Smartphone owners Honor i Huawei often face a situation where every time the device is turned on or rebooted, the system persistently requests a digital code. This security measure is designed to protect your personal information from unauthorized access in the event of theft of your gadget. However, for many users, entering a combination every day becomes a tedious chore, especially if the phone is used exclusively on a home network or by one person. Disabling this function on the shell
Disabling this feature on the shell MagicOS or EMUI may cause difficulties due to the specific structure of the settings menu, which differs from the pure one. Incorrect actions can lead to SIM card blocking if you confuse the PIN with the PUK code. In this article, we will analyze the algorithm of actions in detail, consider the nuances for different firmware versions and explain how to protect yourself when disabling protection. Android. Incorrect actions can lead to SIM card blocking if you confuse the PIN with the PUK code. In this article we will analyze the algorithm of actions in detail, consider the nuances for different firmware versions and explain how to protect yourself when disabling protection.
The deactivation procedure does not require root access or connection to a computer; all manipulations are performed by standard system tools. It is only important to know the current code and carefully follow the steps so as not to accidentally block the communication module forever.
Preparing to disable SIM card protection
Before making changes to the security settings, you need to make sure the integrity and functionality of your SIM cards. If you do not remember the current PIN code that is requested when you turn on the phone, do not try to guess it by brute force. Three incorrect entries will lead to automatic blocking of the card, and to unlock it you will need a PUK code, which can only be found on a plastic card holder from the operator or in your personal account.
It is recommended to find an agreement with the telecom operator or the SIM card packaging in advance. The large card from which you squeezed the chip usually has two codes: PIN (usually 4 digits) and PUK (8 digits). Write them down in a safe place before you disable the protection. This will be your insurance in case of unexpected errors during the setup process.
⚠️ Attention: If you enter the wrong PUK code 10 times in a row, the SIM card will be permanently blocked. It is impossible to restore it; you will have to contact the communication store to reissue the number.
It is also worth checking the charge level of your battery Honor. Although the setup process takes no more than a minute, suddenly turning off your smartphone while changing system security settings can lead to a software failure. Make sure you have at least 15-20% charge or the device is connected to a charger.
☑️ Ready for setup
Standard path through security settings
The settings interface on smartphones Honor may differ slightly depending on the shell version, but the logic remains the same. The main way to manage SIM card locking is through the system security section. Open the main menu and find the gear icon indicating Settings.
In the list of options that opens, scroll down the screen to the section Security and privacy. In some older firmware versions, this item may be simply called Security or located inside the tab Additional settings. Click on this section to expand the list of available data and device protection options.
Next you need to find the subsection responsible for working with the communication module. Look for an item with the name SIM card blocking or Other security settings → SIM card blocking. The system will ask you to enter your current PIN to confirm your credentials. Enter the correct combination and press the confirm button.
After successful authorization, you will see a switch opposite the item SIM Card Lock. Move it to the inactive position (gray color). The smartphone will ask you to enter the current code again for final confirmation of disabling the function. After this, the next time you reboot the phone, the code request will not appear.
If the "SIM Card Lock" option is grayed out, you may have a restriction on changing settings through the Parental Controls profile or the device is in corporate management (MDM).
Alternative methods for finding settings
Shells MagicOS and EMUI have a powerful search system that allows you to get to the desired function without long wandering through the menu. If you can't find the section you want manually, use the search bar at the top of the settings screen. Enter the query "Blocking" or "SIM".
The system will display a list of relevant results. Select an item SIM card blocking from the search list. This method works faster and eliminates the possibility of errors when selecting the wrong section in a multi-level menu. It is especially relevant for new models Honorwhere the structure of the settings can be reorganized.
Another method is to use the engineering menu or special USSD commands, although on modern versions of Android this method is often blocked by operators or the manufacturer for security reasons. However, you can try entering the command **04* in the phone app. This command is intended to change the PIN, but sometimes allows access to control the lock status.
**04*Old PIN*New PIN*New PIN#However, to simply disable the function, the standard path through the graphical interface remains the most reliable and secure option: Using third-party applications from the store Google Play It is not recommended for managing SIM cards, as they often require redundant permissions and do not have direct access to the system security settings of the Android kernel.
Why might the settings be missing?
On some custom firmware or devices locked to a specific operator, the SIM lock control point can be hidden programmatically. In this case, only resetting the network settings will help. flashing the device to the global version of the software.
What to do if the PIN code is forgotten or lost
The situation when the user has forgotten the previously set PIN code is one of the most common. If, when you turn on the phone, you see a message about the need to enter the code, but the required combination is not remembered, do not panic. You have a limited number of attempts to enter the correct one. values.
