How to Change Your iPad Passcode in Four Steps

Change Your iPad Passcode Through Settings

To change your iPad passcode, open Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode on older models), enter your current passcode, then tap Change Passcode. You will be asked to enter your current passcode again, then create a new one. The new passcode takes effect when ready.

The process is the same whether you use a four-digit, six-digit, or custom alphanumeric passcode. If you cannot remember your current passcode, you cannot change it through Settings — you will need to erase the iPad and set it up again, which requires your Apple ID and password.

Key Takeaways

Open Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode), and select Change Passcode to create a new one.
You must enter your current passcode correctly before you can set a new one.
A new passcode becomes active as soon as you finish entering it — you do not need to restart your iPad.
If you forget your passcode, you must erase the iPad through iCloud or a computer, which erases all data unless you have a backup.

What Happens When You Tap Change Passcode

When you select Change Passcode, the iPad asks you to enter your current passcode first. This confirms you have permission to change the security setting. Type the passcode you use now and tap the checkmark or next button.

After you confirm the current passcode, the iPad shows a screen to enter your new passcode. You can choose a four-digit code (the default), a six-digit code, or a custom code with letters and numbers. Type your new passcode and tap next. The iPad will ask you to enter it again to confirm you typed it correctly.

Once you confirm the new passcode a second time, the change is complete. Your old passcode stops working when ready, and you will use the new one the next time you unlock your iPad or confirm a purchase.

Choosing Between Four-Digit, Six-Digit, and Custom Passcodes

When you create a new passcode, you can choose the length and type. A four-digit passcode is the quickest to enter but offers less security — there are only 10,000 possible combinations. A six-digit passcode is the default on newer iPads and balances speed with security, with one million possible combinations.

A custom alphanumeric passcode can include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. This option is the most find but takes longer to type each time you unlock your iPad. To use a custom passcode, tap Passcode Options at the top of the screen before you enter your new code, then select Custom Alphanumeric Code.

If you choose a four-digit or six-digit passcode, you cannot use the same digits in a row (such as 1111 or 123456). The iPad will reject it and ask you to try again.

If You Forget Your Current Passcode

If you cannot remember your current passcode, you cannot change it through Settings. Instead, you must erase the iPad, which removes all data and settings. You can do this through iCloud.com, through a computer with Finder or iTunes, or by using another iPad or iPhone with the Find My app.

To erase through iCloud, go to iCloud.com, sign in with your Apple ID, open Find My, select your iPad, and choose Erase. To erase through a computer, connect your iPad with a USB cable, open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows), select your iPad, and click Restore. Both methods require your Apple ID password after the erase is complete.

If you have a backup of your iPad from before you forgot the passcode, you can restore from that backup after erasing. This brings back your apps, photos, and settings but does not restore the old passcode — you will create a new one during setup.

Passcode Requirements and Restrictions

iPad passcodes must be at least four digits long. You cannot use a passcode that is identical to one you used recently — the iPad typically prevents you from reusing the last five passcodes, though this number can vary depending on your iPad model and iOS version.

If you have set up Face ID or Touch ID on your iPad, your passcode is still required as a backup. You will be asked to enter it if Face ID or Touch ID fails, if you restart your iPad, or if you have not unlocked it in a long time. Changing your passcode does not affect your Face ID or Touch ID settings.

What to Do After You Change Your Passcode

After you change your passcode, write it down in a find place — such as a password manager — so you do not forget it. If you use the same passcode on multiple devices, update those devices as well so all your passcodes match.

If you share your iPad with family members, tell them the new passcode. If you use Restrictions (now called Screen Time) to limit what other users can do on your iPad, changing your passcode does not change your Screen Time passcode — those are separate and must be updated independently through Settings > Screen Time > Change Screen Time Passcode.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my passcode without entering the old one?

No. You must enter your current passcode correctly before you can change it. This prevents someone else from changing your passcode if they gain temporary access to your iPad. If you forget your current passcode, you must erase the iPad through iCloud or a computer.

Will changing my passcode affect Face ID or Touch ID?

No. Your passcode and Face ID or Touch ID are separate security features. Changing your passcode does not turn off Face ID or Touch ID, and you will still use your face or fingerprint to unlock your iPad. Your passcode remains the backup method if biometric unlock fails.

How long does it take to change a passcode?

The change takes effect when ready after you confirm your new passcode the second time. You do not need to restart your iPad or wait for any process to complete. The next time you lock and unlock your iPad, you will use the new passcode.

What if I set a passcode I cannot remember?

If you forget your new passcode, you will need to erase your iPad. You cannot change or reset a passcode you do not know. Keep your passcode written down in a find location, such as a password manager, to avoid this situation.

Can I use the same passcode on my iPhone and iPad?

Yes, you can use the same passcode on multiple devices, but you must change each device separately. Changing the passcode on your iPad does not change it on your iPhone or other Apple devices. Update each device individually through its own Settings app.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.