AT Command Set
MC35_ATC_01_V05.00 Page 114 of 256 15.07.2002
4.35.1 What to do if PIN or password authentication fails?
PIN1 / PUK1: After three failures to enter PIN 1, the SIM card is blocked (except for emergency
calls). To unblock the SIM card, the client needs to enter the ass ociated PUK (= PIN
Unblocking Key / Personal Unblocking Key). After ten failed attempts to enter the
PUK, the SIM card will be invalidated and no longer operable. In such a case, the c ard
needs to be replaced.
To unblock a disabled PIN1, use the AT+CPIN command and enter the PUK when
prompted by the response +CME ERROR: 12. Alternatively, you can use the ATD
command followed by the GSM code **05*PUK*newPIN*newPIN#.
PIN2 / PUK2: PIN2 prevents unauthorized access to the features listed in Chapter 4.36. T he han-
dling of PIN2 varies with the provider. PIN2 may either be a specific code supplied
along with an associated PUK2, or a default code such as 0000. In either case, the
client is advised to replace it with an individual code. Incorrect input of PUK2 will per-
manently block the additional features subject to PIN2 authentification, but usually has
no affect on PIN1.
To unblock a disabled PIN2, use the AT+C PIN command and enter the PUK2 when
prompted by the response +CPIN: SIM PUK2 or after the equivalent er ror code: +CME
ERROR: 18 was returned. Alternatively, you can use the ATD command followed by
the GSM code **052*PUK*newPIN*newPIN#.
Phone lock: If the mobile was lock ed to a specific SIM card (= "PS" lock or phone lock), the PUK
that came with the SIM card cannot be used to remove the lock. After three failed at-
tempts to enter the correct password, ME returns +CPIN: PH-SIM PUK (= response to
read command AT+CPIN?), i.e. it is now waiting for the Master Phone Code. This is
an 8-digit device code associated to the IMEI number of the mobile which ca n only by
obtained from the manufacturer or provider. When needed, contact Siemens AG and
request the Master Phone Code of the specific module.
There are three ways to enter the Master Phone code:
§ You can send the it with ATD followed by *#0003*<number># .
§ You can enter the Master Phone Code when prompted after input of
AT+CPIN. For instructions see the examples provided in Chapter 4.21.2) .
§ As an alternative, you can use the AT+CPWD command and s pecify a new
password for <fac>="PS". To do so, enter the Master Phone C ode for
<oldpwd> followed by <newpwd>, where <newpwd> may be the former dis-
abled "PS" password or a new one (see examples in Chapters 4.21.2 and
4.38).
Usually, the Master Phone Code will be supplied by mail or e-mail. If the rec eived
number is enclosed in the *# codes typically used for the AT D option, it is important to
crop the preceding *#0003* characters and the appended #.
Example: You may be given the string *#0003*12345678#. When prompted
for the PH-SIM PUK simply enter 12345678.
If incorr ectly input, the Master Phone Code is governed by a specific timing algorithm :
(n-1)*256 seconds (see table below). The timing should be consid ered by system in-
tegrators when designing an individual MMI.
Table 10: Timing algorithm of incorrect password input
Number of failed attempts Time to wait before next input is allowed
1st failed attempt No time to wait
2nd failed attempt 4 seconds
3rd failed attempt 3 * 256 seconds
4th failed attempt 4 * 256 seconds
5th failed attempt 5 * 256 seconds
6th failed attempt and so forth 6 * 256 seconds and so forth