How To Unlock PUK Blocked Sim Card For MTN, Airtel, Glo, And 9Mobile

If you have a SIM card PIN enabled on your phone to access data on the SIM card, but you repeatedly enter it incorrectly, the SIM card may lock you out from further attempts. You can reset the SIM card, using what’s called a personal unlock code, or PUK code, which you can usually obtain from your phone carrier.

In today’s article, we’ll be sharing tips on how to get a PUK code to unlock your SIM card on Airtel, Glo, MTN, and 9mobile networks in Nigeria.

If you enter the wrong SIM card PIN repeatedly, your SIM card will lock as an added security measure. This prevents someone from simply guessing every possible PIN to access your data if they steal your phone or SIM card.

Once the SIM card is locked, you will need to use a separate code called a PUK code to unlock it. Your carrier can provide you with the PUK code for your SIM card. You can sometimes find this on your carrier’s website after you log in, and you can usually also obtain it by calling customer service or taking the phone to a carrier store. Once you have the PUK code, you can enter it and reset your SIM PIN to the one you know.

Get the PUK code from the SIM card packaging: When you purchase a SIM card, it comes in a little package, and the PUK code should also be included in it. If you still have the package, look for the plastic card that the SIM was snapped out of. The 8-digit PUK code should be printed on the back, together with the SIM PIN code.

How to retrieve your PUK to unblock your MTN Sim card:

For those using MTN line and want to recover their SIM PUK, then dial the various MTN Customer Care lines depending on your preference:

• Dial 180, if you are calling directly from an MTN number.
• Dial 08031000180, if you are calling from another network within Nigeria.
• Dial +2348031000180, if you are calling from outside Nigeria. The addition of +234 (Nigeria’s dialling code) is important if you are calling from outside Nigeria.

Next up, simply provide the customer care representative answers to the questions asked to ascertain you’re the authorized owner of the locked MTN SIM.

Alternatively, you can get your PUK number from MyMTN:

MTN users can also get their PUK through the MyMTN mobile app on Android and iOS. This app brings a wide range of features and functionalities that helps users control their MTN tariffs, data bundles, profiles, and more.

How to retrieve your PUK to unblock your Airtel Sim card:

For assistance with retrieving your blocked SIM card if you don’t have access to your PUK, simply contact Airtel customer care by…

• Dial 111 from any Airtel phone (this is a free call).
• Dial 08021500111, if you are calling from another network within Nigeria.
• Dial +2348021500111 when you are roaming (this is a paid call). Airtel customer care is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Next, provide the affected number, last recharge amount, swap history (within the last 12 months), and the amount paid for the data/social bundle for better assistance.

How to retrieve your PUK to unblock Glo Sim card:

If you need to get your Glo PUK to unblock your SIM, simply dial the following Glo Customer Care lines below:

• Dial 121 or 200, if you are calling directly from a Glo number.
• Dial 08050020121 or 08050020200, if you are calling from another network within Nigeria.
• Dial +2348050020121 or +2348050020200, if you are calling from outside Nigeria. The addition of +234 (Nigeria’s dialling code) is important if you are calling from outside Nigeria.

Next, provide answers to the various questions that would be thrown at you by the Glo Customer Care staff, these questions are to determine if you’re the real owner of that SIM to avoid theft.

How to retrieve your PUK to unblock your 9Mobile Sim card:

If you need to get your 9mobile PUK to unlock your SIM, simply dial the following 9mobile Customer Care lines below:

• Dial 200, if you are calling directly from a 9mobile number.
• Dial 08090000200, if you are calling from another network within Nigeria.
• Dial +2348090000200, if you are calling from outside Nigeria. The addition of +234 (Nigeria’s dialling code) is important if you are calling from outside Nigeria.

Next, provide answers to the various questions that would be thrown at you by the 9mobile Customer Care personnel, these questions are to ascertain if you’re the real owner of that SIM to avoid theft.