How to Unblock 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.

If you are using a SIM PIN for a cellular data connection and the incorrect PIN was entered 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.

See also:

This tutorial will show you how to unblock a SIM card with a PIN Unblocking Key (PUK) code for the SIM PIN of a cellular data connection in Windows 10.

If you enter an incorrect PIN Unblocking Key (PUK) code ten times while trying to unblock the SIM PIN, the SIM card will be permanently blocked, and you will need to get a new SIM card from your mobile operator.



EXAMPLE: Blocked SIM PIN for cellular data connection
How to Unblock SIM PIN for Cellular Data Connection in Windows 10-cellular_blocked_sim_pin-1.png
How to Unblock SIM PIN for Cellular Data Connection in Windows 10-cellular_blocked_sim_pin-2.png How to Unblock SIM PIN for Cellular Data Connection in Windows 10-cellular_blocked_sim_pin-3.png



Here's How:

1 First, you will need to contact your mobile operator (ex: AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc...) to get a PIN Unblocking Key (PUK) code for the blocked SIM card.

You will often need to know the IMEI and/or phone number of the device for the blocked SIM card.

Some mobile operators (ex: AT&T) may require the SIM card be activated for a specific amount of time (ex: 60 days) before the SIM is eligible to get a PUK code.


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

3 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 need to unblock in the Use this SIM for cellular data drop menu before you click/tap on the Advanced options link.

How to Unblock SIM PIN for Cellular Data Connection in Windows 10-unblock_sim_pin-1.png

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

How to Unblock SIM PIN for Cellular Data Connection in Windows 10-unblock_sim_pin-2.png

5 Type the SIM PUK from step 1, type a New SIM PIN you want to use, type the SIM PIN again in the Confirm new SIM PIN box and click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)

If you enter an incorrect PIN Unblocking Key (PUK) code ten times while trying to unblock the SIM PIN, the SIM card will be permanently blocked, and you will need to get a new SIM card from your mobile operator.

How to Unblock SIM PIN for Cellular Data Connection in Windows 10-unblock_sim_pin-3.png

6 Click/tap on OK.

7 You can now close Settings if you like.


That's it,
Shawn

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