Managing PIN codes

Two personal PIN numbers are set on a certificate card during activation, i.e. when the card’s use is initiated. There are separate instructions for activation. This page contains instructions for cases where these personal PINs need to be changed or renewed for some reason. For example:

• If you have forgotten your current PIN
• If the PIN is locked, i.e. if you have entered an incorrect PIN five times in a row
• or if you want to change your PIN for some other reason.

You can select a PIN of your choice for yourself.

• The basic PIN (PIN1) can be 4-8 digits long.
• The length of the signature PIN (PIN2) depends on the type of card: The length of the PIN on ID cards and organisation cards is 6-8 digits, while the length of social welfare and health care smart cards is 4-8 digits.

For security reasons, we recommend that the same number sequence is not used for both PIN1 and PIN2.

If you have forgotten the PIN

If you have forgotten one or both of your personal PIN codes, you can create new ones yourself. To create a new PIN, you will need an activation code, card reader software, and a card reader. The activation code can be found in the activation code letter you have received. You can come up with the new PIN codes yourself. Think up the number in advance.

1. Insert the certificate card into the card reader and wait for the chip image on the taskbar to turn yellow. Click on the image of the chip to open the app window directly or right-click the icon and select "Show devices".
2. Click the Identification tab. Under Identification objects, select the PIN that you have forgotten, the one that needs to be replaced. The options are basic PIN (PIN1) or signature PIN (PIN2). It is important to select the correct PIN.
   • If the workstation has more than one card reader and card, they will all appear as a single list. For example:
     Card reader 1 basic PIN
     Card Reader 1 signature PIN
     Card reader 2 basic PIN
     Card reader 2 signature PIN.
3. To create a new PIN, go to "Unlock PIN":
   • Enter the activation code in the PUK/Activation code field.
   • Enter a new PIN of your own choice in exactly the same way in both New PIN fields.
   • Click the Unlock icon. The program will send a notification acknowledging that the PIN has been opened and changed
4. When you are finished, click Close to exit the program.

If your PIN code is locked

If you enter a PIN incorrectly five times in a row, the PIN will be locked. If your PIN becomes locked, you can create a new one. To create a new PIN, you will need an activation code, card reader software, and a card reader. The activation code has been sent to the address of your choice in a separate letter.

Think up a suitable PIN code in advance.

1. Insert the certificate card into the card reader and wait for the chip image on the taskbar to turn yellow. Click on the image of the chip to open the app window directly or right-click the icon and select "Show devices"..
2. Click the Identification tab. Under Identification objects, select the PIN that is locked, the one that needs to be replaced. The options are basic PIN (PIN1) or signature PIN (PIN2).
3. If you know which PIN locked, go to step 4. If you are unsure which PIN is locked, check as follows:
   • Under Identification objects, select the basic PIN. Enter your basic PIN (PIN1) in the Check PIN field and click Check. If the PIN is locked, the message “PIN is locked!" will be displayed”
   • You can also check your other PIN (PIN 2) in the same manner: Under Identification objects, select the signature PIN. Enter your signature PIN (PIN2) in the Check PIN field and click Check. If the PIN is locked, the message “PIN is locked!" will be displayed.
4. To create a new PIN, go to "Unlock PIN":
   • Enter the activation code in the PUK/Activation code field.
   • Enter a new PIN of your own choice in exactly the same way in both New PIN fields.
   • Click the Unlock icon. The program will send a notification acknowledging that the PIN has been opened and changed.
5. When you are finished, click Close to exit the program.

Changing a PIN code

The PINs on the certificate card can also be changed for some other reason. For example, a change is necessary if you suspect that your PIN has been revealed to another person. Only PINs for an activated card can be changed because a card that is not yet activated card does not have PINs.

To change the PIN, you will need the current PIN, a card reader and card reader software. You can come up with the new PIN codes yourself. Think up the numbers in advance.

1. Insert the certificate card into the card reader and wait for the chip image on the taskbar to turn yellow. Click on the image of the chip to open the app window directly or right-click the icon and select "Show devices".
2. Click the Identification tab. Under Identification objects, select the PIN you wish to change. The options are basic PIN or signature PIN.
3. You can change your PIN under Change PIN:
   • Enter your current PIN in the Current PIN field.
   • Enter a PIN of your own choice in exactly the same way in both New PIN fields.
4. Click "Change". You will be sent a notification on a successful PIN change.
5. When you are finished, click Close to exit the program.

Frequently asked questions