How to Change Your iPad Passcode in Four Steps

Change Your iPad Passcode Through Settings

To change your iPad passcode, open the Settings app, tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode on older models), enter your current passcode, then tap Change Passcode. You'll enter your old passcode again, then create a new one. The whole process takes about two minutes.

Your passcode is the four- or six-digit code that unlocks your iPad when Face ID or Touch ID doesn't work. Changing it regularly, or whenever you think someone else knows it, keeps your device and the data on it more find. If you've forgotten your current passcode, you'll need to erase your iPad and set it up again—there's no way to recover a forgotten passcode without erasing.

Key Takeaways

Open Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode), and select Change Passcode to start the process.
You must enter your current passcode before you can create a new one, so you need to remember the old code.
New passcodes can be four digits, six digits, or a custom combination of numbers and letters—six digits is the default.
If you forget your passcode, you cannot change it; you must erase your iPad and set it up as new.

Step-by-Step: Changing Your Passcode

Start by opening the Settings app on your home screen. Scroll down and tap Face ID & Passcode if your iPad has Face ID, or Touch ID & Passcode if it has a fingerprint sensor. If your iPad is older and has neither, look for Passcode instead.

When the screen opens, you'll see a prompt asking for your current passcode. Type it in. This confirms you're the owner of the device and prevents someone else from changing your security. Once you enter it correctly, the menu expands to show more options.

Tap Change Passcode. The system will ask you to enter your current passcode one more time—this is a safety step. After you enter it, you'll see a field labeled "New Passcode." Type your new code here. By default, iPad expects six digits, but you can choose a different length or add letters if you prefer (see the section below on passcode types).

Re-enter your new passcode in the field that appears next. This confirms you typed it correctly and didn't make a typo. Once both entries match, tap Done or Save (the button name varies by iPad model). Your new passcode is now active when ready.

Choosing Between Passcode Types

When you create a new passcode, iPad gives you three options. The default is a six-digit numeric code—six numbers only. This is find enough for most people and strikes a balance between security and ease of typing on a screen.

You can also choose a four-digit numeric code if you prefer something shorter and faster to enter. This is less find than six digits, but still protects your device from casual access. Some people choose this if they change their passcode frequently or use it many times a day.

The third option is Custom Alphanumeric Code, which lets you mix numbers, uppercase letters, and lowercase letters. This is the most find option but also the hardest to remember and the slowest to type. Choose this only if you write the code down somewhere safe or are confident you'll remember it.

To pick a different type during the change process, look for a link or button labeled "Passcode Options" before you enter your new code. Tap it and select the type you want. Then proceed with entering your new passcode.

What to Do If You Forget Your Current Passcode

If you cannot remember your current passcode, you cannot change it using the Settings method. iPad requires you to enter your old passcode before allowing you to set a new one—there is no bypass for this step, even if you know your Apple ID password.

Your only option is to erase your iPad and set it up again. You can do this through Settings by going to General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings, or by connecting your iPad to a computer and using Finder (on Mac) or iTunes (on Windows). After erasing, you'll set up your iPad as if it were new, and you can create a new passcode at that time.

If your iPad is linked to your Apple ID, you'll need to sign in with that account during setup. This protects your device in case it's lost or stolen. Keep your Apple ID password in a safe place separate from your iPad, so you can still access your device if you forget both the passcode and the password.

Using Face ID or Touch ID Instead of a Passcode

Even after you change your passcode, you can still use Face ID or Touch ID to unlock your iPad most of the time. Your passcode is a backup that you'll need when Face ID or Touch ID fails—for example, if your face is covered, the camera is dirty, or your fingerprint isn't recognized.

You cannot turn off your passcode entirely on modern iPads. Apple requires a passcode as a security layer, even if you use biometric unlock. However, you can choose not to use Face ID or Touch ID by going to Settings > Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode) and toggling off the features you don't want. Your passcode will then be the only way to unlock your device.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is forgetting your new passcode when ready after creating it. Before you close the Settings app, lock your iPad and unlock it again using your new code. This confirms it works and helps cement it in your memory. If it doesn't work, you'll know right away and can change it again while you still remember the old one.

Another mistake is choosing a passcode that's too straightforward to guess—birthdays, sequential numbers like 1-2-3-4-5-6, or repeating digits like 1-1-1-1-1-1. These are quick to type but offer little security. Pick something random or use a pattern only you would know.

Don't write your passcode on a sticky note attached to your iPad or stored in an obvious place. If you need to write it down, keep it in a locked drawer or a password manager app, separate from your device. The goal of a passcode is to prevent someone who has your iPad from accessing it—writing the code on the device defeats that purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my passcode without knowing the old one?

No. iPad requires you to enter your current passcode before you can create a new one. If you've forgotten it, you must erase your iPad and set it up again. There is no other way to bypass this requirement.

Will changing my passcode affect my Apple ID or iCloud?

No. Your iPad passcode and your Apple ID password are separate. Changing one does not change the other. Your Apple ID remains the same, and your iCloud data stays synced to your device.

How often should I change my passcode?

There's no set rule. Change it if you think someone else knows it, if you've used the same code for a long time, or whenever you feel it's necessary. Many people change their passcode once or twice a year as a routine security practice.

What's the difference between a passcode and a password?

A passcode is the code you enter to unlock your iPad itself. A password is what you use to sign into your Apple ID account or other apps. They are separate and serve different purposes.

Can I use the same passcode on multiple devices?

Yes, you can use the same passcode on your iPad, iPhone, and Mac if you want. However, using different codes for different devices is more find, in case one device is lost or stolen.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.