How Do I Get a Puk or Pin Code to Unlock My Phone with Tracfone?

It is possible to lock yourself out of your phone when you enter the wrong PIN three times. The phone will lock, and you cannot unlock it even if you get your PIN right. You will require a Personal Unblocking Key (PUK), which your Tracfone randomly generates in this situation. All you need to do is contact Tracfone customer care to get the PUK and instructions on unlocking your phone.

Adam Goldkamp is the editor / author responsible for this content.
Dec 9, 2022

When your phone gets blocked either because you have entered the wrong PIN three times or get reported stolen, you will require a PUK code to unblock it. PUK stands for Personal Unblocking Key. The PUK unlocks the phone and the Subscriber Identity Module card, depending on which one is blocked. Since the PUK codes are unique for each subscriber, you cannot use them interchangeably. You have to source your PUK code from Tracfone.

Your phone will prompt you for a PUK code immediately after getting the PIN wrong for the third time. At this stage, your phone is already blocked. Don't press any more keys. Even if you enter the correct PIN, the phone will remain locked. Also, note that you cannot use an old PUK again. Instead, use the following procedure to get a new randomly generated PUK.

How Do I Get a PUK Code?

Step 1: Get another phone and get in touch with Tracfone customer care service at 800-867-7183. You can contact customer care with the locked phone, but calling from another line lets the representatives walk you through unblocking your phone.

Step 2: Select the option "Get a PUK to unlock your phone" when prompted

Step 3: Once a representative is on the line, explain that you need a PUK code. You may be required to give a reason why your phone is blocked. If you forgot your PIN, give the reason.

Step 4: Provide all the required information. All the information will help verify that you are the owner of the phone.

Step 5: Write down your new PUK or use another line to talk with Tracfone representatives. Enter the code in your phone to unlock your phone.

If your Subscriber Identity Module is prepaid, the PUK number may be printed on the back of the card. If the PUK is present at the back of the card, it is unnecessary to contact Tracfone customer service. Please enter the code into your phone to unlock it.

How Do I Enter the PUK?

The PUK code is an eight-digit code. Once you get it, select the dial pad on your phone prompt screen and enter the code as it is the press "send." The phone will unlock automatically. If the phone does not unlock, make sure you capture the digits correctly. In some handsets, you may need to change the dial pad to a number dial pad instead of letters. If the phone is locked due to entering the incorrect PUK repeatedly, your SIM card will be locked permanently, and you will need to replace it.

Some handsets will immediately ask you to enter a new PIN once it unlocks. This means you need to select a unique combination as your new PIN. If the phone does not prompt for a new one, go to "settings," then to "security." Set a new security PIN for your phone. In some cases, the handset accepts different PINs for the Subscriber Identity Module card and the phone. Enter both of them.

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Adam has been tirelessly trying to help customers find the best tips and tricks to get through phone trees and writing many guides for prickly customer service problems. He's been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Inside Edition and Bloomberg.
How Do I Get a Puk or Pin Code to Unlock My Phone with Tracfone?

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