Besides the Lock screen password, iPhones incorporate additional security features such as the SIM card lock feature. Such a handy feature provides added security to prevent anyone from using your iPhone to text, make calls or use your data without your consent. This security feature is essential in any smartphone hence why it can be found on Android devices.
But how can you lock your SIM card on your iPhone? To enhance your iPhone’s security, you must ask yourself this question. But because the SIM card lock concept isn’t new, the steps you need to follow are quite straightforward.
Here’s a look at the steps you need to follow.
1. Open the Settings app.
2. Click on “Phone”.
3. Tap on the “SIM PIN” option to access this security feature.
4. Switch on SIM PIN by moving the toggle next to it.
5. A prompt will appear on your iPhone’s screen, requiring you to enter your preferred SIM PIN.
6. Tap the option “Done”.
7. Restart your iPhone, and the SIM Locked pop-up will appear on the screen.
After following these steps, you can be confident that nobody can use your iPhone to text, use the data plans, or text without entering the SIM PIN (personal identification number). Continue reading to learn more about how to lock your iPhone’s SIM card.
Guide to Locking Your SIM Card on Your iPhone
The steps you should follow to lock your SIM card on your iPhone are simple, and here’s a look at them.
- Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Click on the option “Phone”.
- Tap on “SIM PIN” to access the menu allowing you to access this security feature.
- Switch on SIM PIN by clicking on the toggle.
- Key in the default SIM PIN issued by your network provider.
- Enter a new pin by clicking on the option “Change PIN”.
- A pop-up will appear on your iPhone’s screen, prompting you to enter your current SIM PIN, the default one issued by your mobile provider.
- You’ll be required to key in your new PIN twice in a row to confirm you’ve crammed it. After that, click the “Done” option in the upper right corner.
Never try to guess the default SIM PIN if you can’t remember it. Instead, you should read through the documents that came together with your wireless plan or go to the network provider’s customer service page. If you don’t enter the correct PIN after three times, your SIM card will immediately be locked or disabled.
With the new PIN, your SIM card on your iPhone will be locked any time you restart your smartphone. Therefore, you get to enjoy peace of mind knowing that the sensitive data on your iPhone never fall into the wrong hands.
Summary
One of the best ways to stop people from using your iPhone to text, make calls, or browse the internet than by locking your SIM card. By doing this, the status bar will show “Locked SIM”, indicating your SIM card has automatically been locked each time you take out your SIM card or restart your iPhone.
If you didn’t know where to start to lock your SIM card on your iPhone, this comprehensive guide has in-depth elaborated the steps you need to follow. Once the SIM PIN is successfully set up, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that no intruder can access your iPhone and maliciously use your data plan, send texts, or make calls.
Frequently Asked Questions
It sometimes happens that you set a PIN for your SIM card but end up forgetting it completely. When this happens, you shouldn’t even attempt to guess the SIM PIN because entering the wrong passcode after three tries will result in your SIM card getting disabled. When this happens, you’ll need to request a Personal Unlocking Key from your phone carrier.
Here are the steps you need to follow to unlock your SIM card.
1. Get in touch with the phone carrier that issued you the SIM card. You can inspect your SIM card if you’re uncertain of the network provider’s name to see their logo or name.
2. Request your network provider to issue you with a unique PUK number that you’ll use when unlocking your SIM card.
3. Type the PUK into your iPhone.
4. If you correctly enter the PUK, a pop-up will show on your iPhone, giving you the option to set up a new SIM PIN.
If you enter the wrong PUK 10 times, your SIM card will be locked for good. This is why you must be extremely cautious not to key in the wrong code, or you’ll be forced to get a new SIM card altogether.
