There are few tactics you can try to add an extra layer of security to your Android, iOS device. Many people believe that a screen lock password will always be the best choice. However, do you know by enabling the SIM card lock, you can make your smartphone more secure?

Yes, it’s true. However, before we proceed further, let’s first understand what is a SIM card lock?

A SIM card lock needs the lock screen PIN pattern, fingerprint, or password. You can also assume that it’s a physical two-factor authentication that recognizes thieves and keeps your SIMcard safe from being tracked.

Before setting up a SIM card lock, you should know your carrier’s default unlock code. Many times, the default code is 1111. Always remember, if you type incorrect unlock codes back to back three times, your SIM card might lock permanently.

SIM Card Lock

Have you lost your SIM card or your mobile device with a SIM card inside? Don’t panic, as with some effective steps, you can easily lock or block your SIM card as well as get a new SIM with the same number.

Setting up SIM Card Lock on Airtel

If you want to know how to lock an Airtel SIM card, then take a look at the undermentioned section.

Calling from a non-Airtel Number

• First, open the dialer on your iOS, Android device
• Dial toll-free 1800-103-4444 and then press call
• Verify, last recharge value, recently dialed numbers, ID proof, and address on the call
• Finally, the lost SIM card will be locked or blocked

Calling from another Airtel Number

• Call 9849098490 (toll-free) or 121 and after that press Call
• Verify, recently dialed numbers, ID and, address proof on call
• Within a couple of minutes, your Airtel SIM will be blocked or locked

For both Airtel Prepaid and Postpaid numbers, you can try the above-mentioned tricks to enable the SIM card lock. And once you have successfully locked your Airtel SIM card, by following the below points, you can unlock the SIM card lock.

Unlock SIM Card Lock on Airtel

The following points will give you a brief idea about how to unlock the SIM card lock on Airtel.

1. First, you should take out the back protective cover and then remove your SIM card and battery from your device. Read the IMEI code on the Airtel SIM card.
2. Note down the IMEI code. Insert the battery and SIM card into your smartphone. Adjust the Slide Protective cover.
3. Provide IMEI code, model number to your cell phone provider and ask them for the unlock code.
4. Type the unlock code as well as tap on the OK/Menu button. After that, you can use your smartphone.

Setting Up SIM Card Lock on BSNL

A BSNL customer can temporarily lock his/her BSNL SIM card in two circumstances; If the SIM card is Stolen or Lost. If this situation occurs, customers can quickly lock their SIM card in two ways.

• Call BSNL Customer Care Number (toll-free) and verify your name, address, and D.O.B. Ask the Customer Executive to block your SIM card and send the request number to you.
• Visit your nearby BSNL authorized Customer Service Center and submit address proof/identity proof to lock your SIM card. Instantly, the BSNL team will accept your request to lock your SIM card.

Unlock SIM Card Lock on BSNL

The BSNL SIM card unlocking process is easy. Simply, follow the below directions and unlock your BSNL SIM card.

1. First, you must open your smartphone screen
2. An error message will pops-up on the display
3. Type the PUK No within the given field
4. Tap on OK
5. On the next screen, type new SIM card PIN and tap on OK
6. For confirmation, again re-enter the PIN No. After that, your SIM card will be unlocked.

To get the PUK code, call BSNL Customer Care. The Customer Executive will ask for the 19 digit SIM card number available on the backside of the SIM card. After that, they will give you the PUK code.

Setting Up SIM Card Lock on Reliance Jio

If your Jio SIM card is lost, you can thoroughly follow the given procedure to lock or deactivate your SIM card.

Lock Jio SIM Card Online

• Visit the official website of Reliance Jio, www.myjio.com and after that, tap on the Login option
• Enter your sign-in credentials and login to your My Jio Account
• Head to the top right corner and click on the Settings icon
• Tap on the Suspend & Resume option. Give a valid reason why you want to lock your SIM. You will see two options; Device Lost/SIM Damaged. Choose one.
• Then tap on the SUSPEND option to submit your blocking/suspension request.

You will receive a confirmation message that your request to block lost Jio SIM is accepted.

