Author
LoansJagat Team
Read Time
5 Min
11 Jun 2025
Tina, a college student, saw her 58-year-old mother, Mrs Sharma, fumbling with her SBI ATM card.
"Beta, my ATM PIN isn’t working! I tried 5634, but the machine says it's wrong!"
Tina realised her mother had forgotten her PIN and wanted to reset it. But how?
Problem | Details | Solution Needed |
Forgotten SBI ATM PIN | Last used 6 months ago | Reset PIN securely |
No internet banking | Never set up online access | Offline/ATM-based method |
Prefers simple steps | Not tech-savvy | Easy, guided process |
Tina decided to look into the official SBI procedures for resetting the PIN without visiting the office.
Mrs. Sharma's situation exemplifies a common issue: many people forget their PIN and panic. Here's why resetting is important:
Risk of Not Resetting | Why It’s Dangerous? | How Tina Ensured Safety? |
Multiple wrong attempts may lock the card | Reset before 3 failed attempts | |
Fraud Risk | Someone can guess the old PIN. | Create a new, strong PIN. |
Access Issues | In an emergency, you cannot withdraw cash. | Quick reset with ATM/SMS |
Tina realised her mother could reset her SBI ATM PIN by SMS rather than visiting an ATM or branch. This method is perfect for the elderly or those who want a quick, contactless answer.
Before continuing, Tina confirmed that her mother matched the following eligibility requirements:
Requirement | Mrs. Sharma’s Status | Action Taken |
The mobile number linked to the SBI account | Yes (registered 5 years ago) | Confirmed via passbook |
ATM card details are available | Yes (card handy) | Kept the card ready |
SMS banking activated | No (never activated) | Needed activation first |
Mrs Sharma had not previously set up SMS banking, therefore Tina had to do it first.
Mrs Sharma's case is not unique. Millions of people forget their ATM PINs each year. Resetting enables safe access to one's money and prevents card blocks.
Risk of Not Resetting | Why It’s Dangerous? | How did Tina help? |
Card Blocking | 3 wrong attempts block the card | Ensured the correct reset method |
Fraud Risk | Old PIN could be guessed or misused | Created a new, strong PIN |
Access Issues | Unable to withdraw funds in emergencies | Reset PIN in 10 minutes |
Tina went through the SMS-based PIN reset method and checked her mother’s eligibility:
Requirement | Mrs Sharma’s Status | Action Taken |
The mobile number linked to an account | Yes | Verified in the passbook |
ATM card in hand | Yes | Ready with details |
SMS Banking activated | No | Activated via the branch |
Once SMS banking was enabled, Tina followed this process:
-
From the registered mobile number, send an SMS in this format:
PIN: Last four digits of the ATM card. The last four numbers of the account
Example: PIN 1234 5678.
- Send to 567676.
- An OTP (valid for two days) is delivered to the mobile.
- Visit any SBI ATM, select 'PIN Change', enter the OTP, and set the new PIN.
Time taken: less than 10 minutes.
Ideal for: Elderly or non-tech users.
Tina's mother was more comfortable using an ATM. So they visited the neighbouring SBI branch.
Time taken: 5–7 minutes
Cost: ₹0
Mrs Sharma did not have internet banking, so Tina decided to find out for herself. She attempted it on her own account and discovered that the process was easy to understand.
Note: SBI Internet Banking customers do not need to visit a bank or ATM in order to reset their PINs.
Duration: 4–6 minutes
Level of Security: High
Tina later looked into using the smartphone app for herself.
Duration: 3 to 5 minutes
Requirements: Internet, app, and smartphone
Tina finally found that even phoning the SBI helpline is effective!
Ideal For: Individuals who favour voice-based instructions
Time Needed: between 5 and 10 minutes
Issue | Possible Cause | Quick Fix |
OTP Not Received | If your mobile number is not linked | Update at a branch, or you can also update via net banking |
Card Blocked | Too many wrong attempts | Call customer care to unblock |
SMS Fails to Send | Invalid format or DND active | Format: PIN 1234 5678 & disable DND via 1909 |
ATM Not Accepting OTP | Expired OTP or wrong input | Generate a new OTP and try again |
Mrs Sharma was able to reset her PIN without going to the branch or depending on others because of Tina's quick thinking and SBI's variety of possibilities.
Now that she knows she can change her PIN at any moment via the YONO App, SMS, or ATM, she uses her card with confidence.
Don't freak out if you or a loved one forgets your SBI ATM PIN. Stay safe, manage your money, and choose the
approach that works best for you.
Is here a fee to reset my SBI ATM PIN?
No, all SBI ATM PIN reset options, including SMS, ATM, Internet Banking, YONO App, and customer service, are free of charge.
What happens if I do not receive the OTP on my phone during the reset process?
Ensure that the phone number is linked to your SBI account. If not, visit your branch and edit it. Additionally, check your network signal and disable DND by texting START 0 to 1909.
Can I reset my ATM PIN if I do not have Internet Banking?
Yes, you can reset your PIN using SMS, an ATM, or by calling customer service. Internet Banking is not required.
About the Author
LoansJagat Team
We are a team of writers, editors, and proofreaders with 15+ years of experience in the finance field. We are your personal finance gurus! But, we will explain everything in simplified language. Our aim is to make personal and business finance easier for you. While we help you upgrade your financial knowledge, why don't you read some of our blogs?
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