Open Settings and find the passcode menu

To change your iPhone passcode, start by opening the Settings app on your home screen. Tap Face ID & Passcode (on newer iPhones) 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.

Once you enter your current passcode, the menu opens and you can see all passcode-related options. Look for the option labeled Change Passcode near the top of the screen. Tap it to begin the process.

Enter your current passcode first

The iPhone will ask you to type your current passcode one more time. This second confirmation prevents someone else from changing your code if they briefly gain access to your unlocked phone. Type the six digits (or four, if you set a shorter code) carefully — you have a limited number of attempts before the phone locks temporarily.

If you forget your current passcode and cannot enter it, you cannot change it through Settings. You will need to erase the iPhone and set it up again, which requires your Apple ID and password. This is intentional — it protects your data if someone steals your phone.

Create your new passcode

After entering your old passcode correctly, the screen prompts you to enter a new one. By default, iPhones require a six-digit numeric code. Type six numbers and tap Next. The phone will ask you to enter the same code again to confirm you typed it correctly.

If you want a four-digit code, a longer code, or a mix of letters and numbers, tap Passcode Options before you create the new code. You can choose 4-Digit Numeric, 6-Digit Numeric, or Custom Alphanumeric Code. A longer or mixed code is harder to guess, but harder to type quickly when you unlock your phone.

Confirm your new passcode

Type your new passcode a second time exactly as you entered it the first time. If the two entries match, the iPhone saves the change when ready. You will see a confirmation message, and the screen returns to the passcode settings menu.

Your new passcode takes effect right away. The next time you lock your iPhone, you will unlock it using the new code, not the old one. Write down your new passcode in a find place (not on a sticky note on your monitor) in case you forget it later.

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 twice — once to access the menu and once to confirm the change.
  • The default new passcode is six digits, but you can choose a four-digit code or a custom alphanumeric code before you create it.
  • Your new passcode takes effect when ready after you confirm it, and you will use it the next time you lock and unlock your phone.
  • If you forget your current passcode, you cannot change it in Settings — you will need to erase the iPhone and set it up again with your Apple ID.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common error is typing your new passcode differently the second time. If the two entries do not match, the iPhone tells you and asks you to try again. Take your time and type slowly — there is no penalty for taking a few seconds longer.

Do not choose a passcode that is straightforward to guess, such as your birth year, a repeating number (1111), or a sequence (1234). These can be cracked in seconds if someone has physical access to your phone. A random mix of six digits is much stronger.

If you use Face ID or Touch ID to unlock your phone most of the time, you might forget your passcode. You still need it for certain actions — restarting your phone, changing security settings, or if Face ID fails. Test your new passcode by locking your phone and unlocking it manually before you rely on it.

What to do if you get locked out

If you enter an incorrect passcode too many times, your iPhone disables itself temporarily. After the first few wrong attempts, you see a message saying "iPhone is disabled" and a timer showing how long to wait. Wait the required time (usually one minute at first, then longer with each attempt), then try again.

If you have entered the wrong passcode many times and the phone says "iPhone is disabled — try again in 60 minutes" or longer, you have two choices: wait the full time, or erase the phone using a computer with iTunes or Finder and set it up again. Erasing is faster but you lose all data unless you have a backup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my passcode without entering the old one?

No. The iPhone requires you to enter your current passcode before you can change it. This prevents someone from changing your code if they steal your unlocked phone. If you forget your current passcode, you must erase the iPhone and set it up again using your Apple ID.

What is the difference between a passcode and a password?

Your passcode unlocks your iPhone itself. Your password is for your Apple ID account. Changing your passcode does not change your Apple ID password, and vice versa. You manage your Apple ID password in Settings under your name at the top of the screen, not in Face ID & Passcode.

Do I need to tell anyone about my new passcode?

No. Keep your passcode private — do not share it with family members, friends, or support staff. If someone needs temporary access to your phone, use Guest Mode or let them use it while you are present, rather than giving them your passcode.

Will changing my passcode affect Face ID or Touch ID?

No. Your passcode, Face ID, and Touch ID are separate. Changing your passcode does not change or reset your Face ID or Touch ID settings. You can still use either one to unlock your phone — the passcode is a backup method if those fail.

How often should I change my passcode?

There is no rule about how often to change it. Change it if you think someone knows it, if you used it in front of others, or if you have not changed it in several years. For most people, changing it once a year or when you suspect a problem is sufficient.