PUK Code to Unblock SIM Card
The security features of your mobile phone are a great way to safeguard your cell phone and its contents. However, these security features can become a cause of trouble for some. Why? Because, if you enter a wrong PIN (personal identification code) or security number, 3 times, either your SIM card or your cell phone gets blocked. This is one of those cell phone safety features that might frustrate you at times. In such a case, you will have to either purchase a new card, or a new phone or you will have to get a PUK (personal unblocking key).
The number of times a PIN can be entered before the SIM card gets blocked or the phone gets locked differs from phone to phone. There are various ways to unblock SIM card that has been blocked as a result of error while entering a PIN or security code. Some of the methods of obtaining a PUK code have been discussed below.
How to Obtain a PUK Code
The PUK code to unblock SIM card is an 8 digit number that is unique to your SIM card. In order to unblock the SIM card, you will have to use the PUK code once and an individual is given 10 attempts to get the code right. After the code is entered properly, the card or the cell phone gets reactivated.
The easiest way to retrieve the PUK is to visit the official website of the service provider. The AT&T PUK code or Vodafone PUK code can be obtained directly from the company's website. Often the mobile phone also blocks the SIM card if you enter the wrong PUK code. Motorola is a fine example of such a handset. If you enter your PIN incorrectly thrice, then the phone gets blocked, and you will see the word 'Blocked' flashing on the screen. In such a case, you will have to contact your service provider or visit the website for the PUK Code. Nokia handsets will flash 'SIM card blocked - Enter PUK' if you enter the wrong PIN, and you will have to enter the PUK code. Blocked SIM cards often have to be replaced. For example, if you have Nokia hand set, then you will see the words 'SIM card rejected', indicating that you will have to replace your SIM card.
There are three principle channels with the help of which, a service provider enables a consumer to retrieve the PUK code. The first and the easiest one is to obtain the code directly from the official website of the handset provider or the service provider. However, this channel has been previously used for unethical and illegal motives as such a system does not have a legitimate identification system.
The second method is to contact your service provider via an email. Such a method is quite reliable because, upon contacting the service provider, the company runs a simple background check by cross checking your email identification and other elementary details such as your credit card number or account number, etc. Thus, sending an email is a preferred way to get the PUK and such a channel is gaining quite a widespread importance due to the fact that it protects the user's interests and prevents identity theft.
The last method is to contact the call center. This is also quite safe and a quick method to get the PUK code. During the phone call, the call center executive will perform a quick identity check, thereby blocking any unethical activity.
The fastest way to obtain a PUK code is by using the call center method. If you want to be cautious, then using an email is also a good option but it takes quite some time for you to unblock the SIM card.
