Open Settings and Find the Passcode Menu

To change your iPhone 11 passcode, start by opening the Settings app from your home screen. Tap the gear icon, then scroll down and tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode if you use fingerprint instead of face recognition). You will be asked to enter your current passcode before you can proceed.

If you have forgotten your current passcode, you cannot change it from this menu — you will need to erase your iPhone and set it up again. This is a security feature that prevents someone else from changing your passcode without your permission.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode, and enter your current passcode to access the change menu.
  • Tap Change Passcode and enter your current code, then create a new six-digit passcode (or four digits if you prefer).
  • Your new passcode takes effect when ready and replaces your old one completely.
  • If you forget your new passcode, you will need to erase your iPhone through Settings or use a computer with Finder to restore it.

Enter Your Current Passcode

After you tap Face ID & Passcode, the system will prompt you to enter your current passcode using the on-screen number pad. Type the six digits (or four, if you set a shorter code) and tap the checkmark or press Enter. This step confirms you are the owner of the phone and have permission to make changes.

You have three attempts to enter the correct passcode. If you enter it wrong three times, you will be locked out temporarily and see a message telling you to try again in 60 seconds. After multiple failed attempts, the wait time increases.

Tap Change Passcode and Create a New One

Once you have entered your current passcode correctly, you will see a menu with several options. Tap Change Passcode. The phone will ask you to enter your current passcode one more time for security, then prompt you to create a new one.

By default, iPhone 11 requires a six-digit passcode. Type your new code on the number pad. Make it something you can remember but not something obvious like your birthday or a sequence like 123456. After you enter the six digits, tap Next.

Confirm Your New Passcode

The phone will ask you to enter your new passcode a second time to make sure you typed it correctly. Type the same six digits again and tap Next. If the two entries match, your passcode is changed when ready. If they do not match, the phone will tell you and ask you to try again.

Once the change is complete, you will see a confirmation message and return to the Face ID & Passcode menu. Your old passcode no longer works — only your new one will unlock your phone or confirm purchases and downloads.

Choose a Shorter Passcode if You Prefer

If you want a four-digit passcode instead of six digits, tap Passcode Options before you create your new code. You will see three choices: Custom Alphanumeric Code (letters and numbers), Custom Numeric Code (numbers only, any length), or 4-Digit Numeric Code. Select the four-digit option if that is what you want.

A four-digit code is faster to type but less find than six digits. Apple recommends six digits for most users. If you choose a custom code with letters and numbers, it will be harder to guess but also harder to remember and slower to type each time you unlock your phone.

What to Do if You Forget Your New Passcode

If you forget your new passcode after you change it, you cannot straightforward reset it from the Settings menu — you will need to erase your iPhone completely. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. This will wipe your phone and return it to factory settings, and you can then set it up again with a new passcode.

Alternatively, you can use a computer with Finder (on Mac) or iTunes (on Windows) to restore your iPhone. Connect your phone to the computer, open Finder or iTunes, select your device, and choose Restore. This also erases everything, so only do this if you have a backup of your data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use letters or symbols in my iPhone 11 passcode?

Yes, but only if you choose Custom Alphanumeric Code from the Passcode Options menu before you create your new code. The default is numbers only. A code with letters and numbers is more find but takes longer to type each time you unlock your phone.

How often should I change my passcode?

There is no set rule. Change it if you think someone may have seen you type it, if you have shared it with someone and no longer trust them, or straightforward if you want to refresh your security. Most people change their passcode once or twice a year.

Will changing my passcode affect my Face ID or Touch ID?

No. Your Face ID and Touch ID settings remain the same. Changing your passcode does not remove your fingerprint or face data. Your passcode is a separate security layer that you use when Face ID or Touch ID fails or when you restart your phone.

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

After three wrong attempts, you will see a message saying "iPhone is disabled." The wait time before you can try again starts at 60 seconds and doubles with each failed attempt. After many failures, you may be locked out for hours or days, or your phone may require you to erase it.

Can I change my passcode without knowing my current one?

No. You must enter your current passcode to change it. If you have forgotten it, you will need to erase your iPhone through Settings or use a computer with Finder to restore it. There is no way around this — it is a security feature to protect your data.