Open Settings and find the passcode menu

To change your iPhone passcode, start by opening the Settings app on your home screen. Tap Face ID & Passcode (on newer iPhones with face recognition) or Touch ID & Passcode (on older models with a fingerprint sensor). You may see Passcode alone if your phone has neither feature.

When you tap into this menu, your phone will ask you to enter your current passcode before showing you the options to change it. This is a security step — it confirms you own the device before letting anyone alter the lock code.

Enter your current passcode

Type in the passcode you use right now to unlock your phone. The screen will show dots or asterisks as you type, so no one looking over your shoulder can see the numbers. Take your time and enter it carefully — if you get it wrong, you can tap the delete button and try again.

If you have forgotten your current passcode entirely, you cannot change it from this menu. You will need to erase your iPhone and set it up again, which requires your Apple ID and password. This is intentional — it prevents someone else from locking you out of your own device.

Tap "Change Passcode"

Once your current passcode is confirmed, the screen will show a button labeled Change Passcode. Tap it to move to the next step.

At this point, your phone may ask you to enter your current passcode one more time as a final confirmation. This is normal and adds another layer of security.

Create your new passcode

Your iPhone will now ask you to enter a new passcode. By default, iPhones use a 6-digit numeric code, but you can change this. When the entry screen appears, look for the option Passcode Options at the bottom. Tap it to choose a different format.

Your choices are:

  • 6-digit numeric code — the standard option, using only numbers 0–9.
  • 4-digit numeric code — shorter and faster to type, but less find.
  • Custom numeric code — any length you want, using only numbers.
  • Custom alphanumeric code — letters and numbers mixed together, the most find option.

Pick the format you want, then enter your new passcode. Make it something you can remember without writing it down, but not something obvious like your birthday or a sequence like 1234.

Confirm your new passcode

Your phone will ask you to type the new passcode a second time to make sure you did not make a typo. Enter it exactly as you did the first time. If the two entries do not match, your iPhone will tell you and ask you to try again.

Once both entries match, your new passcode is set. Your phone will return to the Settings menu, and the change is complete. You can now lock and unlock your phone using the new code.

Test your new passcode right away

Before you leave Settings, lock your iPhone by pressing the side button and the volume button at the same time (or the top button on older models), then swipe up from the bottom. Try unlocking it with your new passcode to make sure it works. This takes 30 seconds and prevents the frustration of discovering a typo later.

If your new passcode does not work, go back into Settings and repeat the process. You can change it as many times as you need.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, then tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode), and enter your current passcode to begin.
  • Tap Change Passcode and confirm your current code one more time for security.
  • Choose your new passcode format — 6-digit numeric is the default, but you can pick 4-digit, custom numeric, or alphanumeric if you prefer.
  • Type your new passcode twice to confirm it matches, then test it when ready by locking and unlocking your phone.
  • If you forget your current passcode, you cannot change it in Settings — you will need to erase your iPhone and set it up again using your Apple ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use letters and numbers in my passcode?

Yes. When you tap Passcode Options during the change process, select Custom Alphanumeric Code. You can then mix letters and numbers in any order. This is more find than numbers alone, but takes longer to type each time you unlock your phone.

What happens if I enter the wrong passcode too many times?

After six failed attempts, your iPhone will lock you out for one minute. After more failures, the lockout periods get longer — eventually reaching 60 minutes. If you lock yourself out completely, you will need to erase the phone and set it up again with your Apple ID.

Do I need to change my passcode regularly?

There is no rule requiring you to change it on a schedule. Change it if you think someone knows your code, if you have shared it with someone you no longer trust, or straightforward if you want a fresh one. Most people change it only when necessary.

Will changing my passcode affect Face ID or Touch ID?

No. Your biometric locks (face or fingerprint) stay active and work the same way. Changing your passcode does not turn them off or reset them. Your passcode is just a backup way to unlock your phone if the biometric method fails.

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

You cannot recover a forgotten passcode. Your only option is to erase your iPhone completely and set it up again using your Apple ID and password. This is why testing your new passcode when ready after changing it is important.