My LG Cellphone is locked and needs a PUK code. Help!

I'm not sure what happened, but my AT&T LG500 cellphone is suddenly locked up and insists that I need to enter a PUK code. Well, it says "PUK PIN Code", but either way, I don't know what the code is. Help! Each time I try the counter goes down by one and I'm afraid something bad's going to happen if I get to zero too... HELP!

Dave's Answer:

Well, you've got good timing, I'll give you that! We just went through this same puzzle with my daughter's Samsung phone too, and we are also stuck on, uh, part of AT&T's cellular network.

Let's define a few terms to start out. PUK stands for "PIN unlock key", though you often see it referred to as PUC, a "personal unlock code". And that "PIN" in "PIN code"? That's "personal identification number". So basically your phone is saying that it's all locked up and you need to identify yourself as the owner before it'll unlock.

Problem is, you're in the same situation we were in: you don't actually know the unlock code.

Since they don't have biometrics like retina scans or fingerprint analysis or, better, DNA analysis, you're stuck. Or are you?

Turns out that if you log in to your account on the AT&T Wireless Web site, it can show you the PUK code that you can then enter and unlock your phone. No kidding.

First off, this is doubtless what your phone looks like:

You can see that we're halfway through the ten attempts we're allowed to try. In a minute, you'll find out that if you get to zero, your phone's SIM card freezes up and you'll need to get a new one. So don't mess with it yet!

Log in to the AT&T Wireless site with your account credentials, then find where it lists your phone:

You can see what you want on the right: "Unblock SIM Card". Click on it, and:

att wireless unblock sim card puk code 1

You can see the PUK code for this particular phone: 87897808

Scroll down a bit, though, the warning text in the yellow box is well worth reading:

att wireless unblock sim card puk code 2

Got that? Enter a wrong PUK code ten times in a row and your SIM card will be permanently locked and you must purchase a new SIM card. Not good.

Fortunately, you know now how to deal with the situation. Good luck!

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Categorized: iPhone and Cell Phone Help (Article 9326, Written by Dave Taylor)
Tagged: at&t, biometrics, cellphone repair, lg, puk code, unlock cellphone
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Reader Comments To Date: 17

Chris said, on March 18, 2010 10:42 AM:

What do you do if you buy a ATT Xenon from someone else and run into this problem? They won't answer my calls now (big surprise.) Am I stuck?

Dave Taylor said, on March 19, 2010 9:35 PM:

I'd go into an AT&T store and see what they can do to help you. You'll need proof of purchase, however. Did you get a receipt of sale from the seller?

Bronwin said, on June 16, 2010 6:15 AM:

I have a similar problem its just that my cellphone was stolen but the Police have managed 2 locate my cellphone an has returned it 2 me bt now its looking for a security code that I dont know! What do I do? Is there some kind of default code? Please Please help!

sandi said, on March 28, 2011 7:33 AM:

the above instructions for obtaining a puk code online do not work for go phones.

ikarus420 said, on May 27, 2011 6:15 PM:

thnk you so much i thought i was totally stuck!

Ann said, on July 15, 2011 12:01 PM:

I was just wondering if a power cord for an LG 500g cell phone would work in an LG 501c cell phone. I bought the 500g only to find out it didn't work in my area and had to buy the 501c. I just wondered if the power cord for the g could serve as a back up to put in my luggage when I travel should I forget the one that came with the 501c. I already know the batteries are the same so at least the cost of the first phone isnt a total waste. I just wondered if the power cords could do the same thing. Thanks

LiliTee123 said, on August 14, 2011 2:08 AM:

I dont know my account credentials, HELP!!! I have a 'Samsung Galaxy 580' Please help!!! D:

rennee said, on October 25, 2011 5:28 PM:

Will you please send me the code for LG 580a model? Thank you so much.

joanna said, on November 30, 2011 3:58 PM:

how do you unlock a lg 430n security code if you have forgotten the security code . please help

Alex said, on December 1, 2011 5:34 AM:

mine is all locked up i cant even unlock it!!!!!!!!!!!!

emad said, on February 27, 2012 2:21 AM:

Will you please send me the code for LG 580a model? Thank you so much i live in egypt

malik said, on March 31, 2012 9:29 PM:

can you please send the puk code for lg-c375

keistin said, on April 16, 2012 4:45 PM:

i need the puk code please,I only have one try left for a LG-T307g Stylish Design

hareem said, on August 15, 2012 4:38 AM:

can you please send me the puk code for lg gd510
thanks

democar51x3 said, on September 11, 2012 5:45 AM:

i have a prepaid lg500 phone with a locked puk code i have used it in 5 months and forgot info how do i get the puk code ?

Pedro said, on October 12, 2012 11:38 AM:

ineed assistance for my LG 800 its a tracfone, and for some reason it is asking me to enter the puk which i dont know what it is thank u

sompal singh said, on February 28, 2013 6:56 AM:

please send my sim card puk no.my sim card no.89919322493110333799

I do have a lot to say, and questions of my own for that matter, but first I'd like to say thank you, Dave, for all your helpful information by buying you a cup of coffee!

I do have a comment, now that you mention it!

My LG Cellphone is locked and needs a PUK code. Help!

Reader Comments To Date: 17

I do have a comment, now that you mention it!

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