Requesting a PIN code every time you turn on your smartphone or reboot annoys many users. Although this feature protects your SIM card from unauthorized access, constantly entering a four-digit code can become tedious, especially if you frequently reboot your device or use it as a modem. Fortunately, you can remove the PIN code from a SIM card on Android in a few minutes - both through standard settings and using workarounds if the standard method does not work.

In this article we will look at all the current ways to disable the PIN request, including instructions for different versions of Android (from Android 8 Oreo to Android 15), features of working with cards MTS, Beeline, MegaFon i Tele2, as well as what to do if the phone asks PUK code instead of a PIN. We will separately consider the risks of disabling protection and how to return the PIN back, if necessary.

Why does the phone constantly ask for a SIM card PIN

PIN (Personal Identification Number) is a four-digit password that is requested every time you turn on the phone or remove/insert a SIM card. It is tied not to the device, but to the SIM card itself and serves as basic protection against:

  • 🔒 Unauthorized use of the card in another phone (for example, if the SIM card was stolen).
  • 📱 Connecting to a mobile network without the owner’s knowledge (relevant for corporate SIM cards).
  • 💳 Fraudulent actions with services linked to the number (banks, instant messengers, government services).

Default PIN code enabled on all new SIM cards operators MTS, Beeline, MegaFon i Tele2. The standard code is usually indicated on the plastic SIM card holder (for example, 0000 or 1234), but many users change it to their own. If you enter the PIN incorrectly 3 times in a row, the SIM card is blocked and requires PUK code (this can be found from the operator or in your personal account).

Should I disable the PIN? It depends on your priorities:

Pros of disabling PIN Disadvantages of disabling PIN
✅ Quickly turn on the phone without entering a code ❌ Risk of using a SIM card by fraudsters during theft
✅ No blocking when removing the SIM card frequently (for example, to change devices) ❌ Lack of protection for services linked to the number (Sberbank, Tinkoff, State Services)
✅ Convenience when using the phone as a modem (no PIN request on a PC) ❌ If you lose your phone, an attacker will be able to call/write from your number
⚠️ Attention: If you use a corporate SIM card or a SIM card with linked banking services, disabling the PIN code may violate the security policy of your organization or bank. Check the conditions with the support service.

Method 1: Disabling PIN through Android settings

The simplest and safest method is to use the standard settings menu. The interface may differ slightly depending on the version of Android and the shell (MIUI, One UI, ColorOS etc.), but the general algorithm is the same.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Open the application Settings (gear icon on the main screen or in the application menu).
  2. Go to section Network and Internet (or Connections, SIM cards and mobile networks —the name depends on the firmware).
  3. Select your SIM card (if there are several).
  4. Find the item Block SIM cards or PIN code request and tap on it.
  5. Move the slider to position Off. or uncheck the box.
  6. Enter the current PIN code to confirm.

After this, the phone will reboot and the PIN code request will no longer appear. If the item SIM card lock is missing, try an alternative path:

Settings → Security → Advanced settings → SIM card lock

Make sure you know the current PIN code|Check that is the number linked to important services|Make a backup copy of your contacts|Reboot your phone after disconnecting-->

⚠️ Attention: On some phones (for example, Samsung Galaxy s One UIafter disconnecting the PIN, you may need to enter Google account password to confirm your identity. This is a standard security measure - do not be alarmed.

Method 2: Disabling PIN via USSD command

If the settings menu does not allow you to remove the PIN (for example, due to operator restrictions), you can try a special USSD command. This method does not work on all SIM cards, but sometimes it helps to bypass the blocking.

Instructions:

  1. Open the application Phone and go to the dialing tab.
  2. Enter command: 
    **04*old_PIN*new_PIN*new_PIN#

    For example, if your PIN is 1234and you want to disable it (replace it with an empty one), enter:

    **04*1234*0000*0000#
  3. Press the button call.
  4. Wait for notification of a successful change (or an error if the command is not supported).

If the command worked, the PIN will be disabled. If not, a message like USSD code failed or Errorwill appear. In this case, try other methods.

💡

On some SIM cards MegaFon and Tele2 an alternative command works: *#06# → then enter your PIN. But this does not always work, as it depends on the SIM card firmware.

Method 3: Reset PIN via PUK code (if the SIM card is blocked)

If you do it 3 times in a row entered the wrong PIN, the SIM card is blocked and requires PUK code (Personal Unblocking Key). It can be found:

  • 📄 On the plastic SIM card holder (next to the PIN code).
  • 🌐 In the operator’s personal account (MTS Personal Account, My Beeline etc.).
  • 📞 Check by calling the hotline (a free call from a locked SIM card will not work - use another number).

