Forgot PIN and PUK: Unlock SIM card on iPhone, iPad & Android smartphone

If you have forgotten your PIN, entered it incorrectly several times or if you need your PUK that cannot be found to unlock the SIM card, it can be frustrating. But even if you can no longer find the sequence of numbers, you don't have to despair. There are different options for unlocking the SIM card on iPhone, iPad and Android devices; also and especially without the identification numbers.

Unlock SIM card without PIN and PUK

If you switch on your smartphone or tablet, the operating system has some useful functions even without dialing into the cellular network; the camera or internet via WLAN, for example. However, the iPhone in particular is also made for communication via cellular networks - you have one for that SIM card in use, but their PIN has been forgotten, not at hand or has been lost for good, then only the PUK will help you (after entering the PIN incorrectly three times). If that is also missing, then you need the support of your network operator; So Telekom, Vodafone or Telefónica (o2 & E-Plus).

Telekom

If you are a Telekom customer, you can use the online customer center, among other things. Simply click / tap on the corresponding SIM / the associated tariff, and then in the "SIM cards" line on "Settings". Your SIM card settings will now appear, where the first point is directly “Show PIN and PUK”. Select this point and you can unlock your SIM card.

If you do not have access to the Internet, you can also dial the customer service hotline 0800-3302202 or the abbreviated dialing 2202 from your mobile phone and query your unlocking number with your mobile phone number, card number and personal customer password. The same works in the Telekom shop. Please note, however, that the publication of the PUK through support is not free.

Matching link: Questions and answers from the network operator

Vodafone

Vodafone offers a similarly simple procedure via the Internet: To do this, simply log into the “MeinVodafone” area online and check the “SIM card” area in the “Devices” area. The PUK or the SuperPIN can then be read out there. Vodafone also offers you help and support via the relevant channels on Facebook and Twitter. In addition, you can - quite old-fashioned - of course use a hotline. Simply dial 0800-1721212 (landline and other networks), 0172-2290229 or the speed dial 1212 (both Vodafone network).

Matching link: All information on the provider page

Telefónica (o2 / E-Plus)

If you use the o2 network, you can also take the necessary steps online to unlock the SIM card. To do this, log in to the “My o2” customer area and check the “Mobile radio contract” area. You will then find the PIN and PUK for activating the SIM card in the "Manage SIM card" area. Alternatively, you can find support from support under the numbers 01804-055282 and 0176-88855282. There is also a chat on the o2 website that can guide you through the necessary steps.

Matching link: Thread in the o2 help forum

iPhone and iPad: Open the input field again

If you want to unlock the SIM card and the only problem is that you have tapped the corresponding input field under iOS (or on the Android smartphone), then there are three solutions. Because if you still know the PIN number, you just have to display the input field again and then enter the code. And this is how it works:

1. Switch off the mobile phone / tablet once and then switch it on again; as usual, the PIN number of the SIM card is requested
2. Activate and deactivate airplane mode; PIN is requested due to the new network dial-in
3. Dial any number (except emergency) and then confirm the message "Unlock blocked SIM card?"

Remove (leave) SIM lock

The so-called “SIM lock”, ie the setting of a smartphone such as iPhone or Samsung Galaxy S model to a specific SIM card or to a specific network operator, is no longer quite as common, but still possible in isolated cases. Usually this forced connection only exists in the first year or at most during the minimum contract term of a bundle (24 months). Any SIM card can then be used with the smartphone. If this should be the case beforehand, you can have the provider remove the SIM lock; but that is almost always only possible for money.

Johannes Domke

[On vacation] After graduating from high school, Johannes completed training as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which led to his independence. He has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others, for several years now. His articles include product introductions, news, instructions, video games, consoles and much more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.