Updated 19 October 2026.
You can turn off the PIN requested by your SIM or eSIM, but you normally need the current SIM PIN to do it. This is separate from your phone’s screen-lock code. If you do not know which code the phone wants, stop before entering guesses.
Check which lock you are changing
| Code or lock | What it protects | Who helps if you are stuck? |
|---|---|---|
| Screen PIN or passcode | Access to the phone and its contents. | The device manufacturer’s recovery guidance. |
| SIM PIN | Use of the SIM or eSIM for mobile service. | Your mobile carrier. |
| PUK | Unlocking a SIM blocked after incorrect PIN attempts. | Your mobile carrier. |
| Network or carrier lock | Which carrier’s SIM the device accepts. | The carrier responsible for that lock. |
Turn off the SIM PIN on an iPhone
- Open Settings > Cellular. In some regions, the section is called Mobile Service or Mobile Data.
- If you have more than one line, select the line you want to change.
- Open SIM PIN and turn the switch off.
- Enter the current SIM PIN when asked, then confirm.
These steps follow Apple’s SIM PIN guide, which covers physical SIMs and eSIMs. If the code is unknown, ask the carrier that supplied the line. Do not assume a default from another carrier will work.
Turn off the SIM PIN on Android
Android menu names vary by manufacturer and software version. Search Settings for SIM lock or SIM card lock. It may be inside Security, Security and privacy, or another security settings section.
- Select the correct SIM if more than one is listed.
- Open the SIM lock settings.
- Turn off Lock SIM card or the equivalent switch.
- Enter the existing SIM PIN and confirm.
Samsung provides an example in its SIM card lock instructions. The older screenshots below show the general idea; use your phone’s current labels rather than expecting an identical menu.
Understand the security tradeoff
Turning off this PIN removes one protection against someone using the mobile line. A screen lock still protects the phone, but it is not the same protection as a SIM PIN. In particular, a removable SIM may be moved to another device.
Decide whether avoiding the extra prompt is worth that tradeoff. If remembering the code is the problem, keeping it in a secure password manager may be preferable. Do not store the PIN and PUK in a note attached to the phone.
Changing a SIM setting does not disable your screen passcode, fingerprint or face-unlock settings. If a phone reports that it cannot detect the SIM at all, that is a separate issue; see our SIM detection troubleshooting guide.
If the phone asks for a PUK
Stop trying PINs. Get the PUK through your carrier’s official account portal, original SIM documentation or support team. Repeated wrong PUK entries can permanently block the SIM or eSIM and require a replacement. Follow the carrier’s instructions for your particular line.
If the phone instead reports a network unlock requirement, switching off SIM PIN will not fix it. Samsung’s explanation of SIM and network locks helps distinguish the messages.
FAQs
Can I turn off SIM PIN without knowing it?
Normally you must enter the current code. Contact the carrier if you do not know it.
Will this remove my screen-lock PIN?
No. The screen lock and SIM PIN are separate settings.
Does this apply to eSIM?
SIM PIN can also protect an eSIM. Available settings depend on the device and line.
Should I try 0000 or 1234?
No. Do not guess. Obtain the correct code from your carrier’s official information.