Call Customer Care

• Dial JioCare helpline number 199 (toll-free) from your Jio SIM. Alternatively, you can dial 1800 88 99999 ( toll-free) number.
• Ask them to lock your SIM card. Within a couple of minutes, your Jio SIM card will be blocked.

Unlock SIM Card Lock on Reliance Jio

To unlock your Jio SIM card, you can call Jio’s Customer Care and verify some information, including your D.O.B, name, and address proof. Then, the Customer Executive will unlock your SIM card.

Also, by visiting Jio’s official website, you can unblock your SIM card. For this, check out the undermentioned points:

1. Sign in with your login credentials
2. Proceed to the top-right corner and tap on your name. Furthermore, tap on My Account.
3. Tap on the Gear icon and select Suspend and Resume button
4. Finally, tap on the Resume button, and your SIM card will be unlocked.

Setting Up SIM Card Lock on Vodafone-Idea

These are the points you need to attempt to lock SIM cards on VI.

• First, switch to the official website of VI.
• Proceed to the bottom as well as tap on the Block SIM online.
• Enter your VI number on the next page and after that, tap on the get OTP to block the SIM option.
• Enter the 4-digit OTP you get on your alternative mobile number.
• Finally, tap on the Confirm option to block your SIM.

You can also call the 199 (toll-free) number and ask the Customer Executive to block your SIM. Now, when it comes to unlocking the VI SIM card, dial 199 and ask the Customer Representative for the PUK code. Enter the PUK code within the given field. Tap on OK and your VI SIM will unlock.

Setting Up SIM Card Lock on Android Devices

In order to learn how to lock SIM card on a Samsung device, thoroughly follow the given directions:

1. First, you have to open your Samsung device and head to the Settings option.
2. Within the Settings app, you are suggested to scroll down as well as click on the Screen & Security option.
3. From the next screen, you should choose the Other Security button.
4. In addition, select the Setup SIM card lock button. Instantly, you will be asked to type the PIN number. By default, the PIN will be 1234.
5. Now, when you have successfully locked your SIM card, you can click on the Change SIM card PIN option to set a new PIN number.

Unlock SIM Card Lock on Android

If you want to know how to unlock the SIM card lock on Samsung then check out the given steps without skipping anything.

1. First, you have to power off your Samsung device. For this, simply press the power button for a couple of seconds, and after that tap on the Power option.
2. Take out the battery and SIM card from your device and then enter a new SIM card into your smartphone.
3. You must again press and hold the Power button for a few seconds. Thereafter your phone will automatically turn on.
4. From the new SIM card, call your network provider and ask for the unlock PIN code.
5. Enter the PIN code and press the Ok/Menu button. Your device will be unlocked.

How to set Pin in Apple devices?

1. The SIM PIN can be found in the Settings > Cellular section of your iPhone.
2. If you have an iPad, click to Settings > Mobile Data > SIM PIN to find out how to change your SIM pin.
3. If prompted, enter the PIN associated with your SIM card. If you’ve never used a SIM card before, enter the default SIM PIN provided by your service provider.
4. Avoid guessing the default SIM PIN if you don’t know it or don’t want to know it. Consult your cellular carrier’s customer care website or the documentation that comes with your wireless plan for further information. Alternatively, you may contact your service provider.

How to Unlock SIM PIN in Apple devices?

The following are the steps to how to unlock the SIM Card lock of Apple devices –

1. Select Cellular from the drop-down menu.
2. Select SIM PIN from the drop-down menu.
3. To turn SIM PIN off, press the toggle button.
4. You may lock yourself out of your SIM card by tapping the SIM Pin button, turning it on, then entering your PIN incorrectly.
5. If you do not succeed on the first three tries, your iPhone will prompt you to enter a PUK code, which can only be obtained by contacting your carrier.
6. By entering your SIM Pin incorrectly, you may unintentionally lock yourself out of your SIM card.

Conclusion

Henceforth, if you are dealing with SIM card lock, unlock issues, this article seems fruitful to you. In this guideline, we have also discussed all the possible tactics that you can try to quickly lock, unlock your SIM on Apple and Samsung. So, apply these tactics and check which one works for you.