PIN Code Generator
Secure random PINs that avoid common patterns like 1234 and 0000.
Most Common PINs to Avoid
Analysis of millions of leaked PINs (DataGenetics, 2012-2024) reveals shocking patterns. The top 20 PINs account for 26.83% of all PINs in use:
| Rank | PIN | Frequency | Why It's Common |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1234 | 10.7% | Sequential pattern |
| 2 | 1111 | 6.0% | Repeated digit |
| 3 | 0000 | 1.9% | Repeated digit |
| 4 | 1212 | 1.2% | Alternating pattern |
| 5 | 7777 | 0.7% | Lucky number repetition |
Our generator's "Avoid Common PINs" toggle checks against a database of the 100 most commonly used PINs and regenerates if a match is found.
When PINs Are Appropriate vs. Passwords
PINs are only secure when the system enforces attempt limits. An ATM locks your card after 3 wrong attempts, making a 4-digit PIN (10,000 combinations) practically secure. But if an attacker can try all combinations offline, a 4-digit PIN falls in under a millisecond.
Rule of thumb: if the system locks you out after failed attempts, a 6-digit PIN is fine. If there's no lockout, use a full password with 12+ characters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 4-digit PIN secure?
A 4-digit PIN has only 10,000 possible combinations — trivially crackable offline. However, PINs are typically protected by lockout mechanisms (3-10 attempts before lock). This makes them acceptable for ATMs, phone unlock, and physical access where brute force is rate-limited. For digital accounts without lockout, use a password instead.
What are the most common PINs to avoid?
The top 10 most common PINs (from DataGenetics research on leaked databases) are: 1234, 1111, 0000, 1212, 7777, 1004, 2000, 4444, 2222, 6969. Our "Avoid Common PINs" toggle automatically rejects these patterns.
Should I use a 6-digit or 8-digit PIN?
When available, always choose the longest PIN option. A 6-digit PIN has 1 million combinations (100x more than 4-digit). An 8-digit PIN has 100 million. For phone unlock screens that support it, 6+ digits is recommended.
Is it safe to use a birthday as a PIN?
No. Birth dates are the most commonly guessed PINs — attackers try MMDD, DDMM, and YYYY formats from social media data. Years (1990-2005) appear disproportionately in leaked PIN databases. Always use a random PIN.
When should I use a PIN vs. a password?
Use PINs only where the system enforces attempt limits (ATMs, phone lock screens, physical keypads). For online accounts, email, or anything without lockout protection, use a full password or passphrase.