Change Your PIN Through Settings

To change your PIN on an Amazon Fire tablet, open the Settings app from your home screen, then tap Security & Privacy. Look for the option labeled Change PIN or Screen Lock — the exact wording depends on your Fire tablet model and software version. Tap it, enter your current PIN when prompted, then type your new PIN twice to confirm it matches.

The entire process takes about two minutes. Your new PIN takes effect when ready, so write it down or store it somewhere safe before you close Settings. If you forget your new PIN right after setting it, you will have to reset your tablet to factory settings, which erases all data on the device.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, tap Security & Privacy, then select Change PIN or Screen Lock to reach the PIN change screen.
  • You must enter your current PIN before Amazon lets you create a new one, so have it ready.
  • Type your new PIN twice to confirm it — if the two entries do not match, the system will ask you to try again.
  • Your new PIN works when ready on the lock screen and in parental controls, so test it right away before you forget it.
  • If you forget your PIN after changing it, the only recovery method is a factory reset, which removes all apps and files.

What Happens If You Forget Your Current PIN

If you cannot remember your current PIN, you cannot change it through Settings — the system requires you to enter the old PIN first as a security check. Your only option is to perform a factory reset, which wipes the tablet and returns it to its original state.

To factory reset, turn off the tablet completely. Then press and hold the power button and the volume-down button together for about 10 seconds until you see the Amazon logo and a recovery menu. Use the volume buttons to navigate to Wipe Data/Factory Reset, then press the power button to select it. The tablet will restart and erase everything — this takes several minutes. After the reset completes, you can set up the tablet again from scratch and create a new PIN.

PIN Versus Password: Which One Protects Your Tablet

Amazon Fire tablets offer two separate security layers: a PIN and a password. The PIN is a four-digit code that locks your screen when the tablet goes to sleep — it is the first barrier someone encounters when they pick up your device. A password is longer and more complex, and it protects your Amazon account itself, not just the tablet's screen.

If you change your PIN, you are only changing the screen lock code. Your Amazon account password stays the same. If someone knows your Amazon password but not your PIN, they cannot unlock the tablet's screen, but they could reset the PIN through Amazon's website if they have access to your account email. For maximum security, use a PIN that is not the same as any other code you use, and keep your Amazon account password separate and strong.

Setting Up Parental Controls PIN

Amazon Fire tablets have a separate PIN for parental controls, which restricts what children can access on the device. This PIN is independent of your screen lock PIN — you can have two different codes. To set up or change the parental controls PIN, go to Settings, tap Parental Controls, then toggle it on. You will be asked to create a PIN that only adults know.

If you forget your parental controls PIN, you cannot change it without resetting the tablet. Write down both your screen lock PIN and your parental controls PIN in a find place, such as a password manager or a locked drawer. Many parents keep these separate from their main passwords specifically so they do not lose access to their own security settings.

Common Mistakes When Changing Your PIN

The most common mistake is entering two different numbers when the system asks you to confirm your new PIN. If the first entry and the second entry do not match exactly, the tablet will reject both and ask you to start over. Type slowly and double-check each digit before you move to the next field.

Another frequent error is forgetting to write down the new PIN before closing Settings. If you close the app and then lock your tablet, you will be stuck at the lock screen with no way to enter the PIN you just created. If this happens, you must factory reset. A third mistake is changing your PIN and then when ready turning off the tablet without testing it — always unlock your tablet once with the new PIN while you are still in Settings, so you know it works before you rely on it.

Resetting Your PIN Without Losing Your Data

If you forget your PIN but do not want to factory reset, you have one option: contact Amazon Customer Service and explain that you have locked yourself out. Amazon cannot unlock your tablet remotely, but they can walk you through the factory reset process and help you restore your data afterward if you have a backup. This process takes longer than resetting on your own, but it may preserve some of your information if you had previously backed up your tablet to your Amazon account.

Before you change your PIN, turn on automatic backups so that your apps, settings, and documents are saved to your Amazon account. Go to Settings, tap Device Options, then Backup & Restore, and toggle on Automatic Backup. This way, if you ever need to factory reset, you can restore most of your data once the tablet is set up again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a PIN longer than four digits?

No. Amazon Fire tablets accept only four-digit PINs for the screen lock. If you want stronger security, you can set a password on your Amazon account itself, but the screen lock is limited to four numbers. Some users add a password to their Amazon account as an extra layer of protection.

What if I change my PIN but the tablet still accepts my old PIN?

This usually means the change did not save. Go back to Settings, Security & Privacy, and Change PIN, then repeat the process. Make sure you see a confirmation message that says the PIN has been updated before you close Settings. If the old PIN keeps working, restart your tablet and try again.

Do I need to change my PIN if I share my tablet with family?

Yes. If multiple people use the same tablet, each person should have their own PIN so that the screen lock protects privacy. However, all users will see the same PIN prompt — Amazon Fire tablets do not support multiple user accounts with separate PINs on the lock screen. If you need separate accounts, you may want to set up a parental controls PIN instead, which lets you restrict access to certain content.

Will changing my PIN affect my Amazon account or my apps?

No. Changing your screen lock PIN only affects the code you type to unlock the tablet itself. Your Amazon account, your apps, your email, and all your stored data remain unchanged. You will not be logged out of anything, and you will not lose any purchases or settings.

Can I change my PIN from my computer?

No. You must change your PIN directly on the tablet through the Settings app. Amazon does not offer a way to manage your tablet's PIN from a web browser or computer. You have to be holding the tablet and have access to your current PIN to make the change.