PUK code is a code that the user is asked to enter to unlock his SIM card. This is clear from the name of this code, since the abbreviation PUK stands for Personal Unlock Key. This phrase translated from English means “personal unlock code.” Most often, you have to enter a PUK code if you have repeatedly entered the wrong PIN code 3 times, and the maximum number of attempts to enter a PUK code is 10 times. After this, the card will have to be replaced. By the way, a PIN code is a code that is required to be entered every time you turn on your phone or connect a SIM card. This abbreviation stands for Personal Identification Number, which means “personal identification code”. But almost all mobile phone users know their PIN code, because for the vast majority it consists of four units (1111). But few people know the PUK code, so if your SIM card is blocked, you will have to figure out how to find out the PUK code of your phone. This article will help you with this.
Reasons for blocking a SIM card
The reasons for blocking may be different. Let's consider the main ones:
- Suspicious activity on your account. One of the most popular reasons for blocking a SIM card is large expenses incurred over a certain period, for example, a day. Since quite often such manipulations mean that the card has been stolen, the operator has the right to temporarily disable your SIM card for your safety and the safety of your funds.
- The PUK code was entered incorrectly. After the user enters the PIN code incorrectly three times, access to the card is blocked, but it can be unblocked by entering the 8-digit PUK code. You can find it on the plastic card to which your SIM card was attached. Please note: if you enter the PUK code incorrectly 10 times, access to your card is blocked, and it can only be changed in some cases.
- High spam activity from the SIM card. It happens that the card is blocked due to frequent complaints about mass advertising mailings. In such cases, your operator has the right to block the SIM card to prevent other users from worrying.
Why disable the PIN code?
The need to disable a password from a mobile phone may arise for various reasons. Firstly, if the device is used by an elderly person, it can be really difficult for him to dial a four-digit combination of numbers when turning it on. Secondly, today SIM cards are often used for modems - and here a code set of numbers is also constantly requested. Considering that entering the password incorrectly leads to the phone being locked, it is easier to disable this option. Also, removing the code is the best option in the case when the owner does not remember it.
Since the PIN code is designed to ensure the safety of the owner’s data from hacking if the phone is lost or stolen, device manufacturers recommend leaving the PIN verification function enabled.
If the password is difficult to remember, it is easy to change it to another one. You can change it in two ways:
- dial the command **04*хххх*zzzz*zzzz#, where хххх is the current password, and zzzz is the new one;
- go to the phone settings, select Security or Lock (depending on the model), press Codes or PIN code, go to “Change PIN code” - and the device will first ask for the current and then a new password, which must be entered twice.
Before removing the password from the SIM card, you should make sure that you have the PAK code so that there are no difficulties in the process of disabling the function. If necessary, the option to check the PIN code can be returned at any time - there are no restrictions on the number of times.
Unlocking using PUK code
The PUK code (Personal Unlock Key) has been used by many operators for about 10 years. This is the last “line” of protection for your device, after which comes the SIM card blocking. The PUK code is applied when the primary PIN code consisting of four digits (default 1111 or 0000) was entered incorrectly three times.
Finding out this code is quite simple - it is located on a plastic card, which is provided to the client along with the SIM card. On the back of the plastic you can find a PIN code, phone number, general information about the operator and a PUK code, which is better to write out somewhere or save in a more secure place.
Unlocking using a PUK code does not require any special skills or knowledge. The user simply enters a combination of eight numbers that are written on his plastic card and gets the opportunity to enter a new PIN code that he will not forget.
If you enter the PUK code incorrectly 10 times, you will need to contact the office of the operator company with your passport or identity documents to restore access to the phone number. It is worth noting that not all companies provide the opportunity to restore a blocked card. What to do in this case?
What is PIN and PUK code
So, let's take a closer look at what these mysterious PIN codes and PUK codes are.
- The PUK code is an eight-digit code that every SIM card has, and it differs from the PIN code in the following ways:
- The PUK code consists of 8 characters, and the PIN code consists of 4.
- The PIN code is completely under your control, that is, you can change it as many times as you like, while the PUK code remains unchanged, and you cannot simply go into the settings of your cards and write down a different number.
- PUK code, since it does not have the ability to change at your request, the SIM card has only one and its numbers are known to your operator, while the PIN code, due to its ability to change at your request, remains shrouded in secrecy and is known only to you. But this is both a plus and a minus, because if you change this code often, you can simply forget it, so you should never forget to write down each new code where you definitely won’t lose it.
If you accidentally blocked the first digits, the phone system will ask for a Pak code. In order to find out, you need to either contact one of the Tele2 service centers or call the operator’s hotline to restore access. If you decide to use the first option, then you should know that if the SIM card is registered in your name, you must come in person to the Tele2 office in your city, since the SIM card can only be unlocked if the owner of the number is present . If for some reason you are unable to come to the office in person, this operation will only have to take place if there is a power of attorney document. Moreover, first you will be required to provide a document that will prove your identity. For example, a passport. If one person permanently owns a SIM card, but it is documented in the name of another person, both of these people must be in the office.
