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What are all these codes and passwords?

Passwords and Personal Identification Numbers (PIN) provide an extra level of security, but there is a confusing profusion of them. This page provides a guide to what they all are.

Keylock

This is a way to lock the phone keypad so that you don't make calls by accidentally pressing buttons. The exact sequence of keys varies from handset to handset, but many use [menu] then * or pressing the * and # keys simultaneously. Note that this lock may not disable the power off button, and will not prevent the emergency call number being entered.

SIM PIN Code

This is a pin code that locks the sim card until you enter the correct code. This protects your account, even if your sim is put into another handset. The default code is set by the Service Provider (often 0000 on Vodafone, 7890 on Virgin). You can change it if you like, but make sure you don't forget the new code.

SIM PIN Code 2

This sim card code controls access to some of the more advanced features of the phone, such as the fixed dialling list (a restricted list of numbers the phone can call: handy if you lend a phone to a teenage son or daughter!) The default code is set by the Service Provider. You can change it if you like, but make sure you don't forget the new code. Not all networks support pin 2.

Phone Security Code

This locks the handset, as opposed to the sim card. Some phones will accept incoming calls with this lock enabled, but many require the code to be entered even to answer a call. You can also set some handsets to only accept a "new" sim if the phone security code is entered. The default code varies according the handset make and model. You can change it if you like, but make sure you don't forget the new code.

Network PIN / Call Barring Code

This is the code you need to change call barring settings that are stored on the network. The default code is set by the network (0000 or 1919 for Vodafone, 1111 for Orange, 0000 for O2)). You can change it if you like, but make sure you don't forget the new code.

Account Password

This is a word that you choose when registering your account so that Customer Services staff can be sure that it is you they are talking to. You choose this yourself.

Account Password 2

Some networks allow a second phone user on an account to have a separate password. It functions as the Account Password does.

Voicemail PIN

This is a code that you choose to secure the voicemail/answerphone service on your mobile phone account. If you do not set a voicemail PIN, you may not be able to access voicemail from anywhere but your own mobile phone. In some cases, leaving the voicemail PIN at the default can let other people listen to or delete messages left for you. There may be a default code (3333 on Vodafone), but you should change it straight away!

Pin Unlock Code (PUK)

If you miskey (or misremember) your SIM PIN code, and enter the wrong one three times in a row, the sim will lock up, and you need to enter the unlock code to release it. You should ask your Service Provider for this code when you need it. (Ring 0870 077 6655, then choose option 2 to get the PUK code for a Vodafone PAYG.) Don't try to guess it, because after a few wrong guesses, the sim will be permanently disabled.

Pin 2 Unlock Code (PUK2)

This performs the same function as the PUK, but for SIM PIN 2. You should ask your Service Provider for this code when you need it. Don't try to guess it, because after a few wrong guesses, the sim will be permanently disabled.

Master Reset Code

Sometimes known as the Master Code, this allows you to unlock a handset if you have entered the Security Code wrongly too many times. If you know you have forgotten the Security Code, entering the Master Reset Code instead will do (even though it is probably more digits). You should ask your Service Provider for this code when you need it.

Special Code/Service Provider Lock Code

This code is required to allow a phone locked to a particular network's sim cards to be used with a sim card from another network. Normally, only Orange and T-mobile lock handsets in this way, though O2 and Vodafone are beginning to lock PAYG and WAP handsets.

The unlock code varies from individual handset to handset, and you can only get it from your service provider. Expect to pay around £15 to £35 for this code, plus any line rental up to the end of the initial contract period, except with Virgin, who provide this for free, as long as you have spend £30 on call credit.

Blacklisting

This is not a security code, but it may work like one! To help combat mobile phone thefts, the networks share a a database of the IMEI (serial numbers) of mobile phones that have been reported stolen. Once a phone is on this list, it will not be allowed to use any of the networks.

This can be a risk if you buy a second-hand phone, because if it has been stolen, or if an unscrupulous seller makes an insurance claim after selling, the phone you bought in good faith may be permanently disabled. Be very careful to check the source of a second-hand phone!