SIM network PIN blocked. Enter SIM network PUK.

[pac68]

Am moving one of my o2 pay monthly accounts to Virgin. Receive the message 'SIM network PIN blocked. Enter SIM network PUK' when new sim inserted. Have gone through the unlock request process, however the number supplied by o2 does nothing - same message appears.

All works ok with the original o2 sim back in the phone, but my contract will expire soon and it seems I am unable to use the new sim. Have read various threads about similar instances, but most end up in private messages so I don't get to see the solution. Any advice appreciated.

Paul

[MI5]

@pac68 

Phone is hardlocked due to too many unsuccessful unlock attempts.

You need a master unlock code which @Martin-O2 may be able to get for you.

The previous threads end in private messages because personal data is required from you and should not be shared on an open forum.

[pac68]

Ah, silly me. Have been with o2 a long time - this is the first time i've had to change sims for a different provider. I put the new sim in and when it asked for a code, well there were two codes on the Virgin sim, including an unblocking key, which sounded fairly plausible based on what the message was. 

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

@pac68 

It was the O2 network unlock code you needed Guide: Unlocking an O2 phone to use a different SIM card