Unable to get the PUK code to work

[andi]

Hi all 

Ok, my ongoing O2 issues continue.  As posted in a previous post around the 22nd August, my old phone died at the weekend and I had to order a new SIM as my replacement phone did not take the large size SIM my old phone used. 

The new SIM came this morning (25th August) and I am glad to report that it was the right size as it was one of those "Russian Doll" ones.  I tried inserting it into my replacement phone and it started to ask for a network PIN code.  By now I had contacted O2 via Livechat - they said they would swap my number to the new SIM their end (I had to give them the new SIM's serial number) as I was unable to get my old phone to work.  They said "wait a while" until the SIM is switched over, and that the SIM PIN was always "0000" anyway.  Well, I entered "0000" everytime my replacement phone asked for a PIN, yet the phone still said it was invalid! 

Now things have escalated, as the replacement phone is now asking for a "Network PUK" code - I searched O2's website, finding the PUK code generator and entered my number - the PUK code it gave I have fed into my replacement phone several times, and each time it says it is invalid!!! 

HELP!  I really need my phone for important things like, well, work.  Any ideas?  

[Bambino]

@andi See this: What code do I need: PAC or PUK - O2 Community

[andi]

Hi.  I don't know!  When you boot up the phone you are presented with dark screen with the following on it: "SIM network PIN blocked. Enter SIM network PUK." and then a prompt for me to enter a number.  HELP!!

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

@andi 

The phone you are trying to use is locked to another network.

Also, due to the fact that you have entered the wrong code too many times, it is now hard locked.

You need to contact the network that has the phone locked and request an MCK code to unlock it.

[andi]

HI MI5 - the phone has never been used!  It was sold as unlocked from Argos back in 2016 I think (I am slow at opening presents). 

[MI5]

Hi @andi 

It must have been a network locked phone when purchased.

What does it say about the network on the box or what sim came with it?

[andi]

Hi.  It came without a SIM card.  This is the first time it had ever had a SIM in it. 

[andi]

Just tried checking my IMEI number here: https://directunlocks.com/en_gb/network-check but nothing came up.  Do you think I have to pay to get the phone unlocked?  

[MI5]

@andi 

I would try your local market stall or repair shop for the cheapest option.

[andi]

Ok, I will leave the thread open for now in case O2 come up with anything today when I contact them.  I need to get this sorted as I have really important messages and texts to deal with.