After three unsuccessful attempts to enter the PIN code, the SIM card will be temporarily blocked and the system will ask for PUK code. This is a special unlocking key that is unique for each SIM card. It cannot be selected or changed; it is flashed at the factory by the telecom operator.
Enter the 8-digit PUK code. If it is accepted by the system, you will be asked to enter a new PIN code that you create yourself and confirm it by re-entering it. After this procedure, the old lock will be removed, and you can configure the phone as convenient: leave a new code or disable the request in the settings, as described above.
| Action | Number of attempts | Consequences of exhaustion |
|---|---|---|
| Entering PIN code | 3 attempts | SIM card blocking, PUK request |
| Enter PUK code | 10 attempts | Complete SIM card blocking (death) |
| Entering a new PIN after PUK | 3 attempts | Return to request PUK code |
| Status "SIM inserted" | Indefinite | No network access |
| Status "Blocked" | Requires PUK | Required to enter an unlock code |
⚠️ Attention: Never try to guess the PUK code at random. You have only 10 attempts. If they run out, the SIM card will turn into a useless piece of plastic, and the number can only be restored through reissue from the operator.
Where to find the PUK code? The fastest way is the personal account of the telecom operator on the official website or in the mobile application. Usually this information is in the "Number Information" or "SIM Settings" section. The code is also indicated on the plastic card that came with the SIM card upon purchase.
Features of turning off different versions of EMUI and MagicOS
Smartphone software Honor has undergone significant changes in recent years. Devices released before the separation of brands use the shell EMUI, while new models work on the base MagicOS (or Magic UI). Although the functionality is similar, the arrangement of the elements may differ.
In older versions EMUI (for example, 9 or 10) the path often looked like this: Settings → Security → Advanced settings → Encryption and credentials → SIM card lock settings. Users of such devices should be more careful when searching, as the menu may be deeper.
On new devices with MagicOS the structure has been simplified. The item SIM card blocking is often placed directly at the top level of the section Security and privacy. In addition, the interface has become more intuitive, with large switches and prompts, which reduces the risk of accidental blocking.
If you have a dual-SIM smartphone, the disabling procedure must be performed for each card separately. In the settings menu you will see a list of installed SIM cards (for example, SIM 1 and SIM 2). Select the card you need, enter its personal PIN and turn off the blocking. Repeat the steps for the second card, if necessary.
On dual-SIM phones, security settings are applied individually to each SIM card. Disabling the request on one card will not affect the second.
The impact of resetting the settings on SIM protection
Many users are interested in whether the setting to disable the PIN code will remain after resetting the smartphone to factory settings (Hard Reset). The answer depends on where exactly the locking parameter is stored. In most cases, the SIM card lock status is stored in the non-volatile memory of the SIM card chip itself, and not in the phone's memory.
This means that if you disabled the code request in the phone settings and then did a reset, the phone will still not ask for the code when turned on, since the SIM card itself “remembers” that the lock has been removed. However, if you remove the SIM card and insert it into another phone, the behavior may depend on the settings of that new device.
On the other hand, if you reset the network settings (Settings → System and update → Reset → Resetting network settings), this action does not affect the security settings of the SIM card. Your blocking settings will remain the same. Resetting the network only affects APN access points, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi settings.
However, after any serious intervention in It is recommended to check the protection status of the system. Insert the SIM card, reboot the device and make sure that the code request does not appear again. This will only take a couple of minutes, but will give you confidence that the settings have been applied correctly.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to disable the PIN code if the phone is already locked and asks for a code when you turn it on?
No, to enter the settings menu and disable the function, you first need to unlock device. Enter your current PIN on the boot lock screen. Only after the operating system has fully loaded can you go to Settings and disable the request for the future.
Does disabling the PIN code affect the security of my personal data?
Disabling the PIN code reduces the level of protection only in one scenario: if an attacker steals your phone, turn it off and insert your SIM card into your device. In this case, he will be able to use your number to receive SMS with confirmation codes from banks and services. If you have a strong screen unlock password set on your phone, the risk is minimal.
Why is the code still requested after disabling?
This can happen for two reasons. First: you have disabled the blocking for only one of the two SIM cards, but you are asking for a code from the second. Second: the settings were not saved due to a system failure. Try turning the lock back on, rebooting the phone, and then turning it off again, carefully entering the code.
Is it possible to change the PIN code to a simpler one, for example 0000?
Technically this is possible through the code change menu, but the Android security system and the rules of many telecom operators prohibit the use of combinations that are too simple (1234, 0000, 1111). If the system gives an error when setting such a code, choose a more complex, but memorable combination for you.
What to do if the "SIM Card Lock" menu item is missing?
In rare cases, on some custom assemblies or specific models, this item may be hidden. Try updating your phone software to the latest version. If the problem persists, contact your operator's support service - your SIM card may have a mandatory lock on the network side.