Managing PIN codes

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 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.

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.

 Do the following to check your PIN:

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 check. The options are basic PIN (PIN1) or signature PIN (PIN2).
3. Enter the PIN in the Check PIN field and click Check. ​​​​​​​
   • If you enter the PIN correctly, the notification “PIN verification successful” is displayed.
   • If you enter the PIN incorrectly, the notification “PIN verification failed” is displayed. In addition, the number of remaining attempts is displayed. Please note that if you enter the PIN incorrectly too many times, it will be locked. In this case, you will need an activation PIN to open it.
   • If the PIN is locked, the notification “PIN is locked” will be displayed.

If the activation code is lost, contact the registration point to which you submitted your card application. A responsible person at the registration point will order a new activation code via the Vartti system. Bring with you your valid passport or ID card.

If you enter an invalid activation code times in a row, the chip becomes permanently locked. This means that the card’s electronic features cannot be used, i.e. the card cannot be used, for example, for e-services or encrypting files. In this case, you must order a completely new card.

If the activation code is lost, you can order a new one from a social welfare and health care registration point. In the case of a professional ID card, you can contact any public health service registration authority. In matters related to smart cards for non-regulated and non-clinical staff, contact the registration point of your own organisation or an authorised registration point. Bring with you your valid passport or ID card. A responsible person at the registration point will order a new activation code via the Vartti system.

If you enter an invalid activation code five times in a row, the chip will become permanently locked. This means that the card’s electronic features cannot be used, i.e. the card cannot be used, for example, for e-services or encrypting files. In this case, you must order a completely new card.