You will need to obtain a PIN Unlock Key (PUK) in order to unlock the SIM card on your AT&T cell phone. To get this, you need to firstly turn your phone on by pressing and holding the 'power/end' button for around two to three seconds. When your phone has booted up, an 'enter PIN' message should appear on your phone screen. You should attempt to unlock the SIM by first entering AT&T's default PIN which is 1111. If that doesn't work then try the last four digits of your cell phone number. If your phone will still not allow you access then just enter any PIN and the phone will register that you have had three failed attempts. The screen will then display 'enter PUK'.
In order to receive this number you should call AT&T on 800-331-0500 and request the PUK code for your phone from the customer service representative on the phone. Remember to have your account password at hand because they will ask you for that along with your cell phone number. However, if your phone is registered online you could log in to your account and click on 'unblock SIM card' and it will give you the correct PUK code. The code will be an eight digit number which you should then enter into your phone using the keypad and press 'ok'. You will then be asked to enter a new PIN which can be between four and eight digits. You will then be requested to re-enter the PIN and then press 'ok'. The SIM card should now be unlocked.
In order to receive this number you should call AT&T on 800-331-0500 and request the PUK code for your phone from the customer service representative on the phone. Remember to have your account password at hand because they will ask you for that along with your cell phone number. However, if your phone is registered online you could log in to your account and click on 'unblock SIM card' and it will give you the correct PUK code. The code will be an eight digit number which you should then enter into your phone using the keypad and press 'ok'. You will then be asked to enter a new PIN which can be between four and eight digits. You will then be requested to re-enter the PIN and then press 'ok'. The SIM card should now be unlocked.