SIM Lock: Have you ever been afraid that someone might steal your mobile number and gain access to your bank account? This can happen through SIM-swap or duplicate SIM fraud, in which fraudsters get all the OTPs that come with your number.
An easy way to avoid this is to put a special PIN lock on your SIM set just for you.
When scammers take control of your SIM, they take over your OTP as well as your online identity. Then one gets access to bank account, UPI, email and social media. The advantage of SIM lock is that after applying it, no one can port your number or get your duplicate SIM removed. Then let us know how to lock the SIM.
How to lock your SIM?
Step 1: Find the default SIM PIN
Before starting, please check the default SIM PIN with your mobile network operator. Usually it is 0000 or 1234, but it is better to confirm so that the phone does not get locked. If the phone is locked, you may have to go to your operator’s store and show your identification.
Step 2: Go to SIM Lock settings
- In Android phone, go to Settings > Security & Privacy and select SIM Lock option.
- On iPhone, tap Settings > Mobile and then select SIM PIN.
Step 3: Turn on SIM PIN
Turn on SIM PIN lock. Enter the old PIN first, then set your new 4 digit SIM PIN. Choose a PIN that you remember but that is difficult for others to guess.
Step 4: Restart the phone and check
Now restart the phone. Before starting the network, the phone will ask for your SIM PIN. Enter your newly set PIN here.
What next after setting the SIM PIN?
After turning it on, whenever you restart the phone or insert the SIM in another mobile, the phone will ask you to enter the SIM PIN every time. Due to this, if your SIM gets stolen or someone tries to copy it, then without the SIM PIN no one will be able to use that SIM.