Of course, these measures are not always convenient for customers and can create additional difficulties, but this was done specifically for subscribers in order to protect their personal data.
Unlocking a SIM card with high debt
If a SIM card is blocked due to debt on payment of tariffs or services, the solution to the problem is quite simple - the client must pay all debts so that the amount in his personal account is not lower than zero. To do this you need:
- Call or come to the operator's office.
- Inform the specialist or manager that you want to unblock your card and pay off all debts on it.
- Pay and provide the payment receipt to the manager.
There are cases when the amount of debt was too high and the number was blocked completely. Most often, this happens due to the fact that the client did not react to the disconnection for a long period of time after turning off access to his card. If a year or more has passed since the temporary disconnection (depending on the conditions of a particular operator), the latter has the right to permanently block the client’s number.
How to unlock a SIM card after a long period of non-use
The period of “long-term non-use” depends on the operator and is described in advance in the tariff plan or agreement:
- The client can come to the office of his operator and ask for the restoration of a number that has not been used for a long period of time. To do this, you need documents confirming the client’s identity, as well as a SIM card. It is needed in order to activate it using a special code or SMS message.
- Also, some companies make it possible to unlock a SIM card that has not been used for a long time through your personal account.
If you try to log into an account with a number that is temporarily blocked, the system will remind you that the number is now out of reach and you need to carry out a special procedure to unblock it.
Methods of contacting operators to obtain a PUK code
Movistar support
- Helpline: 1004
MásMóvil support service
- Helpline: 2373
Vodafone Help Desk
- Helpline: 22123
Orange Customer Service
- Helpline: 1470
Yoigo Support
- Helpline: 622
Tuenti Mobile Help Desk
- Via live chat in the app or on the web.
O2 Customer Service
- Helpline: 1551
Finetwork Customer Service
- Helpline: 1777
Pepephone support
- Helpline: 1212
Lowi Customer Service
- Helpline: 121
Jazztel Customer Service
- Helpline: 1565
Amena Customer Service
- Helpline: 1478
Digi Customer Service
- Helpline: 1200
Simyo Customer Service
- Helpline: 1644
Euskaltel Help Desk
- Helpline: 1717
Lebara Customer Service
- Helpline: 2224
Lamaya Help Desk
- Helpline: 2376
Suop customer support
- Helpline: 744401212
How to unlock a SIM card if you don’t know the PUK code
It often happens that users simply lose the PUK code along with their plastic card, as they believe that it will no longer be useful. Of course, the PUK code also remains lost, because no one rewrites it. But what about users who want to unblock their number without a PUK code?
- Using a special service from an operator. A large number of operators make it possible to restore the PUK code using a special service. Some use the official application for this, others use their personal account.
- Application at the office of the mobile operator. If you do not know the PUK code, you can always try to go to the office of the mobile operator so that they can help you restore access to your SIM card without the PUK code. However, to do this you will need to have the card itself or at least its serial number with you.
- Consultation using a hotline. Consultants are ready to provide you with information related to restoring a SIM card without a PUK code, since there are quite a lot of such users. In addition, specialist operators will also be able to name the cost of the service if it is paid.
How to find out MTS Puk code
How to find out the MTS PUK code? You will not be able to find out this information on your own. The only way out is to find a contract where this data is indicated. Usually the password combination is written on a plastic card, from which the subscriber takes out a new SIM card. In other options, you will have to contact the contact center for help.
Call the hotline - 0890:
- When you call technical support, you will need to identify yourself.
- The employee will definitely clarify your passport details. Remember that confidential information in the form of passwords is transferred strictly to the subscriber specified in the contract.
- You may have to say a code word.
- A technical support employee will provide detailed advice on restoring the code.
Contacting the operator's office
Most problems related to SIM card unlocking can be resolved by visiting the operator's office. The specialists located there can help you on the spot, but please note that in order for them to provide you with assistance, they may require identification documents, such as a license or passport, as well as the SIM card itself, which needs to be unlocked.
If your last name has changed
Despite the fact that such situations happen very rarely, it still happens that clients contact the office who have changed their last name and passport, but want to unblock a SIM card that was registered with their old initials. In this case, it will not be possible to restore access, because the number was linked to an old passport, which is no longer valid. The only solution for the client is to buy a new SIM card, which can be registered on a passport with the current surname.
If you don't have a passport
If the client did not take his passport with him, you can find a lot of analogies for this identity card, which the operator’s employees will accept. Here are just a few of them:
- Driver's license;
- International passport;
- Military ID;
- Personal electronic card.
