How to remove the PIN from a SIM card on iOS and Android

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In this guide we explain the steps to follow to remove the SIM card PIN on Android and iOS.Mobile devices today have a number of security measures. One of them is the SIM card PIN, which prevents an unauthorized user from making calls or sending SMS . Without this code, it is also not possible to browse the Internet. Overall, it is an excellent protection to prevent others from taking advantage of your mobile plan. However, you may have considered removing it completely. Is that possible?

In this article we explain the steps you need to take to completely remove the PIN from your SIM card . Obviously, we give you some reasons why we think it’s not a good idea. If despite these reasons you still prefer to use your line without a PIN, read on because we’ll show you how to do it.

Oh, and if you’re having trouble removing it, check out our guide on how to get a stuck SIM card out .

Why you should not remove the PIN code from the SIM card?

Before we show you the instructions on how to remove the SIM PIN on Android, let us discuss a few reasons why we think it is not a good idea to remove this protection. Here are the reasons you should know before proceeding:

  • Prevent others from making unauthorized calls . Once you turn off your phone, if someone tries to turn it on, they will have to enter your PIN code to start making calls. Having a PIN number, in addition to the code on your phone itself, prevents someone from using your device and impersonating you.
  • Protect your SIM card on any phone . When you keep the PIN code activated, the card is blocked on any phone. Therefore, it is not enough to insert it into a device to start calling. Every time you add it to a new terminal, it asks for the PIN to unlock it.
  • No one will be able to use up your plan’s megabytes . Another decisive factor that you cannot overlook when deciding whether to keep the PIN or not is the use of mobile data. The lock code is not only useful for calls and SMS. It is also effective in preventing others from accessing the Internet with your mobile.
  • You’re removing a layer of security . The device lock is not tied to the SIM card lock. So when we talk about the SIM PIN, we’re actually referring to an additional layer of security that blocks all connections to the outside. Keep in mind that even if someone manages to unlock your device, they won’t be able to make calls, send text messages, or browse unless they connect to a Wi-Fi network.

Also, remember that removing the PIN from the card is just as dangerous as choosing one of the most commonly used codes by users . Here are some examples:

  • 1234
  • 1111
  • 0000
  • 1212
  • 7777
  • 1004
  • 2000
  • 4444
  • 2222
  • 6969
  • 9999
  • 3333

In general, these are very obvious combinations, with repetitions and consecutive series of numbers. All of them can be easily guessed if, unfortunately, your device is stolen.

Tips for implementing a strong PIN

If the reasons we have given you are valid for you and you are not going to delete your card PIN, you will like these three tips to make the code more robust.

  • Use an 8-digit PIN . Few people know this, but the PIN can have more than 4 numbers. An 8-digit code is harder to guess.
  • Avoid using the same code as your phone . If you do this and someone guesses it, they will be able to unlock your SIM card as well.
  • Don’t use personal data . Your date of birth is never a good password. Try to enter a number that corresponds to a piece of information that no one knows.

On the other hand, if you are convinced that you should remove your card PIN, read on to find out how to do it.

How to remove SIM PIN on Android

We have already explained how to change the SIM card PIN on Android . Now, it is time to know what steps to follow to remove it completely.

  1. The first thing is to go to the Android settings menu.
  2. Then, go to the Security section .
  3. Tap on the SIM Lock section .
  4. Turn off the Lock SIM card option .

Depending on the customization layer applied by the manufacturer, you may need to go to a different section. For example, in Xiaomi this option is located in the Passwords and security section and then Privacy .

On the other hand, on Samsung phones you will find it in Lock screen and security , within the device settings.

For Huawei, go to the Security and Privacy section .

How to remove SIM PIN on iOS

Let’s now talk about Apple devices. On an Apple device, such as an iPhone or iPad with 5G connectivity, it is also possible to remove the SIM card PIN easily.

It’s as easy as doing this:

  1. Go to your mobile settings.
  2. Tap Mobile data .
  3. Tap on SIM PIN .
  4. Disable the slider

To remove the PIN you must know the SIM card PIN

We end this guide with a brief reminder about removing the PIN on the SIM card. Please note that in order to completely remove the code lock, you must first know the correct number.

When you try to unlock your SIM card and free it from the PIN once and for all, your phone will ask you for the current code. It is not possible to unlock or change the PIN of a SIM card without knowing the current code.

Also, remember that if you enter the wrong code several times, you will be asked for the PUK code. Check out our guide What is the PUK code, what is it for and how to get yours for all the details.

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