Systems and methods are described for recovering a personal identification number. A method, includes: comprising recovering from a lost personal identification number situation and restoring programmability to a device, including: generating a SEED PIN using the device calculating a KEY PIN using an algorithm within a code of the device and storing the KEY PIN in the device, without displaying the KEY PIN, wherein the KEY PIN is a function at-least-in-part of both the SEED PIN and an identifier associated with the device; sending the SEED PIN and the identifier associated with the device to an authenticating source; recalculating the KEY PIN at the authenticating source using the algorithm within the code and the SEED PIN and the other identifying information; receiving the KEY PIN from the authenticating source; and entering the KEY PIN into the device to temporarily assign hierarchical access to a user.