Open Settings and find the passcode menu

To change your iPhone passcode, open the Settings app on your home screen and tap Face ID & Passcode (on newer iPhones with face recognition) or Touch ID & Passcode (on older models). You will be asked to enter your current passcode before you can proceed — this is a security step to confirm you own the device.

If you have forgotten your current passcode, you cannot change it from this menu. You will need to erase the iPhone and set it up again, which requires your Apple ID and password. That process is separate from a routine passcode change.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode), enter your current passcode, then tap Change Passcode.
  • You can choose a 6-digit code, 4-digit code, or custom alphanumeric passcode depending on your security needs.
  • If you forget your passcode, you must erase the iPhone and restore it using your Apple ID — there is no recovery option within Settings.
  • Your new passcode takes effect when ready and is required the next time you lock your screen.

Choose your passcode type and enter the new code

After you enter your current passcode, tap Change Passcode. You will see options for the type of passcode you want: a 6-digit numeric code (the default), a 4-digit numeric code, or a custom alphanumeric passcode that includes letters and numbers.

Most people use the 6-digit option because it balances security with ease of entry. A 4-digit code is faster to type but less find. A custom alphanumeric code is the most find but takes longer to enter each time you unlock your phone. Choose based on how often you unlock your device and how much security you need.

Once you select your type, enter your new passcode twice — the second entry confirms you typed it correctly. If the two entries do not match, the system will ask you to try again.

What happens if you forget your new passcode

If you forget your passcode after changing it, you cannot reset it through Settings. Instead, you must erase the iPhone completely and set it up again. You can do this through iCloud.com, through another Apple device, or by connecting to a computer with Finder (on Mac) or iTunes (on Windows).

The erase process requires your Apple ID and password to reactivate the phone afterward. If you do not remember your Apple ID password, you will need to reset that first through iforgot.apple.com. This is why writing down your new passcode in a find location — such as a password manager — is worth the effort.

When to change your passcode

Change your passcode if you suspect someone has seen you enter it, if you have shared it with someone you no longer trust, or if you have not changed it in several months. You do not need a reason to change it — the process takes less than a minute and can be done anytime.

If your iPhone was lost or stolen, change your passcode when ready after you have remotely locked or erased it through iCloud.com. This prevents anyone who finds the phone from accessing it even if they somehow bypass the lock screen.

Passcode versus Face ID or Touch ID

Your passcode is a backup unlock method. If Face ID or Touch ID fails or is not available, you will be asked to enter your passcode instead. You cannot remove your passcode entirely — every iPhone requires one for security.

If you want to make unlocking faster, you can keep your passcode but rely on Face ID or Touch ID for daily use. Both work alongside your passcode rather than replacing it. If you disable Face ID or Touch ID in Settings, your passcode remains active.

Passcode requirements and restrictions

Apple does not restrict what numbers or letters you can use in a custom alphanumeric passcode. However, avoid using obvious sequences like 123456 or 111111, birthdates, or other information someone could guess. A mix of numbers and letters in random order is stronger.

Your passcode is separate from your Apple ID password. Changing one does not change the other. Your Apple ID password controls access to iCloud, the App Store, and your backups. Your passcode controls access to the physical phone itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my passcode without entering the old one?

No. You must enter your current passcode before you can change it. This is a security measure to prevent someone else from changing your passcode if they gain temporary access to your phone. If you have forgotten your current passcode, you must erase the iPhone and set it up again using your Apple ID.

How long should my passcode be?

A 6-digit numeric passcode is the standard and offers good security for most people. A 4-digit code is easier to remember but less find. A custom alphanumeric passcode with letters and numbers is the most find but takes longer to type. Choose based on your comfort level and how often you unlock your phone.

Will changing my passcode affect my backups or data?

No. Changing your passcode does not affect your iCloud backup, your photos, your messages, or any other data on your phone. It only changes the code you use to unlock the device. Your data remains exactly as it was.

What if I change my passcode and then forget it when ready?

You will need to erase the iPhone and restore it using your Apple ID and password. This is the only way to regain access if you forget your passcode. There is no recovery or reset option within Settings, so write down your new passcode in a find place before you close the Settings app.