How to Set Up and Use SIM PIN for Cellular Data Network Connection in Windows 10


Some Windows 10 devices have a SIM card and/or eSIM in them that lets you connect to a cellular data network (aka: LTE or Broadband), so you can get online in more places by using a cellular signal.

If your Windows 10 device doesn’t have a SIM card or eSIM, you can still connect to a cellular network by plugging in an external cellular device (also called a cellular modem or mobile broadband device). However, these external cellular devices will often have their own settings instead of being able to use the built-in Settings > Network & Internet > Cellular settings in Windows 10.

You can use a PIN for the SIM in your Windows 10 device to help prevent other people from using the cellular data connection when they are not authorized. After you have set up your SIM PIN, you will be prompted to type the SIM PIN when you try to connect.

See also:

This tutorial will show you how to set up and use a SIM PIN for a cellular data connection in Windows 10.

If you enter an incorrect SIM PIN three times, the SIM will be blocked and cannot be used until you unblock it. To unblock it, you will need to contact your mobile operator for the PIN Unblocking Key (PUK) code.



EXAMPLE: Unlock SIM for cellular data connection with a SIM PIN
How to Set Up and Use SIM PIN for Cellular Data Network in Windows 10-unlock_sim_network_icon-1.png How to Set Up and Use SIM PIN for Cellular Data Network in Windows 10-unlock_sim_network_icon-2.png How to Set Up and Use SIM PIN for Cellular Data Network in Windows 10-unlock_sim_network_icon-3.png
How to Set Up and Use SIM PIN for Cellular Data Network in Windows 10-unlock_sim_settings-1.png How to Set Up and Use SIM PIN for Cellular Data Network in Windows 10-unlock_sim_settings-2.png



Here's How:

1 Open Settings, and click/tap on the Network & Internet icon.

2 Click/tap on Cellular on the left side, and click/tap on the Advanced options link on the right side. (see screenshot below)

If you more than one SIM or eSIM, select the SIM you want to set up using a PIN for in the Use this SIM for cellular data drop menu before you click/tap on the Advanced options link.

How to Set Up and Use SIM PIN for Cellular Data Network in Windows 10-cellular_sim_pin-1.png

3 Click/tap on the Use SIM PIN button under Security at the bottom of advanced options. (see screenshot below)

How to Set Up and Use SIM PIN for Cellular Data Network in Windows 10-use_sim_pin_for_cellular-1.png

4 Enter the last PIN used for this SIM, and click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)

If this is the first time using a PIN for this SIM, you will need to type the default SIM PIN from your mobile operator's website.

AT&T (US) = 1111
Verizon (US) = 1111
T-Mobile (US) = 1234

How to Set Up and Use SIM PIN for Cellular Data Network in Windows 10-use_sim_pin_for_cellular-2.png

5 Click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)

How to Set Up and Use SIM PIN for Cellular Data Network in Windows 10-use_sim_pin_for_cellular-3.png

6 If you used the default SIM PIN, change the SIM PIN to a different PIN for better security. (see screenshots below)

How to Set Up and Use SIM PIN for Cellular Data Network in Windows 10-change_sim_pin_for_cellular-1.png How to Set Up and Use SIM PIN for Cellular Data Network in Windows 10-change_sim_pin_for_cellular-2.png How to Set Up and Use SIM PIN for Cellular Data Network in Windows 10-change_sim_pin_for_cellular-3.png

7 Restart the computer to apply.


That's it,
Shawn

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