How to Get Safaricom's Number PUK for Another Number

When a SIM card gets blocked because youve tried putting in the wrong PIN one too many times, you need a Personal Unblocking Key (PUK). If you've got a friend or family member stuck, or you're not near your own phone, you can get a PUK for someone elses number by using yours.

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to get a PUK for another phone number for the major networks in Kenya.

1. Safaricom: How To Get A PUK For Someones Else's Number

Safaricom has a few options that let you help out a friend or unlock your own secondary line

Method A: The Most Popular USSD Code Trick

1. Grab a working Safaricom line & dial *100#  (or 456#) . Hopefully you can get the SIM going again using that.

2. Pick Option 8: Get PUK from the menu.

3. Then you need to enter the phone number of the SIM thats locked.

4. The system will ask for the National ID Number of the person that originally signed up for the SIM so you need to know that number.

5. If the details all check out, the PUK code should pop up on your screen and you'll get a text with it.

Method B: Get A PUK via the MySafaricom App

1. Open up the MySafaricom App on a working phone that you can use.

2. Tapping on the "Account" button at the bottom should bring up the menu on the righthand side.

3. Find "PUK Query" and tap on that.

4. Now enter in the phone number and the ID Number of the locked SIM owner.

5. You should see the PUK right there in front of you.

2. Airtel: Getting A PUK for Someone Elses Number

Airtel has a pretty straightforward USSD menu to get a PUK.

Method A: Dialling The USSD Code *100#

1. Grab an Airtel line and dial *100#.

2. Find your way to Option 10: Self-Help.

3. Select Option 2: PUK from there.

4. Enter the phone number that needs unlocking.

5. Next you need to enter either the Date of Birth (must be in the right format, eg DDMMYYYY) or the ID Number that was used when registering for the SIM.

6. The PUK code should get sent to you via text.

3. Telkom: Getting A PUK (Limited Options)

If you need to get a PUK via USSD on Telkom then you've got limited options.

• Call Customer Care: Dial 100 if you've got another Telkom line or 020 2221000 from any other network. You'll need to give them the mobile number, full name, and ID number of the owner as part of the verification process.

• Reach Out On Social Media: You can try messaging Telkom Kenya on X (Twitter) or Facebook. They typically ask you to DM them the mobile number and ID number of the locked SIM.

Important Things To Keep In Mind When Unlocking Your SIM

• Keep Track Of Your Attempts: You get 10 chances to try and enter the PUK before the SIM is permanently blocked and you need to get a new SIM & have it replaced.

• Take A Look At The SIM Card Packaging: If you still have the box that came with the new SIM then you may be able to find the PUK printed on the back.

• New PIN Time: Once you get the PUK right, the phone will ask you to set a brand new 4-digit PIN. Pick a number that you can remember easily but try to avoid some obvious ones like 1234.

Warning: Never guess a PUK. It is a unique 8-digit code assigned to that specific SIM card. Random guessing will lead to a permanent "SIM Card Rejected" error.