Change Your Passcode in Settings

Open Settings on your iPhone 15 and tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode if you use fingerprint unlock). You will be asked to enter your current passcode. Once you do, tap Change Passcode at the top of the screen.

Enter your current passcode again when prompted, then type your new passcode. iPhone 15 defaults to a six-digit numeric code, but you can choose a different format by tapping Passcode Options before you create the new one. Your options are a custom numeric code, a custom alphanumeric code, or a four-digit numeric code.

Re-enter your new passcode to confirm it, then tap Done. The change takes effect when ready. Your old passcode will no longer work.

Key Takeaways

  • You must enter your current passcode before you can change it, so have it ready.
  • The default new passcode is six digits, but you can switch to four digits, letters and numbers, or numbers only by tapping Passcode Options.
  • The change is when ready — your new passcode works right away and your old one stops working.
  • If you forget your new passcode after setting it, you will need to erase your iPhone and set it up again using your Apple ID.

Passcode Format Options and What They Mean

When you tap Passcode Options, you see four choices. Custom Numeric Code lets you set any length of numbers you want — longer than six digits if you prefer. Custom Alphanumeric Code allows letters, numbers, and symbols, which is harder to guess but slower to type every time you unlock your phone.

4-Digit Numeric Code is the fastest to enter but the easiest to crack. 6-Digit Numeric Code is the default and balances speed with security. Most people stick with the default unless they have a reason to change it — either because they want something longer and more complex, or because they find six digits too slow to type repeatedly.

What Happens If You Forget Your New Passcode

If you set a new passcode and then forget it before you have used it many times, you cannot straightforward reset it the way you reset a password on a computer. Instead, you must erase your iPhone entirely and set it up again.

To erase your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. You will be asked to enter your passcode, your Apple ID password, or both, depending on your setup. Once the erase is complete, you can set up your iPhone as new or restore it from a backup, and you can create a new passcode during setup.

This is why it helps to write down your new passcode somewhere safe — not on a sticky note on your monitor, but in a password manager or a locked drawer — until you have typed it enough times that you remember it.

Changing Your Passcode When You Use Face ID or Touch ID

If you have Face ID or Touch ID turned on, you still need a passcode as a backup. Changing your passcode does not affect Face ID or Touch ID — they continue to work the same way. Your new passcode is what you type if Face ID or Touch ID fails, or if your iPhone restarts, or if you have not unlocked it in a long time.

You do not need to re-register your face or fingerprint after you change your passcode. The two systems are separate, and changing one does not touch the other.

Passcode vs. Screen Time Passcode

iPhone 15 has two different passcodes: your device passcode (the one you use to unlock your phone) and your Screen Time passcode (the one that controls parental controls and app restrictions). Changing your device passcode does not change your Screen Time passcode, and vice versa.

If you want to change your Screen Time passcode, go to Settings > Screen Time > Change Screen Time Passcode. You will need to enter your current Screen Time passcode first. This is a separate process from changing your device passcode.

Why You Might Want to Change Your Passcode

You might change your passcode if someone has seen you type it, if you use the same passcode on multiple devices and want to make them different, or if you straightforward want something easier or harder to remember. Some people change their passcode every few months as a security habit.

If you suspect someone has your passcode, change it right away. If your iPhone has been lost or stolen, do not bother changing the passcode — instead, use Find My iPhone to lock or erase it remotely, then change your Apple ID password to prevent someone from accessing your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know my old passcode to change it?

Yes. When you go to Change Passcode in Settings, the first thing it asks for is your current passcode. If you have forgotten it, you cannot change it — you must erase your iPhone and set it up again.

Can I use the same passcode on my iPhone and iPad?

You can, but you do not have to. Each device has its own passcode, and you change them separately in each device's Settings. Many people use different passcodes on different devices for security, but it is your choice.

Will changing my passcode affect my Apple ID or iCloud?

No. Your device passcode and your Apple ID password are completely separate. Changing one does not change the other. You manage your Apple ID password in Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security, which is a different process.

What if I change my passcode and then cannot remember the new one?

You will need to erase your iPhone by going to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. Then set it up again and create a passcode you will remember. This is why it helps to test your new passcode a few times before you rely on it.

Can I change my passcode without going to Settings?

No. The only way to change your device passcode is through Settings > Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode). There is no shortcut or alternative route.