an unknown user attempts to unlock your phone by putting the wrong PIN code three consecutive times, the card will get blocked. The SIM card can also get blocked in case of incorrect pin entry due to absent-mindedness. You will get a message stating 'PIN Locked' on your phone screen. This requires an eight digit PUK code to unlock the phone.

What is a PIN Code and PUK Code?

If you are wondering what is a PIN code and PUK code and the difference between them, then let me explain. A PIN code is Personal Identification Number that is necessary for protection of your SIM card from non-sanctioned access. Whenever you switch on your phone, you need to enter a PIN code. You need to keep this PIN code a secret and remember it to unlock your phone. If you put in three wrong entries in succession, it will result in 'SIM-card block'. The phone can be unblocked only by entering a PUK code.

PUK codes are printed on the card-certificate that is attached to your SIM card. However, in case you have misplaced your card-certificates or lost them, you need to call the service provider call center. The network provider is the only way you can get your PUK code to unlock your SIM card. They will provide you with an eight digit code that is absolutely unique to a particular SIM card.

In most of the handsets, you can enter the code directly into the phone. You need to select OK and will be prompted to enter your PUK code. You will again be prompted to re-enter the code for verification. In some handsets, you will need to enter **05*(PUK Code)*(new PIN)*(new PIN)#[send]. If you are not sure, you can always refer to the user manual of your cell phone.

PUK Code for T-Mobile

In case you are trying to find the PUK code for T-mobile, you can try the following steps to unblock your phone. You need to sign up or log in to MY T-Mobile and select your phone. Then you need to select the mobile number assigned to you to unblock the SIM, in case you hold more than one mobile phone number in your account. Then select unblock SIM and click PIN code locked. The screen will display your PUK code and you need to enter this in your phone to unblock the SIM. Or the easy way out is, call the Customer Care number for T-Mobile and ask for a PUK code to unlock your phone.

PUK Code for AT&T Phones

If your SIM card gets locked and you are looking for PUK Code for AT&T phones then you need to log in to the myWireless Account online for AT&T. You need to select My Services under the My Account page and select MY Phone/ Device options. Then choose the Unblock SIM Card option and your PUK code will be displayed on the screen. Enter this number in your phone and set a new PIN code. In case you enter the wrong code 10 times in a row, your SIM card will get invalidated. In such a situation, you need to buy a new SIM card. Another to get your PUK code is that you simply dial the Customer Care number and ask for it.

Many people often search for PUK code for LG Xenon and PUK code for LG Neon. But you should keep in mind, the PUK code has nothing to do with the LG phones or any other cell phone you use. All you need to do, is call your network provider and request for your PUK. They will ask you for your phone number and some questions to validate you are the owner of the blocked cell phone. They will provide you with the PUK code that you can use to unblock your phone.

If you loose your phone and some unauthorized person tries to switch it on to gain access to your personal information, your phone will get locked. They can't do much about it as they will need to call the customer care for the code. They are most unlikely to do so, if they have stolen your phone. In any way, this is good cell phone safety measure to protect your data.