PUK Codes - Security keys for your SIM
A PUK code, also known as a Personal Unlocking Key, serves as an additional layer of security for your SIM card. It consists of an eight-digit sequence of numbers that is specific to your SIM card.
Jump to section: Why do I need it? | How do I find it? | How do I unlock my SIM with my PUK code? | My phone says my PUK is blocked |
Why would I need to know my PUK code?
There's a few reasons you might require your PUK code:
- You're moving from mobile service provider to another but want to keep your number - aka porting. When moving to Kiwi Mobile, if you want to bring your number across you'd need the PUK code from your old provider.
- You’ve incorrectly entered the SIM PIN on your phone more than three times. If you have activated SIM Security on your phone, you’ll need to enter a PIN to unlock the SIM card each time you start your phone. This is different to the screen-lock PIN. If you incorrectly enter the SIM PIN more than three times, both SIM card and the phone will be locked. They can be unlocked by entering your PUK code.
How to find your PUK code
For now Kiwi Mobile customers will need to reach out to our team to get their PUK code. The quickest way would be to give us a buzz on live chat.
Unlocking your SIM using a PUK code
If you've needed to find your PUK code because of entering your PIN incorrectly too many times, enter the PUK code and then set a new PIN for the SIM card
- Enter the PUK code into your mobile phone. Be careful! If you incorrectly enter your PUK code more than 10 times, your SIM will be permanently disabled.
- Enter a new SIM PIN code. Write that number down somewhere safe and secure so you don’t need to do this again. Your phone should be unlocked, and you’ll be able to use it as usual.
My phone says my PUK is blocked
If your phone is displaying a ‘PUK Blocked’ message, you’ve incorrectly entered your PUK code too many times and the SIM is now permanently disabled. Drop us a line on live chat and we'll sort out a replacement ASAP.