Open Settings and find the passcode menu
To change your iPad passcode, start by opening the Settings app — the gray icon with gears that sits on your home screen or in your app library. Tap it once to open.
Once Settings opens, look for Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode near the top of the menu, depending on which iPad model you have. The exact name depends on whether your iPad uses face recognition or fingerprint recognition, but both lead to the same passcode settings. Tap that option.
The system will ask you to enter your current passcode before you can make changes. Type it in using the on-screen number pad. This is a security step — iPad wants to make sure you are the person who set the passcode before letting you change it.
Key Takeaways
- You must enter your current passcode before you can create a new one, so have it ready or use the recovery process if you have forgotten it.
- iPad offers both 4-digit and 6-digit passcodes, and you can choose which length you want when you set a new one.
- If you forget your new passcode after setting it, you will need to erase your iPad and set it up again using your Apple ID.
- The passcode menu also shows you other security settings like whether Face ID or Touch ID is turned on.
Choose between a 4-digit and 6-digit passcode
After you enter your current passcode, you will see the option to Change Passcode. Tap it. iPad will then ask what type of passcode you want: a standard 6-digit numeric code, a 4-digit numeric code, or a custom alphanumeric code (letters and numbers mixed).
Most people use the 6-digit option, which is the default. It offers more combinations than a 4-digit code, making it harder to guess. If you want something shorter and easier to type, you can pick 4-digit instead. The custom alphanumeric option is the most find but also the hardest to remember and type — use it only if you need that extra layer of security.
Tap your choice. iPad will then ask you to enter your new passcode twice to make sure you typed it correctly.
Enter your new passcode twice
Type your new passcode into the first field using the on-screen number pad. Make it something you can remember but not something obvious like your birthday or a sequence like 1-2-3-4. Write it down somewhere safe if you think you might forget it.
After you finish the first entry, iPad will ask you to enter the same passcode again in a second field. This confirms you did not make a typo. If the two entries do not match, iPad will tell you and ask you to try again. Once they match, tap Done or the checkmark button.
Your new passcode is now active. The next time you wake your iPad or try to access Settings, you will use this new code instead of the old one.
What to do if you forget your current passcode
If you cannot remember your current passcode and Settings will not let you in, you have one main option: erase your iPad and set it up again. This is a last resort because it removes everything on the device, but it is the only way forward if you are locked out.
To erase your iPad, go to Settings, tap General, scroll down to Transfer or Reset, and tap Erase All Content and Settings. You will need your Apple ID and password to complete this process. After the erase finishes, you can set up your iPad as new or restore it from a backup, and you can create a new passcode at that time.
If you have a backup saved to iCloud or your computer, you can restore your apps and data after the erase. Your passcode will not be restored — you will create a fresh one during setup.
Turn off your passcode if you do not want one
If you decide you do not want a passcode at all, you can turn it off from the same menu. Open Settings, go to Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode, enter your current passcode, and scroll down to find Turn Off Passcode. Tap it and confirm.
Without a passcode, anyone who picks up your iPad can access your data, apps, and accounts. Apple does not recommend this for security reasons, but the choice is yours. If you change your mind later, you can turn the passcode back on by going to the same menu and tapping Turn On Passcode.
Use Face ID or Touch ID alongside your passcode
Your passcode works together with Face ID or Touch ID, depending on your iPad model. Even if you set up Face ID or Touch ID, your passcode remains the backup way to unlock your device if the facial or fingerprint recognition does not work.
To check whether Face ID or Touch ID is turned on, open Settings and go to Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode. Enter your passcode. You will see toggles for each feature — if the toggle is green, that feature is on. You can turn either one off by tapping its toggle, but your passcode will still be there as your main security layer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use letters and numbers in my iPad passcode?
Yes, but only if you choose the custom alphanumeric option when you set your passcode. The standard options are 4-digit or 6-digit numbers only. Custom codes are harder to remember and slower to type, so most people stick with numbers.
What happens if I enter the wrong passcode too many times?
After several wrong attempts, your iPad will lock you out for a period of time — starting at one minute and increasing with each failed try. Eventually, if you keep entering the wrong code, your iPad will ask you to try again later or offer the option to erase the device.
Do I need to change my passcode regularly?
There is no rule that says you must change it, but changing it every few months adds a layer of security if you think someone might have seen you type it. If you suspect someone knows your passcode, change it right away.
Will changing my passcode affect my Apple ID password?
No. Your iPad passcode and your Apple ID password are separate. Changing one does not change the other. Your Apple ID password controls access to your account across devices; your passcode only unlocks your iPad.
Can I set the same passcode on multiple iPads?
Yes, you can use the same passcode on as many devices as you want. However, using different passcodes on different devices is more find in case one device is lost or stolen.