Setting a SIM card lock (and why you want to)

By Jerry Hildenbrand  | Nov 02 2010 | 4:30 pm  | 8 Comments

SIM card lock settings

If your phone uses a SIM card, you can set a lock on the card so it can't be used by anyone who doesn't know the lock code.  This isn't anything new, and it stays tied to your SIM card -- not your phone.  It's easy to lock or unlock your SIM card on Android.  Go into the settings by pressing menu > settings > Location & security > Set up SIM card lock.  You can toggle the setting on and off by simply checking the box. 

Fair warning: you may have to get the default SIM card pin from your carrier, and too many tries can and will bork your SIM.

Jerry Hildenbrand

Jerry Hildenbrand Cowboy

"Fascinated by things that go beep."

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There are 8 comments

curiosity#ac says:

Considering the risks involved who in his right mind would put a lock on a simcard that could render the simcard useless. Nobody's gonna steal it, or do they? As you can tell i'm new to smartphones.

icebike says:

The first thing thieves do when they steal a phone is run up your bill and then ditch the sim card and put in their own.

Just lock the phone and you are better off.

Nobody breaks into your phone and steals the sim card.

gmanley says:

Tried it. Now on my way to the AT&T store because I can't get into my phone. Perfect.

sookster54 says:

It's safer to call your carrier to disable the SIM if the phone gets stolen.

heeros1 says:

I've had a sim lock on every sim card I've ever had, never had a problem. I guess if you can't figure it out, then call the carrier or leave it alone.
I don't see much reason to really lock it, I'm just doing it out of habit. it's only useful if the thief reboots the cell, and I don't know why he'd do that.

Viral Malvia says:

Hi,
I have motorola Droid 2 Global by Verizon and I want to unlock my cell phone.and its asking for network sim unlock number,Can I able to get unlock code my cell phone? How do i get network sim unlock number or unlock code?.

Please help me with my cell phone.
Thank You.
Viral Malvia

rhdiaz02 says:

Is there anyway to unlock a sim card pin if I bought a tablet? I have my own pre-paid account with T-mobile but, bought a Zenithink Tablet. I just want to be able to use the "call" feature on my tablet. Thanks.

shotta slime says:

My simcard locked up on me and wont let me switch it off. How can i fix this problem