Understand the features of Pin and Puk codes on your smartphone. See more!
When you buy a cell phone, you can also purchase a SIM card to activate the number on your phone. SIM cards usually come in an envelope or card and contain other information that you may not pay attention to until you need it.
This information is the PIN and PUK, two codes (personal password or pattern) that guarantee the security of your device by preventing third parties from using the chip. Continue reading and see how to find and use these two elements of your cell phone.
How to Find Your Phone's PIN
If you have lost the card that came with the chip, contact your operator's call center to get the PIN and the default PUK code.
What is a PIN?
A PIN is a personal password that locks or unlocks your SIM card. By default, the “lock” feature is disabled, and you can use a PIN to add an extra layer of security to your SIM card. This means that when you restart your phone or insert your SIM card into another device, your SIM card will ask for your PIN.
Typically, a PIN (Personal Identification Number) is a four-digit number. If you don't know your PIN, you may be asked to enter your default PIN in order to change it. Each carrier has its own number. See the codes below.
- Claro default PIN code: 3636
- Vivo default PIN code: 8486
- Oi default PIN code: 8888
- TIM default PIN code: 1010
Use PIN codes too avoid scams, as they prevent third parties from using two-factor authentication codes sent via text message. To change your PIN, you will be asked to enter your current SIM PIN. Then, enter your carrier's default SIM PIN if you haven't already (it may be on the card that came with your SIM card). If you don't know your SIM card's master PIN, don't try to guess it. This could permanently lock your SIM card. However, if this happens, contact your carrier or consult the documentation that came with your phone. You can have many variations, such as PIN 1 and PIN 2. For example, the first is a master password that accesses your phone and blocks calls, SMS, and emergency calls. PIN 2 can be an alternative to blocking special services of your choice.
What is PUK?
By changing your PIN to a combination that is easier to remember, if the code is entered incorrectly three times in a row, the SIM card will be blocked and can only be unlocked via PUK. In most cases, this will almost certainly be your master password. The first four digits of your PUK can be your password to access other mailbox features and some carriers' dedicated self-service areas.
If you see PIN-like variants like PUK 1 and PUK 2, this is because PUK is used to unlock PIN 1 and PIN 2 respectively.
But be careful! Entering the wrong PUK code 10 times will permanently block your SIM card. This means you will have to go to your carrier and buy another SIM card, but your old number can be saved. In short, a PIN allows you to enter a password to access your SIM card (chip), while a PUK unlocks the PIN and locks your phone if you enter it incorrectly enough times.
