PUK Codes are security keys for your SIM

A PUK code (Personal Unlocking Key) is a second level of security on your SIM card. It’s an eight-digit sequence of numbers unique to your SIM card.

Why do I need to know my PUK code?

There are a few reasons why you might want to know your PUK code:

• You're moving from one network service provider to another but want to keep your number. If you’re moving to 2degrees, you will need the PUK code from your old provider. Whether you’re already with us and changing to a new 022 number or leaving us sadly, we can help you find your PUK code.
• You’ve incorrectly entered the SIM PIN on your phone more than three times. If you have activated SIM Security on your phone, you’ll need to enter a PIN to unlock the SIM card each time you start your phone. This is different to the screen-lock PIN. If you incorrectly enter the SIM PIN more than three times, both SIM card and the phone will be locked. They can be unlocked by entering your PUK code.

How do I find my PUK code?

There are a few ways to locate the PUK code for your 2degrees SIM:

• Log in to Your 2degrees (easiest) and click settings
• If you’ve recently purchased your 2degrees SIM card, you’ll find the PUK code printed on the label of the packaging
• Calling 200 and follow the prompts
• Calling Customer Care

Find your PUK code via Your 2degrees

Follow these steps to find your PUK code using Your 2degrees.

1. Log in to Your 2degrees
2. Click the Settings tab
3. Click View PUK
4. Select the phone number which you need the PUK for
5. You will then see your:
   • SIM number
   • PUK code

I’ve got my PUK code, how do I unlock my SIM?

If you’ve had to find your PUK code because you’d incorrectly entered the PIN code, enter the PUK code then input a new PIN for the SIM card.

• Carefully enter the PUK code into your mobile phone. If you incorrectly enter your PUK code more than 10 times, your SIM will be permanently disabled. 
• Enter a new SIM PIN code – and write that number down somewhere safe and secure so you don’t need to do this again. Your phone should be unlocked, and you’ll be able to text, stream and scroll as per usual.

My phone says my PUK is blocked

Oh drat. If your phone is displaying a ‘PUK Blocked’ message, you’ve incorrectly entered your PUK code too many times and the SIM is now permanently disabled. It’s not a major problem, though, just pick up a new blank SIM and get a SIM swap done.