Secret Codes guide
Set A SIM PIN on iPhone: How It Works
By Muhammad Shahid ยท ยท 3 min read
Quick answer
Lock your SIM so it cannot be used in another phone. A SIM PIN is requested every time your iPhone restarts. Without it the SIM cannot register on the network, which protects your number if the device is stolen and the SIM moved elsewhere.
Secret CodesDial codes, SIM & network test ยท Free on the App StoreDownload free โ| What it does | Lock your SIM so it cannot be used in another phone. |
|---|---|
| Published for | any iPhone, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and UScellular |
| Type | iOS setting |
Lock your SIM so it cannot be used in another phone. This page explains what it does, how to use it on an iPhone and which carriers it applies to.
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What is Set A SIM PIN?
A SIM PIN is requested every time your iPhone restarts. Without it the SIM cannot register on the network, which protects your number if the device is stolen and the SIM moved elsewhere.
The default PIN differs by carrier and is usually 1111 or 0000 โ change it immediately after turning the lock on.
Important: Three wrong PIN entries lock the SIM and only your carrier's PUK code will unlock it. Ten wrong PUK entries destroy the SIM permanently. Do not guess โ if you do not know the current PIN, ask your carrier first.
How do I do it?
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Cellular, then SIM PIN.
- Turn SIM PIN on and enter the current PIN (ask your carrier if unsure).
- Tap Change PIN to set one only you know.
Which carriers does this apply to?
| Published for | any iPhone, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and UScellular |
|---|---|
| Type | iOS setting |
| Good to know | Available for physical SIMs and eSIMs on every iPhone. |
Related sim and esim
- Remove An eSIM
- Find Your Own Phone Number
- Transfer An eSIM To A New iPhone
- Label Your Dual-SIM Lines
- Add An eSIM
- Choose Your Default Line
See all sim and esim or every category of iPhone codes.
How Secret Codes helps
Secret Codes keeps this and every other entry a search away. Pick your carrier once and each entry says whether it is published for your line. You can save favourites, add a private note, and record whether a code worked on your line. This entry is part of Secret Codes Pro.
Frequently asked questions
What is Set A SIM PIN on iPhone?
Lock your SIM so it cannot be used in another phone. A SIM PIN is requested every time your iPhone restarts. Without it the SIM cannot register on the network, which protects your number if the device is stolen and the SIM moved elsewhere.
What else should I know about Set A SIM PIN?
The default PIN differs by carrier and is usually 1111 or 0000 โ change it immediately after turning the lock on.
What are the steps for Set A SIM PIN?
1. Open the Settings app. 2. Tap Cellular, then SIM PIN. 3. Turn SIM PIN on and enter the current PIN (ask your carrier if unsure). 4. Tap Change PIN to set one only you know.
Where do I find Set A SIM PIN?
In the Settings app on your iPhone.
Is there a dial code for Set A SIM PIN?
No. On iPhone this is not a dial code, so you use the steps on this page instead.
Which carriers does Set A SIM PIN work on?
It is published for any iPhone, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and UScellular. Available for physical SIMs and eSIMs on every iPhone.
Is there anything to watch out for with Set A SIM PIN?
Three wrong PIN entries lock the SIM and only your carrier's PUK code will unlock it. Ten wrong PUK entries destroy the SIM permanently. Do not guess โ if you do not know the current PIN, ask your carrier first.
Does Set A SIM PIN work on Android phones too?
These steps are for iPhone. Android phones have their own menus.
Will Set A SIM PIN work outside the US?
The iPhone steps stay the same, although some features depend on your carrier and region.
What if Set A SIM PIN does not work on my iPhone?
Check that it applies to your carrier first, because carriers decide which services they offer and can change them. If it should apply to your line, contact your carrier.
What is related to Set A SIM PIN?
Remove An eSIM. Delete a cellular plan from your iPhone.
What else is in this category?
Find Your Own Phone Number. Read back the number assigned to your line.
Sources
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