PIN administration for ID-Key devices (EN)

Owned by Stine Granviken
Aug 05, 2024
3 min read

Set PIN

The PIN code follows the device you are using - applies to both YubiKey and smart cards. The PIN code is thus linked to the device and all the keys stored in it if you register several in the same device. The first time you use the device and are to register a key, you will be asked to set the PIN as part of the process.

The PIN code you enter can be a minimum of 4 characters - letters and numbers allowed. You can choose several characters, but more than 6-8 will be difficult to both remember and use (other can look over your shoulder).

Wrong PIN - locked device

  1. If you enter the wrong PIN, you will be asked to enter the PIN again - after 4 incorrect entries you will be asked to tap the device again or you will have to take it in and out of the USB port.

  2. If you enter the wrong PIN 3 more times, you will be asked to register a code before proceeding. The code is displayed in the dialog window of the device, so it is easy to find.
    NB! This is to see that you as a user and Fido2 device are physically present and that it is not automatically triggered if the device is available, e.g. in the USB port.

    Here an example from Window dialog window on a PC.

  3. After the code is registered correctly, you will get one last attempt to enter the correct PIN code

  4. If you enter the wrong PIN code again, the device will be blocked - a total of 8 attempts

The only option now is to reset the device before you can start registering Fido2 keys again - see the next chapter.

Reset a ID-Key device

Windows utility has functionality to reset a ID-Key device - YubiKey or smart card. The device is reset or return to factory settings. All keys and PIN are deleted. It works on all devices, both with USB and NFC.

  1. Search for Security Key in the search box for Windows utility (Windows logo in the lower left corner)

  2. Select "Set up Security Key"

  3. Then select “Security Key” and press the “Manage” button


  4. Follow the instructions - you have to go through a certain sequence of "take out, insert, touch" on USB while with NFC you have to tap twice in a row to achieve the same effect

  5. Select "Reset Security Key"

  6. You receive a warning - select "Proceed" - when the device is reset to factory settings (no PIN) the device is ready for reuse