What is SIM and How to Change a SIM PIN for Android Devices?

 A SIM card is a broadly used technology in mobile phones to activate the connection and transmit marking links with the server system. It is widely used in electrical and electronic projects. Subscriber Identity Module is termed as SIM. This consists of an integrated circuit to store the IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) and keys to identifying subscribers’ authentication in the communication system. A SIM is embedded in smart cards that can be later removed and transferred to mobile phones.

Some smartphones are inbuilt with this feature, whereas, in some, it has to be enabled. SIM card carriers provide SIM PIN standardly as 0000 or 1234, while others are generated. But to improve the security system of the device and to prevent a fault in PIN code guessing, it’s an excellent suggestion to change the default code itself.

The data collected and stored in the SIM card includes ICCID, which is a unique serial number. IMSI, which stands for International Mobile Subscriber Identity, provides Security Authentication information to deliver temporary information about the network, PIN or a Personal Identification Number, and PUL ( Personal Unblocking Code) unlocking. The SIM card’s internal memory contains financial information, personal information, data, and identity for GSM/CDMA. The SIM card stocks information specific to and authenticates the subscriber’s identity in the communication network. The SIM comes with various data capacities varying from 32KB to 128Kb, and the storage of contact also increases, respectively.

Importance of Securing SIM

The small chip-sized SIM has not only your address and contacts but also other credentials that need to be kept confidential from other people. This plastic card stores your data, which further includes SMS (Short Message Service), usage of mobile data, your billing information, bank messages, account details sometimes sent to you by your bank, etc. However, the data cannot be sufficiently secured by just setting up a PIN, pattern, password, or any other sort of biometric security lock on your phone. Only by activating the SIM PIN lock users can ensure that their information is secured from any hacking or any potential attacks to the same.

How to Change the SIM Lock

While you are trying your best to avoid any kind of hacking attack that can be done to your phone by adding passwords, security codes, and other biometrical techniques. Still, chances remain that your phone will get hacked with your SIM card. This can be done when you lock up your SIM for android devices to prevent future hackings. Here are the steps for doing it :

• Tap on the Settings application on your home screen.
• Now when the settings get opened, tap on Lock Screen and Security under section Personal.
• On the screen appearing now, tap on the Other Security Settings option. This will come as soon as you scroll the screen in a downwards direction.
• On this “Other Security Things” screen, tap on the Setup SIM Card Lock option.
• On the next screen appearing, turn on the slider for Lock SIM Card.
• Now a screen will suggest you to enter your current SIM PIN and then tap on OK, and Android SIM card lock will be enabled.
• You need to change the default SIM PIN into a new four-digit SIM PIN to secure the android device.
• Tap on Settings > Lock Screen and Security > Other Security settings > Set up SIM card lock.
• Tap on Change SIM Card PIN.
• A new will appear, then enter the default SIM PIN OR The Current SIM PIN and then OK.
• A new screen will pop up and ask you to enter a four-digit new PIN.
• Now confirm the New PIN and tap on OK as the new screen appears.
• Power Off your android phone. And whenever you switch the phone ON, you won’t be able to access it without the PIN you set up.

Following the steps mentioned above will add a layer of protection and security to your Android mobile device. Your credential and confidential data are now safe in the SIM card.

Eva winget is a Microsoft Office expert and has been working in the technical industry since 2006. As a technical expert, Bella has written technical blogs, manuals, white papers, and reviews for many websites.

SOURCE: What is SIM and How to Change a SIM PIN for Android Devices?