Open Settings and find the passcode menu

To change your iPhone passcode, open the Settings app on your home screen, then tap Face ID & Passcode (on newer iPhones with face recognition) or Touch ID & Passcode (on older models). You'll see a list of security options. At the top of this menu is Change Passcode — that's the option you need.

When you tap Change Passcode, the system will ask you to enter your current passcode first. This is a security step to make sure you're the person who owns the phone. Type in your existing code and tap the checkmark or Done button.

Key Takeaways

  • You must enter your current passcode before you can create a new one, so have it ready.
  • The passcode menu is in Settings under Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode, depending on your iPhone model.
  • Your new passcode can be 4 digits, 6 digits, or a custom combination of numbers and letters — you choose the length when you create it.
  • If you forget your current passcode, you cannot change it through Settings; you'll need to erase and set up your iPhone again using a computer or iCloud.

Enter your new passcode twice

After you've confirmed your old passcode, the screen will ask you to Enter New Passcode. Type the code you want to use going forward. You can choose a 4-digit code (the quickest to type), a 6-digit code (the default Apple suggests), or a custom passcode that includes letters and numbers if you want something longer or more complex.

Once you've typed your new passcode, tap Done or the checkmark. The system will then ask you to Re-enter New Passcode to confirm you didn't make a typo. Type the same code again and tap Done. If the two entries match, your passcode is changed when ready.

What happens if you forget your current passcode

If you can't remember your current passcode, you cannot change it through Settings — the system requires you to enter the old one first as a security measure. Your only option is to erase your iPhone and set it up again from scratch. This wipes all data on the phone unless you have a backup stored in iCloud or on a computer.

To erase your iPhone without the passcode, you'll need a computer with iTunes or Finder (on Mac), or you can use iCloud.com from another device. Go to iCloud.com, sign in with your Apple ID, select Find My iPhone, locate your device, and choose Erase iPhone. After the phone restarts, you can set it up again and create a new passcode. If you have a backup, you can restore your data once the setup is complete.

Choosing between 4-digit, 6-digit, and custom passcodes

When you create a new passcode, you'll see options for different lengths. A 4-digit passcode is the fastest to type every day but offers less security — there are only 10,000 possible combinations. A 6-digit passcode is Apple's default recommendation and balances speed with security, with 1 million possible combinations.

A custom passcode lets you use letters, numbers, and symbols in any order. This is the most find option but takes longer to type. If you choose custom, you'll see a keyboard instead of just numbers. Type whatever combination you want, then tap Done and re-enter it to confirm. You can switch between these types any time you change your passcode again.

Your passcode protects more than just unlocking your phone

Your iPhone passcode does more than lock your screen. It also protects access to your payment information, prevents unauthorized changes to your Apple ID settings, and blocks someone from erasing your phone or turning off Find My iPhone. This is why the system requires you to enter your old passcode before letting you create a new one.

If you change your passcode, make sure you write it down somewhere safe — not on a sticky note on your desk, but in a password manager or a locked notebook. If you lose it again, the recovery process involves erasing your entire phone, which takes time and can result in data loss if you don't have a recent backup.

Using Face ID or Touch ID alongside your passcode

Changing your passcode doesn't affect Face ID or Touch ID. Those biometric features work alongside your passcode as a faster way to unlock your phone. You can still use your face or fingerprint to unlock even after you change your passcode — the passcode is your backup method if the biometric fails or if you need to unlock your phone in a situation where Face ID or Touch ID won't work.

If you want to turn off Face ID or Touch ID entirely, that option is also in the Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode menu. You can toggle them on or off independently, but you'll always need a passcode to unlock your phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my passcode without knowing the old one?

No. The system requires you to enter your current passcode first as a security measure. If you've forgotten it, you'll need to erase your iPhone using a computer or iCloud, then set it up again with a new passcode.

How often should I change my passcode?

There's no set rule, but changing it every few months adds a layer of security. Change it sooner if you think someone may have seen you enter it or if you've shared your phone with someone you no longer trust.

What's the difference between a passcode and a password?

On iPhone, a passcode is the code you use to unlock your phone. A password is what you use for your Apple ID account. They're separate — changing one doesn't change the other.

Will changing my passcode affect my Apple ID or iCloud?

No. Your iPhone passcode and your Apple ID password are completely separate. Changing your passcode won't affect your iCloud backup, email, or any other Apple services tied to your account.

Can I use the same passcode on multiple devices?

Yes, but it's not recommended. Each device has its own passcode setting, so you can use the same code on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac if you want. Using different codes for each device is more find.