You may want to unlock your phone because you want to use it with another SIM card or because you’ve decided to switch networks.
Alternatively, you might have accidentally entered the wrong PIN too many times and now need a PUK to unlock your SIM card and start using it again.
What is a PUK code?
PUK stands for Personal Unlocking Key. It's also sometimes called a network unlocking code (NUC) or personal unlocking code (PUC)
This is a unique sequence of eight digits that your network must supply if you fulfil certain criteria.
A PUK is required when you want to unlock a phone. You’ll need one if your current network locks your handset and you want to use a SIM card from another network.
You’ll also need to get a PUK code if you mistakenly enter the wrong PIN code and you are automatically locked out.
Depending on the network you’re signed up to, you may be allowed up to three or up to ten incorrect tries. Either way, when the network locks a phone in these circumstances, you’ll need a PUK to unlock it before you can start using your phone again.
What is a PAC Code? And is it different from a PUK code?
A PAC (porting authorisation code) is very different. Like a PUK, it’s a unique sequence of digits and plays a role when you’re switching networks. But a PAC code is only required when you want to transfer your existing mobile phone number to the network you’re joining.
How do I get a PUK code?
Remember the plastic container tray that your SIM card came in when it arrived? Well, in the unlikely event that you had the foresight to keep it safe, you’ll be able to find your PUK written on the tray.
If you weren’t that forward-looking, you’d need to get a PUK from your network.
Getting a PUK code from your network
According to Ofcom regulations, no networks are allowed to sell locked phones as of December 2021. That means that if you've purchased a handset from your network since then, you won't need to worry about getting a PUK from your network.
Even before then, many networks did away with selling locked phones, but there were a few that still locked their phones. These included:
- BT
- EE
- Tesco Mobile
- Vodafone
- iD Mobile (for iPhones)
So, if you have a handset from these providers from 2021 or earlier, you might still need to contact them to get your PUK code. Below, we’ve listed the major networks and how to get your PUK from them.
Get a PUK from O2
Not all phone models are locked by O2. However, if your phone is locked, you can get your PUK by logging into your O2 account, navigating to 'My device' and then 'Device details'.
You can also enter your number on this O2 help page to have it sent directly to your phone.
Get a PUK from Vodafone
Vodafone uses the term NUC. So, to unlock your phone on Vodafone, you can get your NUC by heading to its site and filling in this form.
Get a PUK from Tesco Mobile
You can get your PUK code from Tesco Mobile by logging into your My Tesco Mobile App and looking under Personal Details for both your PUK code and your PIN code.
Get a PUK from EE
To obtain a PUK code from EE, you must fill in this form. Once you’ve done that, they’ll text you a personal unlocking key (PUK).
Need a PAC code too?
As indicated above, unlocking your phone with a PUK is only half the story if you're switching networks. If you want to transfer your number to the new network, you’ll also need a PAC Code.
Not sure how to get one? No fear. We can help you with that. Just head to our guide to transferring your number for all the help you need.
