When manufactured, each BlackBerry device is assigned a unique personal identification number (PIN). This allows identification of each BlackBerry and ensures that mail destined for a particular individual is delivered correctly.

During a synchronization the redirector associates a PIN with an email account, and thereafter makes certain that the mail in that email account is sent to the device with that PIN.

With a BlackBerry, the PIN differs from the Electronic Serial Number (ESN) in that the ESN is tracked by the BlackBerry reseller, whereas the PIN is tracked by the BlackBerry wireless network provider. Some resellers may also track the PIN, but network providers do not track the ESN.

In an enterprise redirector environment, like the BlackBerry Enterprise Server Redirector (BES) service at Indiana University, the PIN is stored centrally on the BES server. A PIN can be viewed by BES administrators and Support Center personnel with access to the Exchange Account Management tools.

BlackBerry devices support direct PIN to PIN emailing. If you know the PIN of your recipient's BlackBerry, then you can compose an email message using the PIN instead of the email address. This is also useful for troubleshooting, as a PIN to PIN message bypasses the email system entirely. As a result, when you cannot receive email normally but can receive PIN to PIN email, it means that there is no problem with the device itself, the RIM (Research in Motion) network, or the wireless provider's network.

Note: PIN to PIN messages are not encrypted and therefore not recommended for sending sensitive data. For instructions on sending a PIN to PIN message, see the Knowledge Base document With a BlackBerry, how do I send a PIN to PIN message?

You can find your BlackBerry's PIN on the device itself, or on the BlackBerry Desktop Manager:

To find your BlackBerry's PIN on the device

For the 7100 model, select Settings,then Options,and then select Status.

For all other models, follow these steps:

• Select Options.

• Select Status.

• You will then see an 8-digit alphanumeric ID labeled "PIN:".

To find your BlackBerry's PIN on the Desktop Manager

• Launch the Desktop Manager.

• Double-click Redirector Settings.

• You will see the PIN at the top of the General tab.