Question 1

Are these PINs truly random?

Accepted Answer

Yes — every digit is generated using the Web Crypto API's crypto.getRandomValues(), a cryptographically secure pseudo-random number generator (CSPRNG). Unlike Math.random(), which is a deterministic algorithm seeded from system time and unsuitable for security use, crypto.getRandomValues() draws entropy directly from the operating system. This means even with complete knowledge of your browser environment, an attacker cannot predict the next digit. The same API underlies TLS key generation and secure token creation in modern browsers.

Question 2

What is the difference between a 4-digit and a 6-digit PIN?

Accepted Answer

A 4-digit PIN has exactly 10,000 possible combinations; a 6-digit PIN has 1,000,000 — a 100× larger search space. Each additional digit multiplies the brute-force effort by ten. Without rate limiting, a 4-digit PIN can be exhausted in seconds by a simple script, while a 6-digit PIN takes minutes, and an 8-digit PIN pushes into hours. Most systems add lockout policies after failed attempts, but choosing a longer PIN provides an independent layer of defense if those policies are bypassed.

Question 3

Is my PIN sent to your servers?

Accepted Answer

No — all generation happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript. When you click Generate, the page runs crypto.getRandomValues() locally, constructs the PIN string, and renders it on screen. No network request is triggered by this action. You can verify this yourself by opening your browser's developer tools, switching to the Network tab, and watching for outgoing requests while generating — you will see none related to PIN creation.

Question 4

Can I use a 12-digit PIN as a password?

Accepted Answer

A 12-digit numeric PIN provides approximately 39.9 bits of entropy (log₂ of 10¹²), which is adequate for a physical device lock or voicemail but significantly weaker than a comparable alphanumeric password. A random 12-character password drawn from a 72-character set offers about 74 bits — nearly double. For any text-based login where letters and symbols are allowed, use our Password Generator to produce mixed-character credentials with far greater resistance to offline brute-force and dictionary attacks.

Question 5

What does the 'Group digits' option do?

Accepted Answer

Grouping splits the PIN into visually distinct chunks using a chunk size that scales with PIN length: 2-digit chunks for 4-digit PINs, 3-digit chunks for 6- and 8-digit PINs, and 4-digit chunks for 12-digit PINs. The spaces are purely cosmetic — when you copy or download a grouped PIN, you receive the formatted version including spaces. If your system requires a contiguous digit string with no spaces, turn grouping off before copying. The underlying PIN value never changes regardless of the display setting.

Question 6

How many PINs can I generate at once?

Accepted Answer

You can generate between 1 and 20 PINs in a single batch. Use the +/− buttons or type a number directly into the count field to set the amount. Once generated, click Copy All to copy the entire list to your clipboard (one PIN per line), or click Download to save them as a plain-text file. Batch generation is particularly useful for provisioning multiple devices, creating test data sets, or distributing temporary access codes to a group of users simultaneously.

Question 7

When should I use a PIN instead of a password?

Accepted Answer

Use a PIN when the system only accepts numeric input — physical combination locks, phone voicemails, ATM and debit cards, SIM card PINs, and certain 2FA backup codes all require digits only. For any text-based login where letters and symbols are allowed, a full alphanumeric password always provides stronger protection because it draws from a much larger character set. A random 8-character password already outperforms a 12-digit PIN in entropy. When in doubt, always use the longest credential format the system will accept.

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