With iOS 12 and later, Apple gave us a way to secure our SIM cards by locking it with a PIN code (here's how-to set it up). It's a simple process and gives us an added layer of security each time we restart our iPhone or remove the SIM card and pop it into another device.
But what happens when you've set up a SIM PIN a long time ago and forgot you did so? And then, when you try to create a new one, you've managed to lock yourself out of your own SIM card because of numerous failed attempts at guessing what your previous SIM PIN was?
This happened to me recently (don't ask how), but fortunately the process to regain access to your SIM card is not too difficult. Here's how to do it!
How to (accidentally) lock yourself out of your SIM card
Of course, you don't want to lock yourself out, but this is how it happens.
- Go to Settings, then find Cellular and then select SIM PIN.
- Tap on the toggle for SIM PIN to off. It will ask you to input your current SIM PIN, and there are only three attempts.
If you input three wrong attempts, you'll be locked out of your SIM card completely (no voice or data).
The iPhone will then ask you to input a PUK code, which you can only obtain by calling your carrier. At 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.
How to get your PUK Code and regain access
Contact your carrier. You can do so by dialing 611 from your mobile phone. You can also try a live chat with customer support via your carrier's website or take it into a carrier store.
Personally, I called my carrier (T-Mobile) through Skype, as I wasn't sure if I was able to call from my phone since I was locked out.
Once you obtain the PUK code, input it on the Enter PUK screen. If you backed out of this screen, you should be able to access it again by going into Settings > Cellular, or it may just pop up on its own when you try to access anything involving cellular.
You only get 10 attempts to input the PUK Code, so don't waste them. The PUK code is typically 8-digits long, so make sure that you type it correctly the first time.
When you input the correct PUK code, you'll gain access to your SIM card again, so all voice and data should work once more.
So there you have it. 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 get back into it.
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. 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.
Have you ever locked yourself out of your SIM card? Sound off in the comments!
Updated September 2019: Updated for iOS 13.
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