As soon as your new iPhone is unpacked, you must already think of the SIM card. Indeed, Apple's smartphone uses a miniaturized card format called Nano Sim incompatible with current models. You will therefore most certainly be obliged to order a new one from your telephone operator. Once inserted in your phone, it is recommended to change the PIN code to avoid third parties being able to use your mobile plan..
How to change your PIN code
When you subscribe to a telephone plan, your mobile operator gives you a SIM card to slide inside your phone. This is protected by a 4-digit PIN (Personal Identification Number) code supplied by default. Depending on the operator, the password is 0000 or 1234, see a completely random series of numbers. This initial number is normally indicated on the back of the SIM card holder or in the letter accompanying your new chip.
In order to prevent malicious individuals from using your mobile plan but also to avoid unpleasant surprises, it is essential to change the PIN code of your nano SIM card. You never know what the future holds. And don't think that smartphone theft happens only elsewhere. Anyone can have their iPhone stolen from the street, restaurant or public transport..
- Open your iPhone settings
- Select the Telephone section
- Bring the window down to the bottom
- Click on SIM card PIN code then on modify
- Enter the current PIN code of your SIM card then press the OK button at the top right of the window
- Then enter your new password (4 digits) taking care to avoid too simple combinations
- Repeat this operation a second time
- Press the Save button to finish changing your PIN code
Now all you have to do is turn off and restart your iPhone to check if the procedure has gone smoothly. Normally you will be asked to enter your new PIN code in order to access your operator's network as well as the data contained in the SIM card.
Unlock your iPhone
If you forget, do not have fun typing a PIN code at random. Incorrect entry can block your SIM card. Indeed, after three identification failures, you will see appear on the screen of your mobile a message such as Enter PUK code or The SIM card is currently locked..
To unlock your iPhone, you will need your 8-digit PUK (PIN Unlock Key) code . The latter can be found in your subscriber area on the site of your mobile operator or on the plastic support on which your SIM card was located.
You can also call your operator's customer service. You will then be asked for different information to prove your identity (name, age, address) as well as the series of numbers present under the bar code of your chip.
Once the PUK code is in your possession, you only need to enter it to reset your SIM and thus find a fully functional iPhone. So be very careful not to lose this password. Keep it in a safe place.
What is the PIN code for?
The PIN code was invented to protect your SIM card against any fraudulent use, particularly in the event of loss or theft. This system prevents anyone other than the owner of the phone from making calls, sending SMS, accessing the directory or using the mobile connection. Not to be confused with desimlocking.
The PIN code is required each time you start your iPhone. However, in recent years, hackers have found a way around this protection. Many security specialists believe that this protection is no longer useful at all.
In fact, they are not really wrong. First, the contacts are no longer stored on the SIM but in the phone memory. In addition, in the vast majority of cases, stolen or lost telephones are switched on. This means that PIN protection is already useless.
And 99% of thieves are not interested in your line but in your device. Most of them immediately get rid of the SIM once their larceny is complete. They know that the chip can be used to track their movements.
Disable PIN code request
If you think the PIN code is completely out of date, be aware that Apple gives you the option to disable this lock system .
- Open your iPhone settings
- Select the Telephone and then PIN Code sections of the SIM card
- Click the switch to deactivate the protection system
Of course, this should not prevent you from setting up a lock mode to strengthen the security of your iPhone. Password, locking scheme (drawing to be reproduced on the screen), fingerprint or Face ID, it's up to you to choose the one that suits you best.