
Buzztime has moved away from our old PIN/Handle technology, and toward a new Username/Password model!
We know that change can be difficult so we've put together this page to help you understand why we made the change, and to help with some common problems and questions.
*If you would rather upgrade your account on the Playmaker, download a printable instruction sheet.
NOTE: If you registered with Buzztime AFTER July 8, 2009, or already have a Username associated with your account (that you use to log in to the website), you may disregard the information on this page as you already have an upgraded account! The information on this page only applies to our legacy players who have always operated with a PIN/Handle rather than Username/Password. New users will not be assigned a PIN. If you are a legacy player with a Username you will no longer require your PIN. Simply start logging in with the same Username/Password you use on Buzztime.com.
Username/Password FAQ
Q: I already have a Username/Password that I use to log into the website. Do I need to do anything else?
A: No. If you already have a Username/Password that you use to log into our website, then you are all set! All you have to do is make sure that you are using that Username/Password to log in to the Playmaker.
Q: Why did you change from PIN/Handle to Username/Password?
A: We have converted to a single Username and Password system, which allows you to log in with the same information no matter where you are! The PIN/Handle system was set up a long time ago when we didn't have quite so many locations or players. It was also set up before we had a web site... so once we introduced the web site we suddenly had two separate log ins, which was very confusing! It became apparent that not only were our new users confused by the fact that they logged in online with a Username/Password and on the Playmaker with a PIN/Handle, but that our old technology was not going to last us much longer. So we set out to completely adopt the Username/Password model which is commonly used across the Web today. We believe that once our users have upgraded their PIN/Handle accounts, to Username/Password accounts, logging in will be easier because there will only be one log in for all of our platforms (Playmaker, Online, Mobile). The new system is also more secure, and more robust in terms of storing information, like stats and scores.
Q: But I love my PIN and Handle. Is there any way to keep it?
A: Yes and no. Your Handle isn't really going away at all. We're just calling it something else. Your Handle is now your Display Name, and still shows up in all the same places your Handle always has. Display Name = Handle. Same thing! One way to make the transition easier is to set your Password so that it is the same as your 4-digit PIN. This way you won't need to remember a new Password when logging in!
Q: So then where will my Username be displayed?
A: The Username is how you log in everywhere, but it will only be displayed on our website. This is your unique identifier. That way if your friend is trying to message you or search for you on our website they just need to type in your Username! (Because chances are there are several people that share the same Display Name as you.) So don't set your Username as your real name if you don't want this information public!
Q: What's the difference between Display Name and Handle?
A: Nothing. Display Name = Handle. They are the same thing. Just a new name!
Q: I have an old PIN/Handle account. What do I need to do?
A: All you need to do is add a Username/Password to your existing account. It's kind of like an upgrade. Make sure that you are not completing a new registration as this will not be tied to any account that you have played on. Upgrade your traditional PIN/Handle to a Username/Password account by visiting Buzztime.com/register/siteselect.
- Select the location that your PIN/Handle account is associated with.
- Enter your current Handle and 4-digit PIN.
- Choose a Username and Password.
Remember that your Username must be unique, and your Password is case sensitive.
Don't want to stop using your PIN? Here's a tip! Just set your 4-digit PIN as your new Password.
Have more questions? We have more answers! Visit our FAQ!
Troubleshooting
Can’t log in on your Playmaker? Check out these simple tips:
- If you have a Username/Password choose “Member Log In” on the Playmaker option screen. You will then enter your unique Username and Password that you (a) registered with on the web site or (b) set up as a recent new member on the Playmaker. NOTE: Username is not case sensitive, but Password is. Hit the Shift or Caps key on your playmaker to change the case. This button is "sticky" and works like a caps lock does on a keyboard.
- If you do NOT have a Username/Password associated with your PIN/Handle account yet choose "Upgrade Old Account" and follow the prompts. If you need help simply download our printable instructions or upgrade online!
- If you are sure you are logging in with your Username and Password properly and you are still having problems it could be a connectivity issue. Make sure you look at the error message you are getting as this will tell you why you cannot connect!

