While smartphones have undeniably made our lives more convenient, the potential consequences of our smartphones falling into the wrong hands can be catastrophic. Protecting ourselves from opportunistic scammers is now more crucial than ever.
We’ve implemented various security measures like codes, patterns, and biometrics to safeguard our smartphone data, but what about our SIM cards? Even if your smartphone boasts top-notch security features, someone could easily remove your SIM card, which houses essential information such as your phone number, National Identification Number (NIN), Bank Verification Number (BVN), security data, billing details, and more, insert it into their device, and exploit it.
This is where the SIM lock feature comes into play—a valuable tool to prevent scammers from misusing your SIM card. SIM lock is a built-in feature found in many phones, allowing mobile service providers to restrict the usage of a phone to specific conditions.
So, what exactly do you need to know about the SIM lock feature? Here are three key aspects to consider:
- Fraud Prevention: SIM lock serves as a robust security measure against theft and fraud. When a SIM is locked to a particular carrier, it becomes challenging for thieves to utilize or resell stolen SIM cards on different devices. This safeguards the interests of the SIM card owner.
- Customized and Exclusive Offers: SIM lock often comes with exclusive benefits tailored to customers of a specific service provider. These perks provide additional advantages to users, enhancing their overall experience. Additionally, service providers can personalize the software to match their network, offering a unique user interface and granting access to value-added services not available on unlocked SIM cards.
- Customer Support: Most internet service providers offer customer support for SIM lock-related concerns. This ensures that users have access to assistance and reliable support for any issues related to their SIM card or service.
For MTN subscribers using Android devices, activating SIM lock is a straightforward process:
- Open Settings on your phone.
- Scroll to Security.
- Select “Set up SIM Card LOCK.”
- Choose “LOCK SIM Card.”
- Insert the MTN default SIM Card PIN (00000).
- Tap on “CHANGE SIM Card PIN” to set your unique 4-digit PIN.
- Confirm your 4-digit PIN.
- Power off and then on to confirm if SIM PIN activation is successful.
For MTN subscribers with iOS devices, follow these steps to activate the feature:
- Navigate to Settings.
- Select “Mobile Data” or “Cellular.”
- Choose “SIM PIN.”
- Activate SIM PIN.
- Enter the MTN default SIM Card PIN (00000).
- Set your unique 4-digit SIM PIN.
- Confirm your 4-digit unique PIN.
- Power off and then on to check if your SIM PIN is active.
Please note that you will be prompted to enter your SIM PIN whenever you insert or remove your SIM card or power on your device. The above procedure applies if you have never changed your SIM PIN.
In the event of accidentally entering the wrong PIN and your SIM requests a PUK (Personal Unlock Key), input the correct PUK if you have it or visit a nearby MTN store for assistance.
