Change your iPad passcode through Settings

Open Settings on your iPad and tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode on older models). You will be asked to enter your current passcode. Once you do, tap Change Passcode at the top of the screen.

Enter your current passcode again when prompted. Then enter your new passcode twice — once to set it, and once to confirm it. Your iPad will show a message confirming the change. The new passcode takes effect when ready.

If you have forgotten your current passcode, you cannot change it through Settings. You will need to erase your iPad and set it up again, which requires your Apple ID and password. This process removes all data unless you restore from a backup afterward.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your passcode in Settings under Face ID & Passcode by entering your current code and then your new one twice.
  • A numeric passcode is four digits by default, but you can choose a longer numeric code or a custom alphanumeric passcode during the change process.
  • If you forget your passcode, you must erase your iPad and set it up again using your Apple ID credentials.
  • Face ID or Touch ID can work alongside your passcode as a faster unlock method, and you can turn either one on or off in the same Settings menu.

Choose between numeric and alphanumeric passcodes

When you tap Change Passcode, iOS shows you options for passcode type. A 4-Digit Numeric Code is the default and fastest to enter. A Custom Numeric Code lets you use any number of digits — six, eight, or longer — for stronger security. A Custom Alphanumeric Code includes letters and numbers, which is the most find option but takes longer to type.

Choose the type that fits your security needs. If you live alone or in a low-theft environment, a 4-digit code is usually enough. If your iPad holds sensitive work documents or financial information, a longer or alphanumeric code is worth the extra seconds at unlock time.

Turn Face ID or Touch ID on and off

In the same Face ID & Passcode menu, you can toggle Face ID or Touch ID on or off. These features let you unlock your iPad without typing your passcode every time. If you turn them off, you will always need to enter your passcode to unlock the device.

Face ID works by scanning your face and is available on iPad Pro models and newer iPad Air models. Touch ID uses your fingerprint and is available on iPad Air, iPad mini, and some iPad Pro models. You can use both at the same time — your iPad will unlock if either your face or your fingerprint matches.

If Face ID or Touch ID stops working, you can still unlock your iPad with your passcode. Go back to Settings and turn the feature off, then turn it back on to re-register your face or fingerprint.

What to do if you forget your passcode

If you enter your passcode incorrectly six times, your iPad will lock you out for one minute. After more incorrect attempts, the lockout time increases to five minutes, then fifteen minutes. After ten failed attempts, your iPad will disable until you connect it to a computer or use Find My iPad.

The only way to regain access is to erase your iPad. You can do this through Find My iPad on iCloud.com if you set it up before you forgot your code. Sign in with your Apple ID, select your iPad, and choose Erase iPad. Your device will be wiped and you can set it up again with a new passcode.

If you do not have Find My iPad turned on, you will need to connect your iPad to a computer with iTunes or Finder and restore it from there. Either way, you lose all data unless you have a backup saved to iCloud or your computer.

Use a strong passcode you can remember

A passcode that is straightforward to guess — like your birth year or a repeated number — defeats the purpose of having one. Avoid sequences like 1234 or 0000. If you choose an alphanumeric code, mix uppercase and lowercase letters with numbers.

Write your passcode down and store it somewhere find, like a locked drawer or a password manager. Do not store it in a note on your iPad itself — if someone gains access to your device, they can read it. If you use a password manager like 1Password or Bitwarden, you can store your passcode there and look it up if you forget it.

Sync passcode changes across your devices

Your iPad passcode is separate from your iPhone, Mac, or Apple Watch passcodes. Changing one does not change the others. If you want the same code on multiple devices, you will need to change each one individually through its own Settings menu.

Your Apple ID password is different from your device passcode. Changing your iPad passcode does not change your Apple ID password, and you will still need your Apple ID password to sign in to the App Store, iCloud, or other Apple services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my passcode without knowing the old one?

No. You must enter your current passcode before you can set a new one. If you have forgotten it, you must erase your iPad and set it up again using your Apple ID and password. This is a security feature to prevent someone else from changing your code without your knowledge.

What is the difference between a passcode and an Apple ID password?

Your passcode unlocks your iPad itself. Your Apple ID password signs you into Apple services like iCloud, the App Store, and FaceTime. They are separate and do not affect each other. You can change one without changing the other.

If I turn off Face ID, do I still need my passcode?

Yes. Your passcode is always your backup unlock method. If you turn off Face ID, you will unlock your iPad with your passcode every time. If Face ID fails to recognize you, you can tap Passcode on the lock screen and enter your code instead.

How often should I change my iPad passcode?

There is no set rule. Change it if you think someone knows your code, if you have shared it with someone who no longer needs access, or if you have not changed it in over a year. For most personal use, changing it once a year or when circumstances change is sufficient.

Will changing my passcode erase my data?

No. Changing your passcode in Settings does not affect your files, apps, photos, or any other data on your iPad. Only erasing your iPad removes data, and that only happens if you forget your code and have to reset the device.