AdSense PIN — what it is and how to handle the wait

When your AdSense earnings reach a certain threshold (typically $10), Google mails a physical letter with a 6-digit PIN to your address on file. You must enter this PIN into AdSense to verify your address before payments can be sent.

This is a one-time process and an old-fashioned security measure. It can be frustrating for international creators or those who move addresses.

When the PIN is sent

• Triggered when unpaid earnings cross $10
• Sent via standard postal mail (no tracking)
• Delivery time: 2–4 weeks for most countries; 4–8 weeks for some
• Mailed from a Google facility in Mountain View, California

How to enter the PIN

1. Open the letter — it's a small, plain envelope from Google
2. Find the 6-digit number printed in a box
3. Go to AdSense → Account → Verifications
4. Enter the PIN; verification is instant if correct

What if the PIN doesn't arrive

After 4 weeks for U.S./Canada, 8 weeks internationally:

1. Verify your address in AdSense is current and accurate
2. AdSense → Account → Settings → Address — make sure unit numbers, postal codes are exact
3. Request a PIN re-send (option appears after the wait window)

You can request up to 3 PIN re-sends. After the 3rd, AdSense requires alternative ID verification.

Alternative ID verification

If PINs can't reach you:

• Upload a government-issued photo ID
• The address on the ID must match your AdSense address
• Review takes 2–7 days

This bypasses the PIN entirely.

Common reasons PINs don't arrive

• Address is incomplete (missing unit number, wrong postal code)
• Mail forwarding from a previous address that no longer forwards
• High-density apartment buildings where mail gets lost
• Country with unreliable postal service
• Spam-filter behavior by your mail carrier ("looks like junk")

What to do during the wait

• You can continue earning. Earnings accumulate.
• You cannot withdraw until PIN or alternative verification completes.
• Your channel keeps showing ads normally during the wait.

After verification

Once your address is verified:

• Payment is released next cycle (assuming threshold met)
• No further PIN steps for the lifetime of the account
• If you move, you can update the address with no new PIN required (the verification carries over)

Frequent error

Entering the PIN with a typo locks you out for 24 hours. Be sure to enter exactly what's on the letter, including any leading zeros.