Open Settings and find the passcode menu

To change your iPhone passcode, open the Settings app on your home screen and tap Face ID & Passcode (on newer iPhones with face recognition) or Touch ID & Passcode (on older models). You will be asked to enter your current passcode before you can proceed — this is a security step to confirm you own the phone.

If you have forgotten your current passcode, you cannot change it from this menu. Instead, you will need to erase your iPhone and set it up again, which requires your Apple ID and password. That process is separate from a routine passcode change.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode, and enter your current passcode to begin.
  • Select "Change Passcode" and enter your old passcode, then type your new one twice to confirm it.
  • Your new passcode takes effect when ready and you will use it the next time you unlock your phone.
  • If you forget your new passcode before you write it down, you will have to erase your iPhone and restore it using your Apple ID.

Tap "Change Passcode" and enter your old code

Once you are in the Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode menu, look for the option labeled "Change Passcode" near the top of the screen. Tap it. Your phone will ask you to enter your current passcode one more time — type it in and tap the checkmark or "Done" button.

This second request is normal. Apple requires you to confirm your current passcode twice during the change process to prevent someone else from changing it if they briefly have access to your unlocked phone.

Create and confirm your new passcode

After you enter your old passcode, a field will appear asking you to enter your new passcode. Type the code you want to use going forward. iPhones allow passcodes of 4 digits, 6 digits, or a mix of numbers and letters — the default is 6 digits, but you can choose a different length when you set it up.

Once you type your new passcode, tap "Done" or the checkmark. The phone will then ask you to enter the new passcode again to confirm you typed it correctly. Type it a second time and tap "Done." If the two entries match, your passcode is changed when ready.

Your new passcode is active right away

The moment you confirm your new passcode, it replaces your old one. If your iPhone is currently unlocked, you can lock it by pressing the side button and power button together (or the top and bottom buttons on older models), and the next time you unlock it, you will use your new passcode.

Write down your new passcode somewhere safe before you leave the Settings app, or test it by locking and unlocking your phone while you are still in a safe place. If you forget it before you have a chance to memorize it, the only way to regain access is to erase your iPhone using your Apple ID credentials.

What to do if you forget your new passcode

If you change your passcode and then forget it before you have used it enough times to remember it, you cannot straightforward change it again — you need to know the current code to change it. Instead, you will have to erase your iPhone completely and restore it using your Apple ID and password.

To erase your phone, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. You will be asked for your Apple ID credentials. After the phone erases, you can set it up again and create a new passcode. This process takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on your internet speed and how much data is on your phone.

Choosing a passcode you will actually remember

A passcode that is too straightforward — like 000000 or 123456 — is easier to guess. A passcode that is too complicated is straightforward to forget. A practical middle ground is a 6-digit code that has meaning to you but would not be obvious to someone who knows your birthday or address. Some people use a pattern they can type without looking, which makes it faster to unlock your phone in daily use.

If you use Face ID or Touch ID on your iPhone, your passcode is a backup — you will only type it when your face or fingerprint is not recognized, when you restart your phone, or when you have not unlocked it in several days. That means you can afford a slightly longer or more complex code than you would if you typed it dozens of times a day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know my old passcode to change it?

Yes. The Settings app requires you to enter your current passcode before you can change it. If you have forgotten your current passcode, you cannot change it — you must erase your iPhone using your Apple ID instead.

Can I use letters and symbols in my passcode?

Yes. When you tap "Change Passcode," the phone will ask what type of passcode you want: 6-digit (numbers only), 4-digit (numbers only), or custom (numbers, letters, and symbols). You can choose custom to create a longer, more complex code.

What happens to Face ID or Touch ID when I change my passcode?

Nothing. Face ID and Touch ID remain active and unchanged. Your passcode is separate — it is only used when biometric unlock fails or when you restart your phone. Changing your passcode does not affect your fingerprint or face data.

How long does it take for my new passcode to work?

when ready. The moment you confirm your new passcode in Settings, it is active. The next time you unlock your phone, you will use the new code, not the old one.

Can I change my passcode from my computer?

No. You must change your passcode directly on your iPhone using the Settings app. There is no way to change it through iCloud, iTunes, or a computer.