What you're changing and where to find it

An iPad has two separate codes you might need to change: your passcode (the 4- or 6-digit code that unlocks your device) and your Screen Time code (a separate code that controls app and content restrictions). Most people mean passcode when they say "change the code on my iPad." Both live in the Settings app, but the steps are different for each one.

If you've forgotten your passcode entirely, you'll need to erase the iPad and set it up again—there's no way to recover a forgotten passcode without erasing. If you remember it, changing it takes about two minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Your passcode and Screen Time code are separate; changing one does not affect the other.
  • To change your passcode, open Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode), enter your current code, then tap Change Passcode.
  • To change your Screen Time code, go to Settings > Screen Time > Change Screen Time Passcode and enter your current code first.
  • If you forget your passcode, you must erase the iPad through Settings or a computer—there is no recovery method that keeps your data.
  • Write down your new code somewhere safe, separate from your iPad, so you don't lock yourself out.

How to change your passcode in Settings

Open the Settings app on your iPad. Scroll down and tap Face ID & Passcode (if your iPad has Face ID) or Touch ID & Passcode (if it has a home button). You'll be asked to enter your current passcode to proceed—this is a security step to make sure you're the owner.

Once you're in, scroll down and tap Change Passcode. Enter your current passcode again. Then enter your new passcode twice—once to set it, and once to confirm it. The iPad will show you dots as you type, not the actual numbers. When you tap Done, your new passcode is active when ready.

If you want to change from a 4-digit code to a 6-digit code (or vice versa), the same screen lets you choose the length. Tap Passcode Options before you enter your new code to pick Custom Numeric Code (any length), 6-Digit Numeric Code, or 4-Digit Numeric Code.

How to change your Screen Time code separately

Screen Time is the feature that lets you set limits on apps and content. If you've set a Screen Time code (different from your passcode), you change it in a different place. Open Settings and tap Screen Time. Then tap Change Screen Time Passcode.

You'll be asked to enter your current Screen Time code. Then enter your new code twice to confirm it. The code can be numeric or alphanumeric (letters and numbers), depending on what you chose when you first set it up. If you don't see this option, you haven't set a Screen Time code yet—you can create one by tapping Screen Time > Use Screen Time Passcode.

What to do if you've forgotten your passcode

If you can't remember your passcode, you cannot change it—you have to erase the iPad. This is intentional: it prevents someone else from erasing your data if they steal your device. You have two ways to erase it: through Settings (if you can still access the iPad) or through a computer.

Erasing through Settings: Open Settings, tap General, scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset, then tap Erase All Content and Settings. You'll be asked to confirm and to enter your Apple ID password. The iPad will erase and restart, and you can set it up fresh with a new passcode.

Erasing through a computer: Connect your iPad to a Mac or Windows PC with a USB cable. Open Finder (Mac) or File Explorer (Windows) and select your iPad. Click Restore to erase it and reinstall iPadOS. You'll need your Apple ID password to reactivate the iPad after erasing.

Choosing a passcode you won't forget

A passcode that's straightforward to remember but hard to guess is the goal. Avoid birthdays, sequential numbers (1234), or repeating numbers (1111). A mix of numbers that means something to you—like a house number and a year—is stronger than a random sequence you'll write down and lose.

Whatever code you choose, write it down and store it somewhere safe and separate from your iPad: a notebook in a drawer, a password manager, or a trusted person's contact information. If you forget it and have no backup, erasing is your only option.

Why your iPad asks for your code so often

Your iPad asks for your passcode when you first turn it on, after it's been off for a while, or when you try to change certain settings. This is normal security behavior. If your iPad is asking for a code constantly even when you just used it, you may have accidentally turned on a security feature or your battery is very low.

If you see a message saying your iPad is disabled or locked, and you don't remember setting that up, you may have accidentally triggered the security lockout by entering the wrong code too many times. Wait 15 minutes and try again, or erase the device if you can't remember the code.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my passcode without knowing the old one?

No. To change your passcode, you must enter the current one first. If you've forgotten it, you have to erase the iPad through Settings or a computer. There is no way around this—it's a security feature to protect your data.

Is my Screen Time code the same as my passcode?

No, they are separate. You can have a passcode without a Screen Time code, or both, or neither. Changing one does not change the other. If you've set both, you'll need to remember both codes.

What happens to my apps and files when I erase my iPad?

Everything is deleted: apps, photos, documents, and settings. If you have an iCloud backup, you can restore from it after erasing and setting up the iPad again. Without a backup, the data is gone. Always back up before erasing if you can.

Can I use letters in my passcode?

Your main passcode must be numeric (numbers only). Your Screen Time code can be alphanumeric (letters and numbers) if you chose that option when you set it up. Check your Passcode Options in Settings to see what type you're using.

How long should my new passcode be?

Apple recommends 6 digits for security, but 4 digits is allowed. Longer codes are harder to guess. You can change the length anytime by going to Face ID & Passcode, tapping Passcode Options, and choosing a different length.