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Carrier ATT requires a Pin?

caligurl

caligurl

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Jun 8, 2009
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So I called AT&T to ask a question about my installment and they wanted me to set up a pin. They sent a code, but I said I didn't want to put a code, cuz I had read that it makes preordering a nightmare.

I'll be ordering on APPLE and I have AT&T.... should I call back and get a pin? Or leave the account as is with no pin?

("funny" that I just talked to them a couple weeks ago and they looked at my account with no pin)
 
caligurl said:
So I called AT&T to ask a question about my installment and they wanted me to set up a pin. They sent a code, but I said I didn't want to put a code, cuz I had read that it makes preordering a nightmare.

I'll be ordering on APPLE and I have AT&T.... should I call back and get a pin? Or leave the account as is with no pin?

("funny" that I just talked to them a couple weeks ago and they looked at my account with no pin)
Click to expand...

You can set your pin on att.com
 
I don’t think you need your account pin, just the one they text you to verify your phone. I could be wrong, though.
 
Att sends you a Pin number that you have to type in. Its a one time code. If I use my iPad it ask for it when i try to order a new phone. If I use the Apple Store app on my iPhone to order, it bypasses the code part, makeing things much faster. I called Att and it cannot be removed.
 
The pin is seriously just an extra headache, especially with regards to preordering through Apple Store app when every second already counts. I understand why they do it, but it’s not necessarily beneficial either. Just my opinion.

I had one, but disabled it last year.
 
CaptMarvel said:
The pin is seriously just an extra headache, especially with regards to preordering through Apple Store app when every second already counts. I understand why they do it, but it’s not necessarily beneficial either. Just my opinion.

I had one, but disabled it last year.
Click to expand...

Right!!!!!!??????

I just didn't know if I should just let them add an account pin (so I should call them back) or if I should just do the send one time pin?

also.... I can't remember... do I use my SSN on my phone and hubby's on his? or his on both phones since our ATT account is in his name?
 
caligurl said:
Right!!!!!!??????

I just didn't know if I should just let them add an account pin (so I should call them back) or if I should just do the send one time pin?

also.... I can't remember... do I use my SSN on my phone and hubby's on his? or his on both phones since our ATT account is in his name?
Click to expand...
His last 4 if the account is under his name.
The pin is only 1 per account.
 
caligurl said:
Right!!!!!!??????

I just didn't know if I should just let them add an account pin (so I should call them back) or if I should just do the send one time pin?

also.... I can't remember... do I use my SSN on my phone and hubby's on his? or his on both phones since our ATT account is in his name?
Click to expand...

With preorders in less than 10 hours, I wouldn’t risk adding a pin. Not worth the headache and risk. Just add it afterwards.
 
You don't want a "PIN", you want a security passcode added on AT&T. This is actually faster then waiting for the 6 digit one-time text that you get during the ordering process when you do the Carrier check.

If you have a passcode set on AT&T. You just enter it instead of waiting for the SMS Txt that can be delayed do to the Volume requests that are also waiting on the Apple SMS Gateway.

Link: https://www.att.com/esupport/article.html#!/wireless/KM1051397

Dave
 
dave006 said:
You don't want a "PIN", you want a security passcode added on AT&T. This is actually faster then waiting for the 6 digit one-time text that you get during the ordering process when you do the Carrier check.

If you have a passcode set on AT&T. You just enter it instead of waiting for the SMS Txt that can be delayed do to the Volume requests that are also waiting on the Apple SMS Gateway.

Link: https://www.att.com/esupport/article.html#!/wireless/KM1051397

Dave
Click to expand...

I don't have one set (per the steps in your link) but did a test run earlier and it did require a 6 digit PIN via text message. i want that off.

*edit

i just added a 4 digit PIN on my att account and did another test run to purchase the iPhone 8. it still requested for a 6 digit pass code apple texted me.
 
yanki01 said:
see my edited post. i did and still received the prompt for the 6 digit pass code that was texted to me.
Click to expand...

I think that you need to setup a permanent account PIN / passcode with AT&T. When I do a dummy order for a Verizon iPhone 8 it prompts me for a PIN (which I setup a long time ago.) I don’t need to wait for a text message since the PIN is already setup with Verizon.
 
yanki01 said:
I don't have one set (per the steps in your link) but did a test run earlier and it did require a 6 digit PIN via text message. i want that off.

*edit

i just added a 4 digit PIN on my att account and did another test run to purchase the iPhone 8. it still requested for a 6 digit pass code apple texted me.
Click to expand...
What are you using to order? Apple.com, iOS app?
 
A pin is helpful as a security feature. Anyone with the right information can just call in and make changes to your account but if they don't know the pin they can't get access.
 
webbuzz said:
Ahh... A PIN isn't required when using the iOS app on an iPhone.
Click to expand...

yeah just did a test run on the app and didn't ask me. may be the way to go then. no way in heck i want to wait to receive a PIN to move forward with the purchase.
 
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dave006 said:
You don't want a "PIN", you want a security passcode added on AT&T. This is actually faster then waiting for the 6 digit one-time text that you get during the ordering process when you do the Carrier check.

If you have a passcode set on AT&T. You just enter it instead of waiting for the SMS Txt that can be delayed do to the Volume requests that are also waiting on the Apple SMS Gateway.

Link: https://www.att.com/esupport/article.html#!/wireless/KM1051397

Dave
Click to expand...

100% correct. You have to enter a code either way (maybe not on the iPhone you’re actually upgrading) so I want to type in a quick 4 digit number, rather than waiting for a text that might never come due to the high volume. I do this every time and it works great.

nyfliiboy said:
A pin is helpful as a security feature. Anyone with the right information can just call in and make changes to your account but if they don't know the pin they can't get access.
Click to expand...

Agreed!! I was going through a divorce about 10 years ago and my ex was able to wreak all kinds of havoc on my account posing as “me” until I set a passcode.
 
Good call guys! I had a passcode but was getting text notifications. Turned that off and now I can just enter my 4 digit code. Woot! Tested and working on Apple.com.
 
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