How to Unlock SIM Card Without PUK Code

The Enter PUK screen on your iPhone or Android usually says one thing: call your carrier to get the code. Sometimes you can’t reach them. That’s okay. We’ll show simple ways to find the PUK on your own. And if you still can’t get it, you’ll also see how to unlock SIM card without PUK code here.

Also, we will introduce another SIM-related issue, SIM lock and share you how to remove iPhone SIM lock without carrier by Passixer or with carrier help.

What Is a SIM PUK Code?

A PUK code (Personal Unblocking Key) is a unique 8-digit master code provided by your mobile carrier with the SIM. It is used to unlock your SIM card when the SIM PIN has been entered incorrectly several times.

3 wrong entries of the SIM PIN on iPhone will lock the SIM and display a message: “Enter PUK” or “Enter PUK Code”.

Note: Entering the wrong PUK 10 times will permanently block the SIM and you’ll need to replace the SIM. So, avoid entering wrong PUK codes.

How to Unlock SIM Card Without PUK Code

Here are two solutions that have worked for some users. Keep in mind that these methods heavily depend on the carrier rules. Some carriers allow limited workarounds when the SIM has been PUK-locked, so they can work. For the carriers which have very strict rules, these tricks won’t work.

Tip: Both methods are safe to try and won’t risk permanently disabling the SIM.

Way 1. Use Another Phone

One common solution suggested is to simply insert the SIM into another phone.

Step 1. Remove the locked SIM and insert it into a different phone. At most, it will ask for the SIM PIN.

Tip: If you don’t remember the SIM PIN: go to the carrier’s support page to find or try the default PIN like 0000 or 1234.

Step 2. Enter the SIM PIN to access the SIM settings on that device.

Step 3. From the SIM settings menu, disable or reset the SIM PIN.

Afterward, reinsert the SIM into your original phone and it will now work without prompting for the PUK.

Way 2. Use USSD Code

Some carriers allow you to send network commands (USSD codes) that manage SIM security even when the SIM is PUK-locked. The USSD code allows you to erase the SIM PIN and thus you don’t need the PUK code. Just access to the dial pad on the locked phone and enter the USSD code.

One commonly shared sequence for resetting the SIM PIN is: **04*0000*0000*0000#

The effectiveness of these codes depends entirely on your carrier’s backend restrictions.

Note for T-Mobile Users:

For a T-Mobile SIM Card, you can reset the default SIM PIN easily while on the second phone:

For SIM 1: **05*[PUK]*[New PIN]*[New PIN]#

For SIM 2: **052*[PUK2]*[New PIN2]*[New PIN2]#

How to Unlock SIM Card with PUK Code

When you have the PUK code, the SIM can be unlocked in seconds.

You’ll need to learn how to find the PUK code first and then enter it correctly on your device (iPhone or Android) to use the SIM card again. In this section, you’ll see both parts.

Step 1. Get PUK Code with or Without Calling Customer Service

Depending on your situation, here are all the ways to get PUK code.

Option 1. Find Your 8-Digit PUK Code on the SIM Card Holder

The credit-card-sized plastic holder that you get when purchasing the SIM often includes the PUK. If you have that card holder, look for labels like PUK, PUK1, or PUK2. Sometimes it’s hidden under a scratch-off strip. Just take a coin and gently scratch to reveal it.

Note: The PUK is unique to that SIM. Using a PUK code printed on another card will vanish your attempts and eventually block the SIM permanently.

Option 2. Call Your Carrier to Obtain PUK Code

Any carrier’s support team can give you the PUK for your SIM.

So, call them and explain that you need the PUK code. They’ll usually ask for verification details such as your date of birth or other account-related information.

For quick reference, here are major U.S. carrier support numbers:

Option 3. Get Your PUK Code Online

On some carriers, like EE, AT&T, or Bharti Airtel, you can also log in to their app or website, go to Manage Device and look for an Unblock SIM section to see your PUK.

In the US, carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint also allow this. However, not all do—T-Mobile, for example, will direct you to call customer support instead.

Step 2. Enter the PUK Code on Your Device

Once you have the code, here’s how to enter the PUK code and unlock network services on your iPhone or Android device.

On iPhone

• Restart your iPhone or reinsert the SIM to trigger the Enter PUK Code screen.
• Type the 8-digit PUK.
• Set a new SIM PIN and then confirm it.

Note: If you don’t see the “Enter PUK code” prompt: go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data). Then, tap the SIM PIN. Since the SIM is locked, you’ll be asked to enter the PUK first.

On Android

• Restart or reinsert the SIM until you see PUK required.
• Enter the 8-digit PUK and tap OK or Submit.

That’s it!

How to Unlock SIM Lock on iPhone with or Without Carrier

Now we step into a different kind of lock on a SIM card – the SIM Lock. You may confuse it with SIM PIN. Next, we will explain SIM lock in detail to help you tell them apart.

What Is the Difference Between SIM PIN and SIM Lock?

A SIM lock is placed by the carrier to tie your phone to their network. It isn’t something you set yourself. This is different from a SIM PIN, which is user-controlled and simply protects the SIM card from being used in another device. This will make things clear:

To Check Your iPhone Carrier Status:

1. Call Apple Support and ask for the SIM lock status linked to your device’s IMEI.

2. On iOS 14 or later, go to Settings > General > About. Look for the SIM Lock line:

• If it says SIM Locked, your iPhone has restrictions.
• If it says No SIM Restrictions, it means it will work with any SIM brand.

