What to do if a newly insterted SIM card is asking for a PIN or unlock code?

A SIM card or network lock may be preventing you from making calls or messages. There are several reasons why your device network might be locked when you insert a new SIM card. Read on to find out more about how to solve this issue.

If instead you are having difficulties unlocking your device handset you can find out more about how to unlock your device.

How to unlock your SIM Card How to unlock your SIM Card

SIM Card Lock

A SIM card lock protects your SIM from being used on other mobile devices. Follow the below steps to find out how to lock or unlock your SIM card.

1 Open the Settings app
Settings app icon
Biometrics and security selected in Settings menu Biometrics and security selected in Settings menu

2. Tap Biometrics and security

Other security settings selected in Settings menu Other security settings selected in Settings menu

3. Tap Other security settings

Set up SIM card lock selected in Settings menu Set up SIM card lock selected in Settings menu

4. Tap Set up SIM card lock

Lock SIM card selected in Settings menu Lock SIM card selected in Settings menu

5. Tap Lock SIM card

OK selected in popup to enter PIN number OK selected in popup to enter PIN number

6. Enter your SIM card PIN, then tap OK. The default PIN number will depend on your network provider. You can also find your SIM card’s PIN number on its original packaging.

Change SIM card PIN selected in settings menu Change SIM card PIN selected in settings menu

7. Once the SIM card lock is activated, you can tap Change SIM card PIN to change your PIN number

8 To disable the SIM card lock, tap Lock SIM card again, then enter the PIN number.

Network Lock

If you originally received your device from one network provider and your new SIM card is from a different network, the original network provider may have locked the device to their network.

Samsung does not lock any of its devices to any particular network. You will need to contact the original service provider or retailer to request an unlock code.

Some service providers may allow you to unlock the device for a small charge or for free, whereas others may not allow the device to be unlocked at all.

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