SIM cards usually require a PIN (Personal Identification Number) to unlock and connect to the mobile carriers, so that you can make phone calls and use the internet. SIM PINs are a security feature that protects unauthorized people from using your SIM card in situations such as when your phone is stolen or lost. However, some people do not want this feature on, while others want to change the default PIN assigned by their mobile carrier and set their own. If you own an iPhone or an iPad and you want to change or remove the SIM PIN for it, read this tutorial, and find out how:
How to change the SIM PIN on your iPhone or iPad
Unlock your iPhone or iPad and open the Settings.
On the Settings screen, tap Cellular.
Next, tap on SIM PIN.
If it was not enabled on your iPhone or iPad, you should now see that the SIM PIN switch is Off. However, to be able to change it, the SIM PIN must be enabled so, if it is not already On, tap on it to make it so.
Next, tap on Change PIN.
Your iPhone or iPad asks you for the Current PIN. Enter it and press Done.
NOTE: If you do not know the SIM PIN, you should try the default SIM PIN used by your mobile carrier. If it does not work, you should check your SIM documentation if you still have it, or contact your carrier for support. If you enter the wrong PIN three times, the SIM card is locked, and you can no longer make phone calls or use internet on your iPhone/iPad.
Enter the new PIN that you want to use for your SIM card.
iOS asks you to confirm the SIM PIN by entering it a second time. Do so, and tap Done.
From now on, your iPhone or iPad unlocks the SIM card when it boots only if you enter the new PIN that you have set up.
How to remove the SIM PIN on your iPhone or iPad
Completely removing the SIM PIN is impossible. However, you can disable it so that you are not asked to enter the SIM PIN each time you boot your iPhone or iPad. To do so, go to Settings -> Cellular -> SIM PIN and disable the SIM PIN switch.
Then, your iPhone or iPad asks you to enter the current PIN to unlock the SIM. Once you are finished, press Done.
That's all! From now on, your iPhone or iPad does not ask you for the SIM PIN when you start it.
Do you use a SIM PIN on your iPhone or iPad?
SIM PIN can be a good security measure if you want to protect your SIM from unauthorized access. However, that is true only if you set a custom PIN that is different from the default one set by your mobile carrier. Also, although it is not recommended, some people prefer not to have it enabled at all. Do you use a custom SIM PIN on your iPhone/iPad?
