Let’s begin with the question of what is a PUK code. Some network operators usually require a personal Unlocking key (PUK) Code to unlock your SIM cards. PUK code is usually helpful if you have bought a locked phone and now want to unlock it to switch service providers.
Another use case of the PUK code is when you have entered the wrong PIN too many times, and now you need a PUK code to unlock your SIM card and start using it again.
This blog will address all your questions about what a PUK code is, and what are its use cases. Along with this, we will also give you insights on how you can get your own from various service providers.
Table of Contents
What is a PUK for?
PUK code, sometimes called NUK (Network unlocking key), is a unique sequence of eight digits, usually provided by your network provider. It is usually required when you want to unlock your phone to use the SIM card from a different network provider.
The code will also be helpful if you have entered the wrong PIN code too many times, and you are locked now. Depending on your network, you have the leverage of entering the wrong PIN three times.
Either way, you will need it to unlock to continue using your phone again.
Is it different from PAC Code?
Porting authorization (PAC) code is different from PUK Code. PAC code is only required when switching your network and Port-in to a different service provider. Whereas the Personal Unblocking Key is required when you have to unlock your phone.
To sum it up, this code unlocks the phone when it has been locked.
Whereas PAC code is obtained to leave a service provider and join a new provider on the same phone.
How Do I Get it?
You might also be wondering how to get your own PUK Code. This eight-digit puck code is usually available in the plastic packaging of your SIM card. You must not have kept it safe, right?
If you have lost the packaging, you might check for the code on your SIM card. If both these ways do not work for you, contacting your service provider might work. Wondering how to get your code from your service provider? We have that covered in the upcoming section.
Getting PUK code from your Network
A regulation by Ofcom bounds the service providers not to sell locked phones after December 2021. If you have your phone after that, you won’t need to worry about getting one. Unless you’ve entered the wrong PIN code too many times.
Some of the service providers that sold locked phones include:
- BT Mobile
- EE
- Tesco Mobile
If you bought your mobile phone in 2021 or earlier, you might need to contact your service provider to get yours. We have discussed the list of major networks and how to get your PUK code from them.
Talk Home Mobile
PUK code doesn’t only work to unlock your mobile. Sometimes the code is also required for online activations. Getting a PUK code from Talk Home Mobile is as easy as dialing a number. Simply put, you just have to call 24/7 customer support at +44 (0)871 332 9189*
You can also get your PUK code by logging in to your My THM app. The app is available on the Play store as well as App Store.
Talk Home Mobile is backed by EE, one of the UK’s top networks. This gives you an edge over other users still relying on slopy telecom services.
O2 PUK Code
So, how to get an O2 PUK code? If you are an O2 customer and entered your PIaode incorrectly three times, your SIM card will be blocked, and you’ll need a PUK code to unlock it.
Visit the O2 website: The first method to get a PUK code is by visiting the O2 website. Go to the “My O2” section of the website and log in with your O2 mobile number and password. After getting your code, It’s essential to save your PUK code somewhere safe, like your phone or a note in your wallet. You’ll need it if you accidentally enter your PIN code incorrectly again.
If you can’t access your O2 account or don’t have access to the internet, you can call O2 customer services. You’ll need to verify your identity by answering some security questions.
Getting a PUK from O2 is a straightforward process that can be done online or by calling customer services. Remember to save your code somewhere safe so you don’t lose it, also, don’t share your it with anyone else. If you’re having trouble getting your PUK code, contact O2 customer services for further assistance.
Vodafone PUK Code
If you’re a Vodafone customer and you’ve locked your SIM card by entering the wrong PIN too many times, you’ll need a PUK code to unlock it.
To get Vodafone PUK Code, you must contact customer service. You can dial their toll-free customer care number, 198 or 111, from your Vodafone mobile number.
Once you get connected to a customer care executive, they will ask you to verify your identity to ensure that you are the rightful owner of the SIM card.
After you have been authenticated, you can request the code from the customer care executive. They will provide you with a unique code, which you can use to unlock your SIM card. Once you have the PUK code, you can enter it into your phone.
After entering the code correctly, your phone will prompt you to set a new PIN code. Choose a PIN that is easy to remember but difficult for others to guess.
Tesco Mobile PUK Code
If you’re a Tesco Mobile customer and you’ve locked your SIM card by entering the wrong PIN too many times, you’ll need a PUK code to unlock it.
You must contact customer support to get a PUK code from Tesco Mobile. Dial their toll-free customer care number, 4455, from your Tesco Mobile number.
Once you connect with a customer care executive, they will ask you to verify your identity. After the successful verification of your identity, the executive will give you a PUK code you can use to unlock your phone.
After receiving the PUK code, enter it into your phone to unlock your SIM card. When entering the code, make sure to enter the correct one since too many wrong attempts can permanently lock your SIM card. After entering the PUK code correctly, your phone will prompt you to set a new PIN code. Choose a Pin that isn’t easily guessable.
EE PUK Code
You must contact customer support to get a PUK code from EE. Simply dial their toll-free number, 150, from your EE mobile Number. You can also dial +44 7953 966 250 from any mobile or landline number.
After your connection, the customer care executive will verify your identity to ensure you are the rightful owner of the SIM card. Provide your full name, mobile number, and other required information to pass through the verification process.
After the successful verification, you will get a code, which you have to enter on your phone to unlock the SIM card. Be careful when entering the code, as too many incorrect attempts can permanently lock your SIM card.
After entering the PUK code correctly, your phone will allow you to set a new PIN code.
If you are wondering how to get it without calling customer service, we have an answer to that as well. You can get your PUK code through the online account of your service provider. This will help you avoid getting in contact with the customer support center.
As discussed, Pac code allows you to switch your network provider and Port-In to a new service provider. You might want a Pac code for a new and reliable service provider to cater to your communication needs.
Wondering how to get the Pac code? Our comprehensive guide on PAC codes will give you all information you need to get the code and Port-In to an operator.
Bottom Line
A PUK code is an essential code that you may need to unlock your SIM card in case you’ve entered the wrong PIN too many times. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t worry, as it’s easy to get a PUK code from your mobile service provider by contacting their customer care service.
Remember to keep your code safe and not share it with anyone, as it can be used to unlock your SIM card by anyone who has it. With a PUK code, you can quickly and easily unlock your SIM card and continue using your phone without interruption.
FAQs
How do I find my PUK code?
Your puck code must be written on the packaging of your SIM card. If you’ve lost that, your only option is to contact your service provider and ask for the PUK code.
Can I get a PUK code online?
If you have an online account with your service provider, try logging in to your account to request the PUK Code. Most service providers have only accounts, so this wouldn’t be a huge problem for you.
What is the 8-digit SIM PUK code?
PUK Code is an eight-digit code used to unlock your SIM card. The SIM card usually gets locked on entering the code three consecutive times. If this happens to the case with you, the PUK code will ease your job by unlocking your SIM card.
Why is my SIM card locked?
Stop entering the code when the phone switches from asking for PIN codes to PUK codes. If you enter the PUK code wrong too many times, the PUK will permanently lock your SIM. In this case, your only option is to buy a new SIM card.