How to unlock a SIM card and remove the PIN:

  1. When prompted for PUK, enter it (usually 8 digits).
  2. The system will prompt you to enter new PIN code. Enter any (for example, 0000).
  3. Confirm the new PIN.
  4. After unlocking, go to settings and disable the request PIN (as in Method 1).

If you enter the PUK incorrectly 10 times, the SIM card is blocked forever will have to be changed at the operator's salon. Be careful!

Yes, I had to restore it|No, I always enter it correctly|Not. I remember|I haven’t encountered it yet-->

Method 4: Using the engineering menu (for advanced users)

On some phones (especially on Samsung, Xiaomi i Huawei) you can remove the PIN through the engineering menu. This method is risky - incorrect actions can disrupt the network. Use it only if other methods have not worked.

Instructions for Samsung Galaxy:

  1. Open the application Phone and enter: 
    ##4636##
  2. In the menu that opens, select Phone information.
  3. Scroll down to the block SIM card.
  4. Find the item Lock SIM and disable it (you may need to enter a PIN).

For Xiaomi (MIUI):

  1. Enter in the dialer: 
    ##86583##
  2. Go to SIM Lock Settings.
  3. Disable the option Enable SIM PIN.
⚠️ Attention: The engineering menu may differ depending on the phone model and firmware version. Do not change other parameters in this menu - this may lead to network failures or complete loss of connection.
What to do if the engineering menu does not open?

On some phones (for example, Google Pixel or OnePlus with pure Android) the engineering menu is blocked. In this case, try using ADB commands (see Method 5) or contact your operator to replace the SIM card.-->

Method 5

Disabling PIN via ADB (for root users)

If you have root access or enabled USB debugging, you can remove the PIN using commands ADB. This method is suitable for experienced users, as it requires working with a computer.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Install ADB Tools on PC.
  2. Connect your phone to your computer and enable USB debugging.
  3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and enter: 
    adb shell

    su
    

    settings put global sim_pin_lock 0

  4. Reboot your phone.

If the commands completed without errors, the PIN prompt will disappear. If a message appears permission denied, it means that you do not have root access or the operator has blocked changing this parameter.

What to do if nothing helps

If you have tried all the methods, but the phone still requires a PIN, the following reasons are possible:

  • 🔐 Operator blocked the ability to disable PIN (relevant for corporate SIM cards).
  • 📱 The phone firmware has been modified (for example, custom firmware with forced PIN-request).
  • 🔄 The SIM card is damaged or outdated (for example, SIM cards older than 10 years may not support disabling PIN).

Solutions:

  1. Contact your operator. In the salon MTS, Beeline or MegaFon they can replace the SIM card with a new one (usually free) and disable the default PIN.
  2. Try another SIM card. Insert a spare SIM card into the phone - if a PIN is not requested, the problem is in your main SIM card.
  3. Reset your network settings. Go to Settings → System → Reset → Reset network settings. This will not delete your data, but will reset your mobile connection settings.

If you suspect that the SIM card is damaged (for example, the phone does not see it or asks for a PIN even after correct entry), replace it in the operator's cabin. Modern nano-SIMs are less susceptible to physical damage, but the contacts can oxidize over time.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the SIM card PIN code

Is it possible to remove the PIN code without entering the current PIN?

No, to disable the protection you always need to enter the current PIN code. If you forget it, you will have to use the PUK code (see Method 3) or contact your operator for a replacement SIM card.

Will the phone work without a SIM card if you remove the PIN?

Yes, disabling the PIN code does not in any way affect the operation of the phone without a SIM card. You will be able to use Wi-Fi, applications and other functions, except calls and mobile data.

How can I get my PIN back if I change my mind?

Go to the SIM card settings (as in Method 1) and enable the PIN request. You will need to enter a new code (the default is often used 0000 or 1234).

Can an operator remotely enable PIN on my SIM card?

Technically, operators can manage some parameters of SIM cards remotely, but in practice they do not do this without the client’s knowledge. The exception is corporate tariffs with strict security rules.

Why does the PIN request appear again after resetting the phone?

The PIN code is stored on the SIM card itself, and not in the phone's memory. Therefore, after a hard reset or flashing, the PIN request returns if it was enabled at the SIM level.