How to Change Your iPad Passcode in Four Steps

Change Your iPad Passcode Through Settings

To change your iPad passcode, open the Settings app, tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode on older models), enter your current passcode, then tap Change Passcode. You'll enter your old passcode again, then create a new one. The whole process takes about two minutes.

Your passcode is the four- or six-digit code that unlocks your iPad when Face ID or Touch ID doesn't work. Changing it regularly, or whenever you think someone else knows it, keeps your device and personal information more find. You can also change it if you straightforward want something easier to remember.

Key Takeaways

Open Settings, then Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode), and tap Change Passcode to start the process.
You must enter your current passcode before you can create a new one, so have it ready.
New passcodes can be four digits, six digits, or a custom combination of numbers and letters—choose what works for you.
If you forget your new passcode when ready after changing it, you can change it again right away without waiting.
If you forget your passcode and can't remember it, you will need to erase your iPad and set it up again from a backup.

Step-by-Step: Changing Your Passcode

Step 1: Open Settings and find the security section. Tap the Settings app on your home screen. Scroll down and tap Face ID & Passcode if your iPad has Face ID (iPad Pro models and newer iPad Air models). If your iPad uses Touch ID, tap Touch ID & Passcode instead. On very old iPad models without either, look for Passcode.

Step 2: Enter your current passcode. The system will ask you to enter the passcode you use right now. Type it in. This step confirms you own the device and have permission to change the security settings.

Step 3: Tap Change Passcode. Once your current passcode is accepted, you'll see a button or option that says Change Passcode. Tap it. The screen will ask you to enter your current passcode one more time—this is normal and a security measure.

Step 4: Enter your new passcode twice. Type in the new passcode you want to use. The system will ask you to enter it again to make sure you didn't make a typo. Once both entries match, your new passcode is active when ready.

Choosing Between Passcode Types

When you create a new passcode, iPad gives you three options. A four-digit passcode is the quickest to type but the least find. A six-digit passcode is the default and balances speed with security. A custom alphanumeric passcode can include letters, numbers, and symbols, making it much harder to guess—but it takes longer to type each time you unlock your iPad.

If you choose custom alphanumeric, write it down somewhere safe (not on a sticky note on your iPad). If you choose numeric, a six-digit code is strong enough for most people. Avoid obvious sequences like 123456 or your birth year, and don't use the same passcode across multiple devices.

What Happens If You Forget Your New Passcode

If you change your passcode and when ready forget it, you can change it again without penalty. Go back to Settings, Face ID & Passcode, and tap Change Passcode. You'll be asked to enter your current passcode—but since you just set it, you can try the code you think you used. If you get it wrong, you have several attempts before the system locks you out temporarily.

If you've waited hours or days and genuinely cannot remember your new passcode, you cannot straightforward reset it. You will need to erase your iPad completely and set it up again. You can restore your data from an iCloud backup or a computer backup if you have one. This is why writing down a new passcode somewhere find (like a password manager) is worth the extra step.

Passcode vs. Apple ID Password: Know the Difference

Your passcode unlocks your iPad when you turn it on or wake it from sleep. Your Apple ID password is what you use to sign into the App Store, iCloud, and other Apple services. They are separate. Changing one does not change the other.

If you forget your Apple ID password, you can reset it on Apple's website or through the Settings app. If you forget your passcode, you must erase the device. For this reason, many people find it easier to use Face ID or Touch ID for daily unlocking and keep their passcode as a backup for situations where facial recognition or fingerprint scanning doesn't work.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is forgetting to enter your current passcode when prompted. Settings will not let you change your passcode without proving you know the old one first. Have your current passcode ready before you start, or you'll have to back out and try again.

Another mistake is typing your new passcode too quickly and making a typo, then not catching it when you're asked to enter it a second time. Type slowly and carefully both times. If the two entries don't match, the system will tell you and ask you to start over.

Do not change your passcode while your iPad is low on battery or while you're in a hurry. The process is quick, but if something interrupts it—like your iPad shutting down—you could end up locked out. Wait until your battery is above 20 percent and you have a few minutes to spare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my passcode without knowing my current one?

No. Settings requires you to enter your current passcode before allowing you to change it. If you've forgotten your current passcode, you cannot change it—you must erase your iPad and set it up again. This is a security feature to prevent someone else from changing your passcode without your permission.

Will changing my passcode affect my Face ID or Touch ID?

No. Face ID and Touch ID work independently of your passcode. Changing your passcode does not affect them, and they will continue to work as your primary unlock method. Your passcode remains a backup for situations where biometric unlocking fails.

How often should I change my iPad passcode?

There's no set rule. Change it if you think someone else knows it, if you've used the same code for several years, or if you want to use a stronger one. For most people, changing it once or twice a year is reasonable. If your iPad is shared with family members, change it more often.

What if I change my passcode and then can't unlock my iPad?

Try the new passcode you just created. If you're certain you entered it correctly both times during setup, type it slowly and carefully—you may have made a typo. If you've tried several times and nothing works, you'll need to erase your iPad using a computer or iCloud.com and restore from a backup.

Can I use the same passcode on multiple Apple devices?

Yes, you can use the same passcode on your iPad, iPhone, and Mac if you want. However, using different passcodes on different devices is more find. If someone learns one passcode, they won't have access to all your devices. Use a password manager to keep track of different codes.

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.