Telecom operators like Airtel, Vodafone-Idea, Jio, and BSNL have a security wall in place that prevents any misuse of their SIM Cards. The company asks for a PIN Number before accessing a new SIM Card. You get three attempts to enter the correct PIN and if you don’t, the SIM Card gets blocked.
If this happens, you will need a PUK Code to unlock the SIM Card. PUK Codes are unique and different for every operator and are called Network Unlocking Codes or Personal Unlocking Codes. This code is a unique sequence of eight digits and is usually written on the SIM Card or envelope provided with the SIM.
For Airtel users, there are several ways through which one can get access to the PUK Code.
Ways to Get PUK Code for Airtel
- Through SMS
- Through USSD Code
- Through Website
- Through Customer Care
Before we learn about ways to get a PUK Code, let us have a look at the default Airtel PUK Code.
Default Airtel PUK Code
Operators use four times ‘0’ (0000) or 1234 as their default 4-digit PIN. For Airtel, the default PIN is ‘1234’. If this doesn’t work, try using ‘0000’ or ‘00000000’.
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1. Through SMS
- Look for an alternate Airtel SIM Card.
- Search for the PUK Code printed on the backside of the SIM Card.
- Key in your locked phone number and send it to 785 via SMS.
- Now type PUK>
15-digit SIM number and send it to 121. - The company will instantly send you an 8-digit code which will be your PUK code.
- Key in the code into your locked Airtel Mobile, and you will find it unlocked.
2. Through USSD
- Arrange for an alternative mobile number and dial *121*51# from that number.
- A pop-up will appear on the screen, tap ‘OK’ on it.
- Another pop-up will come up on the screen.
- Choose the PUK Option, which will be option number 3.
- Key in your date of birth to verify your identity.
- A new PUK Code will be displayed on the screen.
- Enter the received code on your mobile to unlock the blocked Airtel SIM.
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3. Through Airtel Website
- Visit the official Airtel website and log in to it, using another Airtel SIM Card Number.
- You will need an OTP to log in.
- As soon as you log in, you will see the phone number registered with the account on the screen.
- You will be shown the IMEI Number of the device and the PUK Code of the Airtel SIM.
- Use the PUK Code to unlock your Airtel SIM Card.
Note- you will need an active internet connection to use this method.
4. Through Airtel Customer Care
- Find an alternative Airtel number and dial ‘121’ from it.
- Request for PUK Code and tell them your issue.
- Confirm all the necessary details asked by the executive. You will need to provide a 15-digit SIM Number printed on the backside of your SIM.
- As soon as you get verified, you will be given a new PUK Code.
- Enter the code on the blocked Airtel mobile number and the sim will get unlocked.
What if None of these methods work?
If none of the above four methods don’t work, Airtel suggests contacting customer support. If you have entered the wrong Airtel PUK Code 10 times, your SIM will be permanently disabled. Otherwise, you can-
Visit the Nearest Airtel Store
Locate and visit your nearest Airtel Store to get a personalized experience. The team at the store will be able to help you with the issue. They will verify your identity and solve your problem.
After you have tried all these methods, you will have to get your SIM Card replaced. You can contact the Airtel store or call customer support to request a new SIM Card with a new PUK Code.
In case you lose your SIM Plastic body or certificate is lost, apply for a new SIM Certificate at any Airtel Centre. A call history form will be needed as evidence.
Getting Airtel PUK Code for Airtel 4G
Any of the above methods can be used to get the PUK Code for Airtel 4G SIM Cards.
FAQs
Q: Why does this PUK Code problem arise?
It arises when a user forgets the SIM Password and enters it wrong more than three times.
Q: Can One get a New PUK Code if I forget?
It is possible to get a new PUK Code if the user forgets it.
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