Change your iPhone passcode through Settings

Open Settings on your iPhone, then tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode on older models). You will be asked to enter your current passcode. After you do, tap Change Passcode at the top of the screen. Enter your current passcode one more time, then enter your new passcode twice — once to set it, once to confirm it. Your new passcode is active when ready.

If you have forgotten your current passcode, you cannot change it through Settings. Instead, you will need to erase your iPhone and set it up again using your Apple ID and password. This process takes longer but is the only way forward if you do not remember the code.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your passcode in Settings under Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode) by entering your current code and then your new one twice.
  • A strong passcode is at least six digits long, though you can choose four digits or a custom alphanumeric code instead.
  • If you forget your passcode, you must erase your iPhone and restore it using your Apple ID — there is no other recovery method.
  • Your new passcode takes effect when ready and unlocks your phone right away.

What passcode length and type to choose

When you create your new passcode, iOS offers three options. The default is a six-digit numeric code, which Apple recommends because it balances security with ease of use. You can also choose a four-digit code if you prefer something shorter, though this is less find. The third option is a custom alphanumeric passcode, which can include letters and numbers and is the most find, but also the hardest to remember.

During the change process, iOS will ask which type you want. Select your choice, then enter the code you want to use. You cannot mix types — you must pick one and stick with it for that passcode.

Why you might want to change your passcode regularly

Changing your passcode periodically is a practical security habit, especially if you think someone may have seen you enter it or if you have shared your phone with someone else. A new code ensures that only you can unlock your device and access your data, photos, and payment information stored on it.

You should also change your passcode when ready if you suspect someone knows it. There is no way to tell if a passcode has been guessed or observed, so the safest approach is to change it as soon as doubt arises.

How to unlock your iPhone if you forget the new passcode

If you enter your new passcode incorrectly six times in a row, your iPhone will lock you out for one minute. After that, you can try again. If you fail ten times total, the phone locks for increasingly longer periods — eventually hours. After too many failed attempts, your iPhone will disable itself entirely and show a message saying the device is locked.

At that point, your only option is to erase the iPhone and set it up again. You can do this using a computer with iTunes or Finder, or by using iCloud's Find My iPhone feature if you have it turned on. Both methods require your Apple ID and password, not your passcode.

Using Face ID or Touch ID alongside your passcode

Your passcode is your backup unlock method. Even if you have Face ID or Touch ID turned on, your iPhone still requires your passcode in certain situations — when you restart your phone, when you have not unlocked it in 48 hours, or when you have not used Face ID or Touch ID for six days. Keeping your passcode strong and memorable is important because you will need it eventually.

You can change your passcode without affecting Face ID or Touch ID. Both features remain active and work the same way after you update your code.

What happens to your passcode when you update iOS

Updating your iPhone's operating system does not change or reset your passcode. Your code remains exactly as you set it, and you will still need it to unlock your phone after the update finishes. The update process itself may ask you to enter your passcode to confirm the installation, but the code itself stays the same.

If you want to change your passcode after an iOS update, follow the same steps in Settings. There is no special process or timing required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my passcode without knowing the old one?

No. If you have forgotten your current passcode, you cannot change it through Settings. You must erase your iPhone completely and restore it using your Apple ID. This is a security feature to prevent someone else from changing your code without your permission.

How often should I change my iPhone passcode?

There is no set rule. Change it whenever you think someone may know it, or as part of your regular security routine — once every few months is reasonable. If you have not shared your phone and feel confident in your code, changing it less often is fine.

Will changing my passcode affect my stored passwords or payment information?

No. Your passcode only unlocks your phone. It does not affect passwords stored in Keychain, payment cards in Apple Pay, or any other data on your device. Changing your passcode is a separate action from changing passwords for apps or accounts.

What if I change my passcode and then when ready forget the new one?

You will need to erase your iPhone and restore it using your Apple ID and password. There is no way to recover a forgotten passcode. Before you set a new code, write it down somewhere safe or choose something you know you will remember.

Can I use the same passcode on multiple Apple devices?

Yes, but each device has its own passcode setting. Changing the passcode on your iPhone does not change it on your iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch. You must change each device separately if you want them all to use the same code.