The World’s Most Popular PIN Numbers – Is Your PIN On The List?

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TL;DR:

• The most popular PIN numbers are 1234, 0000, 2580, 1111, 5555, 5683, 0852, 2222, 1212, and 1998. These account for a significant percentage of 4-digit PINs used.
• Common patterns people use for PINs include sequential numbers (1234, 5678), repeated numbers (1111, 2222), and patterns related to the layout of numbers on a phone keypad (2580, 0852).

How easily guessable are your 4-digit PIN numbers? Even though important info, from our ATM cards and alarm systems to our smartphones, are protected by 4-digital PIN numbers, many of us use easily predictable passcodes.

Here’s a list of the most popular four-digit password PINs. If you see your PIN number on this list, then you should probably change it right away.

The Most Common 4-Digit PINs

Taking a look at data from 3.4 million hacked PIN codes, it’s alarming to see that a mere handful of PINs account for a staggering 27% of those used by users worldwide. The top offenders? The sequential “1234,” closely followed by the alarmingly simplistic “0000” and the vertical descending “2580.” Rounding out the most common password PINs are variations like repeated digits (“1111,” “5555”) and keypad patterns such as “5683” and “0852.”

The most common 4-digit PIN numbers:

• 1234
• 1111
• 0000
• 1212
• 7777
• 1004
• 2000
• 4444
• 2222
• 6969
• 9999
• 3333
• 5555
• 6666
• 1122
• 1313
• 8888
• 4321
• 2001
• 1010

Why Do We Use Stupid PIN Codes?

Why do we use these easily guessable PIN number combinations? Laziness. Sequential and repeating patterns are easy to remember, while keypad layouts provide a false sense of security through their familiarity. However, this very convenience is precisely what cybercriminals exploit, making our devices and accounts vulnerable to brute-force attacks and other hacker tactics. If the PIN for your iPhone is 1111, how long do you think it will take a thief to figure it out?

Risky Consequences: Account Compromises and Identity Theft

The risks of using one of the most popular PIN numbers extend far beyond the mere inconvenience of a compromised device. Just one breached account could pave the way for identity theft, financial loss, and a host of other nightmarish scenarios. Imagine the havoc that could ensue if a cybercriminal gained access to your email, ATM card, banking information, or social media profiles – all thanks to a predictable four-digit code.

Upping Your Security Game With Better Password PINs

Security experts advocate for the use of random, non-sequential PINs that have no connection to your personal information like birthdays or addresses. Easily guessable PINs put users at risk of having their devices or accounts compromised, especially if the PIN is something publicly accessible, like a birthday.

iPhones warn users if they select a commonly used PIN from a blacklist of 274 combinations, but still allow users to use these PINs.

To set or change the passcode on an iPhone:

1. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode (on iPhone with Face ID) or Touch ID & Passcode (on earlier iPhone models).
2. Tap Turn Passcode On and enter a six-digit passcode. 4-digital PINs are less secure.

Why Simple PIN Passcodes are a Cybersecurity Nightmare

Let’s face it, technology has become woven into every aspect of our lives – from how we work and play to how we bank and date. With that integration comes a serious need to lock things down security-wise. The sobering truth is that way too many of us are using one of the most popular PIN numbers on this list and leaving our digital lives exposed.

But here’s the good news: by taking a hard look at these stupid passcodes and committing to stronger, truly random PINs, we can better protect ourselves.

It’s time to embrace randomness and unpredictability as your new security mantra. Kiss those lame sequential or keypad patterns goodbye. The path to a more secure digital future starts with the simple act of selecting a PIN that isn’t as stupid as 1234, 1111, or 6969.

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