PUK Blocked
A PUK blocked message pops up after one enters the wrong PUK code 7 or 10 times in a row, depending on the service provider. A PUK code is required only after one blocks the SIM PIN code. The PIN code is required to lock your phone for security reasons. Before we move on to PUK blocked on cell phones, let us understand the subtle difference between a PIN code and PUK code.
PIN Code vs PUK Code
Personal Identification Number or PIN code helps protect your SIM card from non-sanctioned or unauthorized access. Whenever you switch on your phone, you will have to enter the PIN code if you activate the security features of your mobile phone. This PIN code is known only by you and therefore only you can access the cell phone. If you enter the wrong PIN code 2 consecutive times, it will cause your SIM card to be blocked. This will not allow you or anyone else to make or receive calls on your number. This SIM card blocked can be unblocked only by entering the PUK code. You can read how to unlock a cell phone for more information.
A PUK code or Personal Unblocking Key code (PUK code) is a security feature that helps protect the user. In case of theft, unauthorized use, or accidental blocking of the PIN code by the user himself, will require a PUK code to unblock the SIM card. Only the user has the PUK code printed on the card certificate attached to the SIM card. If the user misplaces the certificates, he can get the PUK code from the network provider. This is where the security feature comes into the picture. Only the user can get the PUK code from the network provider, if he can answer certain questions and identify himself as the real owner of the cell phone. No thief in his/ her right mind will dare call up the network for the PUK code. Thus, the user can rest his mind that his data will remain inaccessible to unauthorized use. A PUK code is a 8 digit code that is unique for every user. This is a very useful feature for cell phone safety.
PUK Blocked on Cell Phone
Many times, it may so happen that you block your PIN code. You will call the customer care of the service provider for the PUK code or refer the SIM certificates for the PUK code. If you enter the wrong PUK code 7 to 10 times in succession, it will lead to PUK blocked. After entering the wrong PUK code 10 times in a row, the SIM card becomes permanently invalid or locked. The only solution is to purchase a new SIM card. Let us look at some solutions to the PUK blocked problem, in case of different service providers.
PUK Blocked ~ AT&T
When your phone becomes locked after 3 incorrect PIN entries in a row, you will require a PUK code. You can get the PUK code from AT&T by 3 methods. You can either call the customer care or use the Technical Support Chat by AT&T. The users can even log in to myWireless Account online and get their PUK code.
Once you obtain your PUK code, you will need to enter it into your cell phone. Then set a new PIN code for your phone. If you enter the wrong PUK code 10 times in succession, your SIM card becomes invalidated, that is, PUK gets blocked. AT&T can be approached for a new SIM card, as your SIM card is now useless.
PUK Blocked ~ LG Xenon
The same case with PUK blocked with LG Xenon. This security feature too inactivates your SIM card permanently, and you will need to visit the store for a new SIM card after you see PUK blocked. Samsung mobile phones too need a new SIM card. As it is not the phone, but SIM card that is inactivated.
PUK Blocked ~ T Mobile
With PUK blocked in T mobile cell phone, you must have entered the PUK code wrong 10 times in a row. This causes the SIM to get deactivated and again you will have to go in for a new SIM card.
So, basically, which ever the service provider, PUK blocked requires you to get a new SIM card. It does not matter whether you use a Nokia cell phone, LG phones, Motorola phone, Samsung or Sony Ericsson phone handset. The handset is not the one that’s deactivated, but its the SIM card that gets blocked. So, contact your network store for further help and getting yourself a new SIM card (new phone number). I hope this article on PUK blocked on cell phone has helped you find the solution to your phone problems.