If your iPhone shows SIM Locked, the next steps will guide you through removing that restriction — both through official carrier approval and by alternative methods that don’t require carrier cooperation.

How to Unlock iPhone SIM Lock Without Carrier

When to Use

• You need to remove carrier restrictions immediately without waiting for carrier approval.
• You have a second-hand iPhone locked to the original seller’s carrier and the seller is not helping.
• You are overseas and cannot contact your carrier’s customer support.
• You cannot meet the carrier’s unlock conditions or are not eligible for their service at this time.
• You want the process done in half or an hour instead of days.

What You Need

To unlock the SIM lock, you will need to install dedicated SIM removal software like Passixer iPhone Unlocker on your Mac or Windows computer. And you’ll need a USB cable to connect the locked iPhone.

What Is Passixer iPhone Unlocker?

Passixer iPhone Unlocker is a professional iOS utility designed to remove different types of locks from iPhone and iPad. Its SIM lock removal feature can lift the carrier restrictions from the iPhone fast. And Passixer can remove locks from major carriers in most of the regions.

So, whether the iPhone is locked to Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or any other networks in your region, Passixer will remove the SIM lock in about 30 minutes. After the removal, you can immediately make calls, send texts, and use mobile data.

Key Features of Passixer iPhone Unlocker

• Unlock all types of iPhone screen lock, including 4-digit/6-digit passcode, Touch ID and Face ID. 
• Remove previous Apple ID from iPhone/iPad, even if the password is forgotten.
• Disable Screen Time restrictions without erasing data.
• Make an iPhone usable again if it is stuck on the Activation Lock screen.

How to Use Passixer to Unlock iPhone Carrier

Step 1. Open Passixer iPhone Unlocker on your computer and choose Remove SIM Lock.

Step 2. Connect the iPhone to your computer with a USB cable. Unlock the phone and tap Trust if asked.

Step 3. Click Start, open iOS Jailbreak Tutorial and follow the guide. When the jailbreak is finished, click Next.

Step 4. Passixer will show your device info: confirm the details. Then, click Start SIM Lock Removal.

Step 5. When Passixer shows the Wi-Fi/SIM guide, do the three things in order:

• Remove the SIM card from the iPhone.
• On the iPhone, open Settings > Wi-Fi. Forget all saved networks and  then turn Wi-Fi off.
• Insert the SIM card back into the iPhone and press OK in Passixer to continue.

Step 6. Wait when Passixer is working on the removal. You’ll see “SIM locks removed successfully!” on screen.

How to Unlock iPhone SIM Lock with Carrier

When to Use:

When you meet the carrier removal requirements:

• Your device is fully paid off.



• Your device is not reported stolen.
• Your account is in good standing.
• You want to switch carriers or you are travelling.
• The minimum active SIM period has passed. For example, AT&T and Sprint require 60 days while Cricket Wireless requires 6 months.

How to Use:

You will have to contact your carrier to request the unlock and you have two options to reach them:

• Submit an online form
• Call the customer support team

In either case,the carrier will ask some details: Your phone number, IMEI number (dial *#06# to find it) and any other account details. This is to verify and check the eligibility to remove the SIM Lock.

If the eligibility is confirmed, the carrier will process the unlock request.

This entire unlock process will take 2–5 days, after which you’ll receive a confirmation that your phone is unlocked. You can then insert the new SIM card from any other brand.

FAQs

Here is some more information on SIM PIN and PUK code.

How to Unlock SIM Card Without PUK Code on Keypad Phone

Even on the keypad phone, the unlock-process works in the same manner. First, find the PUK code using the above methods. Then:

• Restart the phone to see the PUK prompt.
• Enter the 8-digit PUK code.
• Press the OK or Enter button on the keypad.

Can a PUK-Blocked SIM Be Unblocked?

A PUK-Blocked message appears when you enter the wrong code too many times—usually 10 attempts.

Once this happens, the lock is marked as permanent on most carriers, like T-Mobile and AT&T. And the only solution given is to replace the SIM card.

The good thing is your phone number and account remain intact, so you can simply get a new SIM from your carrier and port your old number to use the service.

How to Disable SIM PIN Lock?

When you have the SIM PIN:

On iPhone:

• Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) > SIM PIN.
• Toggle it off and enter the correct PIN to confirm.

On Android:

• Go to Settings.
• Choose Set up SIM Card Lock. 
• Tap Other Security Settings.
• And turn off Lock SIM Card toggle.

When you don’t have the SIM PIN:

• On some carriers, you can also change or remove the SIM PIN using a USSD code (for example, T-Mobile supports this).
• Or, you can contact the carrier and ask for the PIN.

Wrap Up

Most carriers make it easy to get the PUK. Once you have it, the unlock takes seconds. If that’s not possible, then we’ve discussed workarounds to unlock the SIM card without PUK whenever possible.

The real headache is a carrier lock when you can’t reach support. In that case, Passixer iPhone Unlocker is the quick path to remove the SIM/carrier lock. So you can use new SIM and start calling, texting and using data right away.