Set up SIM card lock

This setting allows you to add or remove a password protection to the SIM card that is currently in the device.

If your SIM card has a PIN lock, you will be required to enter your secret PIN code every time the SIM card is first used, such as when turning the device's power on, or when turning off Airplane mode. The PIN lock is recorded to the SIM card itself, meaning that it helps protect the SIM card from unauthorized use when inserting it into other devices.

Given that smartphones and other devices with SIM cards are usually left in a constantly-connected state (including in standby mode on an Android device), situations requiring the PIN unlock code are relatively rare. PIN unlock codes only protect the SIM card and do not protect against using the device for features that do not depend on the SIM card, such as for communication over Wi-Fi networks, or using the device if an alternative SIM card is inserted.

Lock SIM card

Enables or disables the SIM card PIN lock.

To change this setting, you will be required to enter the current SIM PIN. If you do not know the PIN code for your SIM, it is often set to 0000 (four zeroes) if you have never used PIN locking before on it.

If you fail to enter the current PIN three times, you will be required to enter the SIM card's PUK code (PIN Unlock Key) assigned to the SIM card by the provider of the SIM card. Obtaining your PUK code almost always means contacting your carrier (the company that provided the SIM card to you) and asking them for the PUK code. They may provide a way of finding this out in their online account tools.

Change SIM PIN

Allows changing the secret PIN code for your SIM card.

To change this setting, you will be required to enter the existing SIM PIN. If you do not know the PIN code for your SIM, it is often set to 0000 (four zeroes) if you have never used PIN locking before on it.

If you fail to enter the current PIN three times, you will be required to enter the SIM card's PUK code (PIN Unlock Key) assigned to the SIM card by the provider of the SIM card. Obtaining your PUK code almost always means contacting your carrier and asking them for the PUK code. They may provide a way of finding this out in their online account tools.

Note: it's not possible to change or set your PUK code using your device.