Can a locked sim be restored? How to unlock a 2-way sim in 2023

Nowadays, almost everyone owns a communication SIM card. However, due to certain reasons, some SIM cards may be locked in both directions. So, what should you do when your SIM card is locked in both directions, can it be restored or do you have to replace it with a new one? The following content will help you answer this question.

What does it mean when a SIM card is locked in both directions?

When a SIM card is locked in both directions, it means that the telecommunications network locks the SIM card in both the outgoing and incoming directions. In that case, users cannot use the SIM card to make any calls or send any messages. At the same time, calls and messages to your mobile phone cannot be received either.

It is very simple to identify the information of a subscription that is locked in both directions. When entering *101# to check information and balance in the SIM card, you will receive the message “Subscription has been locked in both directions.” Or when you insert the SIM card into a mobile phone or tablet that supports SIM cards, there will be no signal or the signal bar will have a red X mark.

Reasons why a phone SIM card is locked in both directions

There are many reasons that can lead to a SIM card being locked in both directions. Some common reasons include:

• Expired SIM card: For prepaid SIM cards, if you do not use the SIM card for a long time or do not top up the balance, it will be locked in one direction. If you still don’t top up within the specified time, the subscription will be locked in both directions.
• Failure to pay the bill: For postpaid SIM cards, if you fail to pay the bill on time, the network will lock it in one direction. If you continue to not pay within the specified time, the network will lock it in both directions.
• Unregistered SIM card: According to the regulations of the State and current networks, any SIM card that has not provided the owner’s information for a mobile subscription is considered unregistered.
• Incorrectly entering the recharge code more than 5 times: When topping up with a scratch card and entering the wrong code more than 5 times, the SIM card will be locked in both directions.
• Wrong PUK code: To secure SIM card information, many users have set a PUK code. However, if the wrong code is entered more than 3 times, the SIM card will be locked in both directions.
• Reported as spam: If you use the SIM card to send spam, advertisements, and are reported by multiple users, the network will categorize your SIM card as spam and block it in both directions.

Can a SIM card locked in both directions be restored?

Usually, a phone SIM card locked in both directions can be unlocked. However, depending on the network and the cause of the SIM card being locked, there are corresponding unlocking methods. The details of how to unlock a SIM card locked in both directions will be provided in the following section.

Instructions on how to unlock a SIM card locked in both directions

Unlocking a SIM card due to expiry of usage or overdue payment

In this case, the unlocking method is very simple. You just need to top up or make a full payment, and the network will automatically unlock the SIM card for you. If you have already topped up or made a full payment but the SIM card is still not unlocked, please contact the customer service hotline of the network you are using.

Unlocking due to unregistered information

If the SIM card has not registered the owner’s information, the only way to unlock the SIM card is to bring your ID card to an authorized dealer or the network’s transaction office to register, modify, or supplement the owner’s information. After that, your SIM card will be unlocked in both directions.

Unlocking due to entering the wrong recharge code more than 5 times or the PUK code

If the SIM card is locked in both directions due to entering the wrong recharge code more than 5 times or the wrong PUK code 3 times, you just need to pick up the phone and call the customer service hotline of the network. Then, ask the customer care staff of the network to assist in unlocking the subscription.

Note that when calling the hotline, the network’s staff will ask you to provide some verified information about the ownership. You should prepare information such as personal information, time of the SIM card being locked, etc.

Conclusion

The SIM card being locked in both directions will greatly affect the communication process. Hopefully, with the instructions above, you can easily handle this situation. Good luck to you.