Unlock or unblock your mobile broadband device

Here's what to do if your mobile broadband device is locked or blocked.

To unlock a mobile broadband device

If your mobile broadband device has a PIN, the device will be automatically locked when you turn off your PC, enter hibernation, or remove the device from your PC. The next time you start your PC, resume from hibernation, or insert the device, the status will appear as Device locked. Follow these steps to unlock it:

  1. Tap or click to view available networks.

  2. Tap or click the name of the mobile broadband connection, and then tap or click Connect.

  3. Enter the PIN, and then tap or click OK.

To unblock a mobile broadband device

When a mobile broadband device is blocked, you can't unlock it with the PIN. The status of the device will appear as Blocked. To unblock the device, you must enter a PIN unblock key (often called a PUK) that you get from your mobile broadband provider. You'll also need to create a new PIN during the unblocking process. Follow these steps to unblock your device:

  1. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, tap Settings, and then tap Change PC settings.
    (If you're using a mouse, point to the lower-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer up, click Settings, and then click Change PC settings.)

  2. Tap or click Network, and then tap or click the name of your mobile broadband network.

  3. Tap or click Unblock PIN.

  4. Enter the PIN unblock key (PUK), enter and verify a new PIN, and then tap or click Finish.