Most documents that contain a photograph of the client and his first and last name can replace a passport, making it easy to restore or unlock the SIM card.
Unlocking a SIM card of a specific operator
Below you will find instructions for unlocking SIM cards from certain operators that are popular in the Russian Federation.
MTS
Top up your balance
To restore access to your MTS number, you can top up your account with an amount of 10 rubles or more. This will help in cases where the SIM card was disabled due to debt. Pay the bill in an amount that would cover the debts, after which the card will be automatically unblocked.
In your personal account
- In your personal account, click on “PIN and PUK codes”.
- Save the code to a text file.
- Enter the PUK code in a special field when turning on the phone with a SIM card.
USSD command
Send a message to number 9999. Enter 74********* in the message. There, separated by a space, enter the passport number without letters. You will receive a message containing your Pin and PUK codes.
Call to operator
To call the operator, you need to dial 0890 and wait for an answer.
Operator's office
When you come to the MTS office, you can ask for help from specialists who will provide instructions on how to unlock your SIM card. You must have an identity document with you.
Beeline
Top up your balance
If you have not paid your bills on your tariff plan for a long time, access to the number may be blocked. To do this, top up your account with the cost of paying for the tariff plan so that the amount of money in your account is more than 5 rubles.
In your personal account
- Login to “My Beeline”.
- Go to “Personal Account”.
- Click on your number.
- If it is blocked, the client will be provided with instructions that can be followed to restore access to the number.
- Pay off debts, if any.
USSD command
If the number is registered to an individual, then you can unblock access to the number by entering *213#. After that, pay off all debts associated with paying for the tariff plan, if any.
Call to operator
By calling 0 800 700 0611, you can restore your number by providing the operator with the passport data specified during registration.
Operator's office
The client will need to have a passport to confirm his identity, after which he will be explained the reason for the blocking and whether it is possible to restore the number.
Megaphone
Top up your balance
After paying your debts on tariff plans, you can unblock the card if it has been blocked for no more than a year.
In your personal account
- Log into your personal account using PUK as a password and phone number.
- Using the instructions from the Service Guide, we will unlock the card.
USSD command
Megafon does not provide the ability to restore a SIM card using a USSD code.
Call to operator
0500 is a number you can call and chat with an operator. A specialist will help you restore your number remotely.
Operator's office
Using a passport and a SIM card with its number, the client can restore the number by filling out a special document.
Tele 2
Top up your balance
To find out about debts on your tariff plan, call the operator at 611 and indicate your blocked phone number. After that, top up your account through the terminal or mobile application for the specified amount.
In your personal account
- We go to your personal account.
- Go to the “Tariffs and Services” tab.
- We go to “Voluntary blocking”.
- Click “Unblock”.
Important: this method is available if the user has independently blocked access to his card.
USSD command
Tele2 does not provide the ability to restore a SIM card using a USSD code.
Call to operator
A call to 611 will allow you to contact an operator or other specialist who, using your data, will be able to restore access to the phone number.
Operator's office
To solve the problem personally and unblock the card as quickly as possible, we recommend visiting the operator’s office. But keep in mind that you may need documents confirming your identity and a SIM card, which is currently blocked. You will be given the opportunity to get a similar SIM card for 50 rubles, which will have the same number and tariff plan.
Yota
Top up your balance
Blocking a number with the Yota operator is a very serious procedure, so in order to regain access to your account and SIM card, you need to come to the company’s office and personally communicate with specialists.
In your personal account
There is no way to restore access using your personal account.
USSD command
There is no USSD command with a code to restore the number.
Call to operator
87 is a number that you can call to find out more details about why your SIM card was blocked. You won't be able to unlock it remotely.
Operator's office
To ensure user safety is at the highest level, a user can unlock a SIM card only in the office. To do this, you will need the documents that you received when drawing up the contract, a passport and a SIM card with its codes.
Tinkoff Mobile
Top up your balance
Top up your account so that the balance is greater than zero. After that, call any number to check the activation of the card.
In your personal account
Using the official application, you can contact the support service, which will tell you what to do to unlock the card in your case.
USSD command
There is no USSD command with a code to restore the number.
Call to operator
0 800 555 4929 is the number of Tinkoff Mobile, which operates in Russia. If you are in a roaming area, dial +7499 649 59 95 to speak directly to the operator.
What to do if you forgot the code of your MTS SIM card
There is no need to memorize the PAC code, just write it down. This password is not used often, it is easier to remember the PIN code. The information provided is issued along with the SIM card; it can be found in a copy of the contract. To view the password, check the documents that you received with the purchase of the SIM card.
Sometimes clients may simply forget this data, or lose it after using the connection. If you cannot find the card with the passwords, then contact the nearest communications office. Please note that the employees of the communication salon will definitely ask you for your passport. This is a necessary procedure to recover lost passwords.
