How to Find Your PUK Number
By Stephanie Ellen
A Pin Unlock Key (PUK) is a code assigned to your cell phone's SIM card by your service provider. If you have entered an incorrect pin, the phone will lock and prompt you to enter your "PUK code." You must enter the correct six digit code in order to return the phone back to service. Your service provider can help you get the right PUK code for your SIM card.
Check your online billing account to see if there is an option for resetting your SIM card. Search for "Unblock SIM card" or "Reset SIM card." If your service provider has this option available, follow the instructions to obtain your PUK.
Call your cell phone service provider and explain that your phone is prompting you to enter a PUK code. You will have to provide information to identify yourself, such as your current mailing address, date of birth, or the last four digits of your social security number.
Enter the number into your cell phone while you are on the phone with the service provider. This will ensure that the PUK code works before you hang up.
References
Warnings
- Don't guess the PUK code. The PUK code is a failsafe if you forget your PIN: if the SIM card receives three or more incorrect PUK codes after a wrong PIN has been entered, it could shut down (requiring you to purchase a new SIM card).
Writer Bio
Stephanie Ellen teaches mathematics and statistics at the university and college level. She coauthored a statistics textbook published by Houghton-Mifflin. She has been writing professionally since 2008. Ellen holds a Bachelor of Science in health science from State University New York, a master's degree in math education from Jacksonville University and a Master of Arts in creative writing from National University.