# How to Change Your SIM PIN Number on UK Devices > Change your Vodafone PIN in 5 steps using the 191 customer service number if you get locked out. Updated guide for 2026. **Published:** 2026-05-10 **Updated:** 2026-05-10 **Category:** HOW_TO_TELCO **Author:** Rafael Tuñón **Canonical URL:** https://rechargevodafone.co.uk/how-to-change-your-sim-pin-number-uk/ ## Key takeaways - You must enable PIN protection first on your Vodafone Mobile Wi-Fi device before you can change your PIN number. - To change your PIN, enter your current PIN, then your new PIN, and confirm the new PIN in separate fields on the device menu. - If you enter an incorrect PIN three times in a row on the R219z or ten times on the R218, your SIM will be blocked and you'll need to call 191 from a Vodafone mobile to get a PUK code. - Entering the wrong PUK code ten times in a row will permanently block your SIM, so you'll need to request a replacement SIM from Vodafone. ## Key statistics - **191**, Vodafone customer services number to call from a Vodafone mobile to obtain a PUK code (Source: Vodafone UK Device Guides) - **3**, Number of incorrect PIN entries in a row before SIM is blocked on Vodafone Mobile Wi-Fi R219z (Source: Vodafone UK Device Guides) - **10**, Number of incorrect PUK entries in a row that will permanently block a SIM on Vodafone Mobile Wi-Fi R218 (Source: Vodafone UK Device Guides) ## Article A SIM PIN is a crucial layer of security for your mobile device. It is a four-to-eight digit code that protects the data on your SIM card if your phone or mobile Wi-Fi hub is lost or stolen. Without the correct PIN, your SIM cannot be used to make calls, send texts, or access mobile data in another device. This guide explains how to change the SIM PIN on various Vodafone devices in the UK. It is important to distinguish between your SIM PIN, your phone's screen lock (a passcode, pattern, or biometric scan), and your My Vodafone account password. Changing one does not affect the others. The default PIN for new Vodafone SIM cards is often 0000, which you should change immediately for security. ## Changing the PIN on a Mobile Phone The process for changing a SIM PIN on a mobile phone is handled through the device's settings menu. While the exact menu names may vary slightly between manufacturers, the general steps are consistent for most modern smartphones. ### For iPhone users: 1. Open the **Settings** app. 2. Scroll down and tap on **Phone**. 3. Select **SIM PIN**. 4. Tap **Change PIN**. 5. You will be prompted to enter your current PIN, followed by your new PIN, which you will need to enter a second time to confirm. ### For Android users (e.g., Samsung, Google Pixel): 1. Open the **Settings** app. 2. Navigate to the **Security** or **Security & Privacy** section. 3. Look for an option such as **More security settings** or **Advanced**. 4. Select **Set up SIM card lock** or a similarly named option. 5. Tap **Change SIM PIN**. 6. Enter your current PIN, then enter and confirm your new PIN. For specific instructions for other models, including older phones like the Doro 6520, Vodafone provides a range of device guides on its website. ## Changing the PIN on a Vodafone Mobile Wi-Fi Hub For mobile Wi-Fi devices such as the Vodafone R218, R219z, or the K5161 USB dongle, the PIN is managed through a web-based administration panel. The instructions are broadly similar across these devices. 1. **Connect to the Device**: Ensure your computer or phone is connected to the mobile Wi-Fi hub's network. 2. **Access the Admin Panel**: Open a web browser and navigate to the device's IP address. This is typically `192.168.0.1` or `192.168.1.1`. The correct address and the admin password are often printed on a sticker on the device itself. 3. **Log In**: Enter the administrator password to access the settings. 4. **Navigate to PIN Management**: Look for a menu option such as **Settings**, then **Security** or **Device Settings**. Inside this section, you should find a sub-menu for **PIN Management** or **PIN Code Management**. 