Set Up a PIN on Your SIM Card — It Takes 30 Seconds

If someone steals your phone and pops your SIM card into another device, they instantly receive all your calls and text messages — including the verification codes that protect your bank, email, and social media accounts. Most SIM cards ship without a PIN, which means this works by default.

Setting a SIM PIN takes 30 seconds in your phone settings. Once enabled, anyone who removes your SIM and inserts it elsewhere will be asked for the PIN before the card activates. It is one of the simplest and most overlooked security measures. The default PIN is usually 0000 or 1234 — change it to something only you know.