Recovering PIN

brendan_kelly

I activated my new SIM card the other day. I don't have the PIN. The phone won't allow me to enter the PUC code I get online. Any ideas? I tried entering what I was told was the "default" PIN (5555) but that didn't work.

natty88

brendan_kelly is phone asking for a sim network unlock pin if yes it means phones you unlocked or on 02 meaning you'll need to ask old network to unlock for you or take to local phone repair shop or try cheap unlock codes on eBay for impartial advice on unlocking check here please

https://giffgaff.com/unlock

tazzy19

brendan_kelly
giffgaff sim pin protection isn't enabled unless you specifically set a pin
If you're being asked for a sim network pin then it is likely your phone is locked to a network other than O2

brendan_kelly

Ok - thanks for the replies so far. I was with Vodafone. I got the PAC code from them. I activated the giffgaff SIM on Friday but I was told it would be Monday (today) before the switch would take place. I then got an email this morning from giffgaff saying that my number had now been transferred. So I swapped SIM cards (even though right before doj g so, the VF SIM was still giving me a VF signal.

natty88

brendan_kelly did you ask Vodafone to make sure phone was unlocked

Also transfer can take up to 9pm latest on day to fully update services try restarting phone again every hour helps out most transfers are complete mid afternoon around 3pm the email is often sent at the beginning of number transfer in stead of when completes sorry

tazzy19

brendan_kelly
A pac number will not unlock the phone.
Did you try the giffgaff sim in the phone before requesting your pac from vf ?

endorphin

brendan_kelly I then got an email this morning from giffgaff saying that my number had now been transferred.

That email has been known to be sent out too early as most number transfers finish by mid afternoon! Your VF SIM will lose signal eventually which is a sign to start using your giffgaff SIM in its place.

jaymailsays

brendan_kelly
The giffgaff email is misleading. It means your (pac) number will be transferred commencing 9am today and can take until 9pm to full complete.

Are you completely sure your phone is not locked to Vodafone? If not you need to asap obtain an unlock code from them immediately. Your Vodafone sim should still be working?

brendan_kelly

tazzy19 No, I got the PAC code before activating the giffgaff SIM.

brendan_kelly

Again, thanks @natty88. I didn't specifically ask VF to make sure the phone was unlocked. Is that not the idea of the PAC code? Maybe I just need to wait for it to happen. Will I need a PIN code for the new giffgaff SIM?

natty88

brendan_kelly a Pac code does not unlock phone it's only used to move number from old network to your new network

jaymailsays

brendan_kelly
You may need a Network Unlock Code (NUC) to use giffgaff sim.
https://www.vodafone.co.uk/help-and-information/unlocking-your-phone

brendan_kelly

Ok, thanks all. The Vodafone SIM worked when I out it back in but then stopped about 7 minutes later. I now have the giffgaff SIM back in but it's not giving me a signal. Meanwhile I am trying to contact VF to ask if my phone is locked onto their network,

endorphin

brendan_kelly I now have the giffgaff SIM back in but it's not giving me a signal.

Most transfers complete by mid afternoon so patience is required!

brendan_kelly

🙁 Phone is now telling me that "This device is Network locked. Contact your Service Provider for Network unlock PIN to unlock."
I assume that means Vodafone?

tazzy19

brendan_kelly Phone is now telling me that "This device is Network locked. Contact your Service Provider for Network unlock PIN to unlock."
I assume that means Vodafone?

It does indeed mean just that

endorphin

brendan_kelly I assume that means Vodafone?

Yes it does. You need to get a network unlock code from them https://www.vodafone.co.uk/vodafone-uk/forms/unlock-code-request/index.htm

brendan_kelly

I am queuing online to chat to a Vodafone agent. Funnily enough, they had someone available for "new business" immediately but when I told them what my issue was, they put you into a much longer queue. The link from @jaymailsays says it may take up to 10 days using their online form. I'm assuming their online agent can facilitate me, once I get through.

endorphin

brendan_kelly it may take up to 10 days using their online form. I'm assuming their online agent can facilitate me, once I get through.

Hmm, fingers crossed!

jaymailsays

brendan_kelly says it may take up to 10 days using their online form. I'm assuming their online agent can facilitate me, once I get through.

Depends on the handset you have how long the unlock takes. In rare circumstances they have to contact the manufacturer direct and they can take that long.

Do you have access to another unlocked phone? If so, try your giffgaff sim in it, when you can.