Last updated: August 4, 2022
To protect your phone, it is better to know a few codes such as your PIN code, your PUK code and the IMEI code .
So, if you are not sure what these codes correspond to, we suggest you take a look in this article. Thus, at the end of this one, you will become unbeatable on the subject and also know some small details which can clearly be important at the level of the security of your smartphone.
PIN code
Let's start with the one you know, the PIN code or Personal Identification Number. Indeed, it is among the codes, the one that you will be able to use most often, although in recent years, it is perhaps no longer as frequent as before.
Indeed, there are several explanations for this. The first is that the PIN code, this is the code that will allow you to unlock sim card of your mobile phone, which allows you to make calls orsend text messages for example. Composed of four digits, it is requested each time you switch on your mobile phone.
Moreover, be careful at the same time not to forget this code by not typing it.
Whether it's face recognition, fingerprint recognition or even a code, we can think we're safe. But keep in mind that this is another security that is better to use.
So avoid as much as possible to take the same code between your phone lock and the PIN code or risk making life easier for hackers. Also, do not put too obvious things like your year of birth or 4 times the number 1.
The PUK code, a backup system for the PIN code
The PUK code ("Personal Unblocking Key" or unlocking code) is a little less known, but if you do not remember your PIN code at any time, it is surely this PUK code that your phone then asked you for.
This is in fact asked after you have failed three attempts in a row to enter your PIN code. The SIM card will then be blocked, but this is not permanent, fortunately for you.
Indeed, to ensure that you do not completely block access to the telephone for a person who has simply forgotten their code, there is this famous PUK code which is sort of a catch-up code.
It is composed of 4 to 8 digits.
To find it, nothing very complicated, you have two options available to you. The first is to find the mail that accompanied the SIM card when it was given to you. You will find the PUK code systematically indicated above.
If you have lost it, you will need to contact your operator. To do this, go to the store with your identity card. If you are not the holder, for example a parent, they will also need to travel with their identity card.
If you can't get around, then take a look at this article: Lost PUK code: what to do?
The IMEI code
If the PIN code is well known and the PUK code not unknown to many people, the following code often means nothing to anyone. In effect, the IMEI or “International Mobile Equipment Identity” code is very, very little used, while it is extremely important!
If we had to schematize its usefulness a little, see this like an ID card from your phone.
It consists of 16 or 17 digits.
Whenever your phone wants to connect to a mobile network, it will then present it.
When arriving on your operator's mobile network, it will recognize the IMEI code. Thus, it will allow him to connect, exchange messages,call a phone number and even browse the net.
Except that these interactions are hidden. And this explains why you are not aware of this IMEI code most of the time.
But there is a particular case where it is important to know it, that of the laptop theft.
Indeed, if you ever cannot find your phone and want to block it permanently, you can communicate your operator's IMEI code after filing a complaint so that it can be blacklisted in some way.
In this way, this IMEI code is also very interesting when you buy a used phone. Take the reflex to check if the IMEI code of the latter comes from a phone which has been declared as stolen.
To do this, pretend to try it and type directly * # # 06 and search on your phone whether the number that appears corresponds to a stolen phone or not. This will save you a lot of trouble then.
Conclusion
Now you know everything about the different codes that can be found on a phone and as you have just seen in terms of security it is rather well done with each time a connection between these codes and measures to avoid problems.
This is why it is important to know your codes and not to reveal them to anyone, even your friends. Indeed, you never know what could happen and you will be sorry if you lose all your data.