5. **Enable PIN Protection**: Before you can change the PIN, you may need to ensure that PIN protection is enabled. If it is disabled, the option to change it might be unavailable. 6. **Change the PIN**: Select the **Change PIN** or **Modify PIN Code** option. You will be required to enter your current PIN, your desired new PIN, and then confirm the new PIN. 7. **Save Changes**: Click **Apply** or **Save** to confirm the new PIN. ## What Happens If You Enter the Wrong PIN? If you enter an incorrect SIM PIN three times in a row, your SIM card will be locked for security. To unblock it, you will need a **Personal Unblocking Key (PUK)**. This is a unique 8-digit code associated with your specific SIM card. ### How to Get Your Vodafone PUK Code There are several ways to retrieve your PUK code: * **My Vodafone Account**: Log in to your account on the Vodafone UK website or through the My Vodafone app. The PUK code is usually found in the 'My SIM' or 'Account Details' section. * **Original SIM Packaging**: The PUK code is printed on the plastic card that your SIM was attached to when you first received it. * **Contact Customer Services**: You can call Vodafone for free from any Vodafone mobile on **191**. From any other phone, the number is **0333 304 0191** (standard call charges apply). You will need to verify your identity before the code is provided. **Important**: Be extremely careful when entering your PUK code. If you enter the wrong PUK ten times consecutively, the SIM card will be permanently blocked. If this happens, the SIM is unusable and you will need to get a replacement from a Vodafone store or by contacting customer services. ## Quotations > If you key in the wrong PUK ten times in a row, your SIM will be blocked permanently. In this case, you need a new SIM from Vodafone. >, Vodafone UK Device Guides (official device guide, Vodafone UK) (https://deviceguides.vodafone.co.uk/vodafone/mobile-wi-fi-r218-windows-10/security/change-pin/) ## Frequently asked questions ### what happens if I enter wrong PIN three times Vodafone R219z If you enter an incorrect PIN three times in a row on the Vodafone Mobile Wi-Fi R219z, your SIM will be blocked. You'll need to obtain a PUK code to unblock it by calling 191 from a Vodafone mobile phone. ### how do I unblock my Vodafone SIM after wrong PUK code If you enter the wrong PUK code ten times in a row, your SIM will be permanently blocked and cannot be unblocked. You will need to contact Vodafone to request a replacement SIM card. ### can I change PIN on Vodafone router if PIN is turned off No, you must first turn on PIN use in the Security settings before the Change PIN option becomes available. Once PIN use is enabled, you can then proceed to change your PIN. ### what number do I call to get PUK code Vodafone Call 191 from a Vodafone mobile phone to obtain your PUK code. This service is available if your SIM has been blocked after entering an incorrect PIN multiple times. ### how many times can I enter wrong PUK before SIM blocked permanently On the Vodafone Mobile Wi-Fi R218, entering the wrong PUK code ten times in a row will permanently block your SIM. Once permanently blocked, you cannot recover the SIM and must request a replacement from Vodafone. ## Sources 1. [Vodafone Mobile Wi-Fi R218 - Change PIN | Vodafone UK](https://deviceguides.vodafone.co.uk/vodafone/mobile-wi-fi-r218-windows-10/security/change-pin/) (deviceguides.vodafone.co.uk) 2. [Vodafone K5161 - Change PIN | Vodafone UK](https://deviceguides.vodafone.co.uk/vodafone/k5161-windows-10/basic-use/change-pin/) (deviceguides.vodafone.co.uk) 3. [Doro 6520 - Change PIN | Vodafone UK](https://deviceguides.vodafone.co.uk/doro/6520-proprietary-os/basic-use/change-pin/) (deviceguides.vodafone.co.uk) 4. [Vodafone Mobile Wi-Fi R219z - Change PIN | Vodafone UK](https://deviceguides.vodafone.co.uk/vodafone/mobile-wi-fi-r219z-mac-os-monterey/security/change-pin/) (deviceguides.vodafone.co.uk) 5. [Change PIN | Vodafone UK](https://deviceguides.vodafone.co.uk/?topic=change-pin) (deviceguides.vodafone.co.uk)