When using Genea with Mercury-based access controllers, administrators can assign PIN codes to users to support keypad-based authentication. Genea allows users to either select their own PIN or have one automatically generated by the system. Each user may be assigned only a single PIN code.
If two-factor authentication (2FA) is enabled at the property, the user’s PIN will work in combination with any access card assigned to that user, ensuring a consistent authentication experience across all credentials.
Understand PIN Code Types
Genea supports two types of PIN configurations: Unique PINs and Shared PINs.
Unique PINs require that every user have a distinct code, which is recommended for environments where higher security is required.
Shared PINs allow the same PIN to be assigned to multiple users and are typically used in scenarios where individual identification via PIN is not required. Shared PINs should only be used with doors configured for Card AND PIN authentication.
Using Shared PINs with doors set to Card OR PIN or PIN Only modes can result in unreliable behavior and is not recommended. For consistent and supported operation, always confirm door modes when Shared PINs are enabled.
Before assigning PINs to users, administrators must first configure whether the property will enforce Unique PINs or allow Shared PINs. This setting applies property-wide and determines how PINs are validated during user setup.
Configure PIN Settings
1. Log in to the Genea Admin Portal and navigate to Global Overview > Settings
2. Locate the PIN Policy section and click Edit. Update the setting to either Allow Shared PINs or Require Unique PINs for users, then click Save to apply the changes.
Once the PIN configuration is set, PINs can be assigned to individual users directly from their user profiles. Administrators may either manually enter a PIN or allow Genea to generate one automatically.
Assign a PIN to a User
3. To assign a PIN code to a user, first navigate to the profile of the user you wish to issue a PIN. Under the user’s PIN section, click the + New button.
4. Choose the desired PIN length, which can be between four and eight digits. The system will then automatically generate a random PIN for the user. Alternatively, you can enter a custom PIN if you want the user to select their own code.
Understanding Event Logs for Shared PINs
The portal displays validation warnings when shared PINs are assigned to door modes that may produce unreliable behavior, though the assignment can still proceed.
If a shared PIN is used on doors configured in PIN Only or Card OR PIN modes, the event logs will record the actor as System. In these cases, the additional event details will list all users sharing that PIN, because the system cannot determine which specific user actually entered it. These logging behaviors occur only when PIN Only or Card OR PIN door modes are used.
To view events for shared PIN usage on the Alarm Console, you must first enable the relevant event types in Alarm Management Settings. Once enabled, shared PIN access attempts will be recorded and visible in the console.
If you would like to learn more about utilizing PIN codes at your office or community, please send inquiries to acsupport@getgenea.com.