View source for Personal unblocking code

A '''personal unblocking code''' (PUC), also known as a '''personal unlocking key''' (PUK), is used in [[Organization:3GPP|3GPP]] mobile phones to reset a [[Personal identification number|personal identification number]] (PIN) that has been lost or forgotten.

Most mobile phones offer the feature of PIN protection. After switching on the phone, if the PIN security function is active, the user is required to enter a 4-8 digit PIN to enable the phone's non-emergency calling functions. If the wrong PIN is entered more than three times, either the SIM card, the device, or both become locked. They can be returned to their original unlocked state by entering a PUC provided by the service provider, after verification. If the wrong PUC is entered eight times in a row, the device will become permanently blocked and unrecoverable, requiring a new SIM card. Mobile phone users are therefore advised by most providers to keep their PUC written down in a safe place separate from the device.

After the PUC code is entered, the PIN must be reset. The PUC are used to unlock the PIN codes if the SIM card is blocked.<ref>{{cite web|title=Article on PUK|url=http://www.gsm-security.net/faq/gsm-pin-pin2-puk-puk-personal-identity-number-personal-unblocking-key.shtml|accessdate=15 September 2011}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Unstructured Supplementary Service Data|GSM USSD codes]] - Unstructured Supplementary Service Data: list of standard GSM codes for network and SIM related functions
*SIM lock

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.3gpp.org/ftp/Specs/html-info/1111.htm Official 3GPP ETSI Specification of the Subscriber Identity Module - Mobile Equipment (SIM-ME) Interface]

[[Category:3GPP standards]]
[[Category:Mobile phones]]

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