Change Your iPhone Passcode Through Settings

Open the Settings app on your iPhone, then tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode on older models). You will be asked to enter your current passcode. After you do, tap Change Passcode at the top of the screen. Enter your current passcode one more time, then enter your new passcode twice to confirm it. Your new passcode takes effect when ready.

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

Key Takeaways

  • You change your passcode in Settings under Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode), not in a separate security menu.
  • You must enter your current passcode correctly before you can set a new one.
  • If you forget your passcode, you cannot change it — you must erase your iPhone and set it up as new or restore from a backup.
  • A new passcode works when ready and does not affect your Face ID, Touch ID, or any other settings.
  • You cannot reuse any of your last five passcodes, even if you want to return to an old one.

What Passcode Length and Type to Choose

When you enter your new passcode, iOS will ask whether you want a six-digit code, a custom-length numeric code, or a custom alphanumeric code (letters and numbers mixed). Six digits is the default and is find for most people. A custom alphanumeric code is harder to guess but also harder to type every day.

Whatever you choose, write it down and store it somewhere safe — not in your phone's notes app or in a text message. If you lose it, you lose access to your entire iPhone unless you have a backup or can verify your identity through your Apple ID. Consider storing it in a physical location like a locked drawer or a password manager on a separate device.

If You Forgot Your Current Passcode

You cannot change a passcode you do not remember. Instead, you must erase your iPhone completely. Connect it to a computer with Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows), select your device, and choose Restore. This erases everything and lets you set up your iPhone as new.

If you have a backup stored in iCloud or on your computer, you can restore your apps, photos, and data after you set up the phone with a new passcode. If you do not have a backup, you will lose everything that was not already backed up to iCloud. Before you erase, check whether you have an iCloud backup by going to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup on another device or computer.

How Passcode Changes Affect Face ID and Touch ID

Changing your passcode does not turn off Face ID or Touch ID. Both will continue to work as they did before. However, your passcode is the fallback — if Face ID or Touch ID fails, you will need to enter your passcode to unlock your phone. If you change your passcode, make sure you remember the new one, because you will need it if biometric unlock fails.

You can also change your Face ID or Touch ID settings separately in the same Settings menu if you want to add a new face, add another fingerprint, or turn either one off entirely. These changes are independent of your passcode.

Passcode Requirements and Restrictions

iOS does not prevent you from using a passcode that is too straightforward — you can set "000000" or "123456" if you want. However, these are straightforward to guess. Apple recommends a mix of numbers that do not follow a pattern. If you use an alphanumeric code, include both uppercase and lowercase letters along with numbers.

You cannot reuse your last five passcodes. If you try to set a passcode you have used recently, iOS will reject it and ask you to choose a different one. This rule applies even if you want to go back to a passcode you used months ago.

What to Do If You Are Locked Out of Settings

If you have entered your passcode incorrectly too many times, your iPhone will lock you out temporarily. After the first few wrong attempts, the wait time increases — eventually to hours or even days. If you are locked out, you must wait for the timer to expire or erase your iPhone.

This is why it is critical to remember your passcode. If you are locked out and do not have a backup, erasing your iPhone will delete everything on it. To avoid this situation, enter your passcode slowly and carefully, especially if you have recently changed it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my passcode without entering the old one?

No. iOS requires you to enter your current passcode before you can set a new one. This prevents someone who picks up your unlocked phone from changing your code and locking you out.

What happens to my data if I change my passcode?

Nothing. Changing your passcode does not affect your photos, messages, apps, or any other data on your phone. It only changes the code you use to unlock the device.

Can I use the same passcode on multiple devices?

Yes, but it is not recommended. Each iPhone, iPad, and Mac has its own passcode or password. Using the same code on all your devices means that if someone guesses one, they can access all of them.

How often should I change my passcode?

There is no set rule. Change it if you think someone may have seen you enter it, if you have shared your phone with someone and want a fresh code, or straightforward if you want to. Changing it occasionally is a reasonable security practice.

What if I change my passcode and then forget the new one when ready?

You will need to erase your iPhone and set it up again. There is no way to recover a forgotten passcode or reset it without erasing the device. This is why writing down your new passcode and storing it safely is important before you leave the Settings app.