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How Do I Unlock My AT&T Sim Card?

Unlocking your AT&T SIM card is a simple process. Once you submit your unlock request, AT&T will email you instructions and your unlock code so you can start using your new device as quickly as possible. You also have the option to call AT&T customer support and have a technician walk you through the unlock process.

Christian Allen is the editor / author responsible for this content.
Dec 9, 2022

If you've purchased a new AT&T device or you are switching your device to AT&T and need to unlock the SIM card, you want to make sure the process is smooth and successful. How do you unlock your AT&T SIM card? You can get assistance from AT&T customer support here, and you can follow the steps below on unlocking your SIM card.

Unlock Instructions

Before unlocking your SIM card, you must contact AT&T and request your device is unlocked. AT&T will then email the instructions to you on unlocking your SIM card.

Note

  1. AT&T can only unlock devices and SIMs that are locked to its network.
  2. If you cannot find your unlock code, you can submit another request to AT&T for a new code.
  3. Make sure you follow the directions when you receive your unlock code email.

iPhone Unlock Instructions

If you have an iPhone, you'll need to follow these steps to unlock your SIM card:

  1. Back up your iPhone (you can either back up your iPhone to iCloud, a Mac or your PC).
  2. Reset your iPhone by doing the following:
    • Open Settings on your device.
    • Tap General.
    • Choose Transfer or Reset Device.
    • Enter your Apple ID or passcode.
    • Wait until it confirms your device has been erased.
  3. Restore your phone using the backup you created. This will activate the SIM in your new AT&T phone. To restore your phone, follow these steps:
    • Turn on your new device. You'll see a Hello screen with a menu.
    • Choose the method you wish to use to restore your device (iCloud, Mac, PC, directly from another iPhone or Android device).
    • Sign in with your iCloud or Apple ID.
    • Choose the backup you wish to use to restore your device.
    • While the device is downloading the backup, make sure you maintain Wi-Fi until the process is complete.
    • Once the backup is complete, the SIM will automatically be unlocked.

PUK Code

PUK codes to unlock SIM cards are often used in Android devices and pre-paid phones. These are phones you can physically remove the SIM card from if needed. If you are unlocking an AT&T SIM card using the PUK (personal unlock key), you'll do so by following these steps:

  1. Open AT&T's website in your browser.
  2. Log into your account.
  3. Navigate to account overview.
  4. Click on My wireless to open this section.
  5. Choose My devices & add-ons.
  6. Select the device that requires a PUK code.
  7. Tap on Manage my Devices.
  8. Under Device options click on Get your personal unlock key (PUK).
  9. If you get a message that the PUK is blocked or it says PUK2, you'll have to contact AT&T customer support here.

When you need to unlock your AT&T SIM card, you can do so online or by calling AT&T customer support here. Following the online steps can help you start using your new device quickly.

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Christian has been writing about long hold times and customer service call center experiences since 2010. He's been featured in Bloomberg, the Wall Street Journal and the Boston Globe.
How Do I Unlock My AT&T Sim Card?

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