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Unlocking the SIM on the iPhone: also possible without a restart

Milan Jovicic by Milan Jovicic
April 12, 2024 - 8:07 PM CEST
in Apple Tips & Tricks
0
iPhone SIM unlock

Anapa, Russia - October 4, 2019: Women hands holding iPhone 11 with call number on the screen. iPhone 11 was created and developed by the Apple inc.

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When you turn on or restart your iPhone, you will usually be asked to enter your SIM card PIN. This can sometimes be forgotten or skipped, especially in urgent situations. But don't worry, it is quite possible to unlock the SIM card afterwards. Below we explain how you can do this easily and without restarting your iPhone.

Unlocking a SIM card is a fundamental skill that every iPhone user should master. It's a simple process that will allow you to fully use your device without giving up access to the cellular network. We'll show you the steps to follow and give you important tips to avoid mistakes.

Step-by-step guide: Unlock SIM without rebooting

  • Activate your iPhone display and look for the Settings icon, which is a gray app logo with a gear. Tap it to open Settings.
  • Navigate to "Cellular" within Settings. Here you'll find all the options related to your mobile service.
  • Select the correct SIM card. If you have a dual-SIM iPhone, you'll see both numbers under "Mobile Plans." Select the SIM card you want to unlock. If you only have one SIM card, you can proceed directly.
  • Activate the line using the slider at the top of the screen.
  • Go to "SIM PIN" and enter your PIN when prompted. Confirm with "OK."

Important information about entering your PIN

  • Make sure you enter your PIN correctly: You have three attempts to enter the PIN correctly. If you make a mistake, the SIM card will be blocked after the third incorrect attempt.
  • Using the PUK: If you enter the wrong PIN three times, you will need the PUK to unlock the SIM card. This information is usually found on the document you received with your SIM card.

Alternative method: Start a call

  • Make a call if you're using only one SIM card. iPhone detects that it's not connected to the network and asks you to enter the SIM PIN.
  • Don't forget to end the call immediately if you don't actually want to call anyone.

Unlocking Your SIM Card: A Guide for iPhone Users

Unlocking the SIM card in your iPhone is a quick and easy process that allows you to start using your device right away. Whether you go through the settings or simply make a call, unlocking only takes a few seconds. It is important that you have your PIN ready; otherwise, unlocking your SIM can become much more complicated. If you have further difficulties or have lost your PIN and PUK, your mobile operator's customer service is available to help you or send you a new SIM card. Are you looking for new accessories? Then take a look in our Amazon Storefront - there you will find numerous products from leading suppliers, also for HomeKit and Co.! (Photo by DenPhoto / Bigstockphoto)

  • Tip: Hide iPhone phone number – here's how
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Milan Jovicic

Milan Jovicic

Milan founded Apfelpatient in 2016 and has been responsible for all editorial content since 2018 – news, rumors, how-to guides and product reviews. Here, Apple devices aren't review units kept for two weeks, they're everyday tools: from iPhone to MacBook Pro, MacBook Air and iMac all the way to Apple Vision Pro, at least one device from every product category is in daily use, many of them replaced every year. Every menu path in a guide is checked on the device before it goes live.

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