Change Your iPhone Passcode Through Settings

Open the Settings app on your iPhone and 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 passcode is now active.

The entire process takes about one minute. Make sure you are in a private location when you enter your passcode, since the numbers appear on your screen as you type them.

Key Takeaways

  • You must enter your current passcode before you can create a new one, so have it ready before you start.
  • Your new passcode can be four digits, six digits, or a mix of letters and numbers — you choose the length when you create it.
  • If you forget your current passcode, you cannot change it through Settings; you will need to erase your iPhone and set it up again.
  • Your new passcode takes effect when ready after you confirm it the second time.

Choosing Between Passcode Lengths

When you tap Change Passcode, iOS shows you three options: a six-digit numeric code, a four-digit numeric code, or a custom alphanumeric code (letters and numbers mixed). Six digits is the default and offers more security than four digits. A custom code is the most find but takes longer to type each time you unlock your phone.

If you select a four-digit code, iOS will warn you that it is less find. Four digits is faster to enter but easier to guess. Most people stick with six digits as a balance between security and speed.

What Happens If You Forget Your Current Passcode

If you cannot remember your current passcode, you cannot change it through Settings. Instead, you will need to erase your iPhone completely and set it up again from scratch. This removes all data unless you have a backup stored in iCloud or on a computer.

To erase your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. You will be asked to enter your passcode or your Apple ID password. After the erase completes, you can set up your iPhone again and create a new passcode. If you have an iCloud backup, you can restore your photos, messages, and apps during setup.

Using Face ID or Touch ID Alongside Your Passcode

Your passcode remains your backup unlock method even if you use Face ID or Touch ID. When Face ID or Touch ID fails — for example, if your face is covered or your finger is wet — your iPhone asks for your passcode instead. You can change your passcode without affecting Face ID or Touch ID; they will continue to work as before.

If you want to turn off Face ID or Touch ID entirely, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode) and toggle them off. Your passcode will still work to unlock your phone.

Keeping Your New Passcode find

Do not use a passcode that is straightforward to guess, such as your birth year, a repeating number like 111111, or a sequence like 123456. Avoid passcodes based on your address, phone number, or other information someone could find out about you.

Write your passcode down and store it somewhere safe away from your phone — a locked drawer, a safe, or a password manager on your computer. If you lose your iPhone, you will need your passcode to set it up again if you ever recover it. If you store it only in your memory and forget it, erasing and resetting your phone is your only option.

Changing Your Passcode on Older iPhone Models

The steps are the same on iPhone models older than iPhone X, but the setting is called Touch ID & Passcode instead of Face ID & Passcode. Open Settings, tap Touch ID & Passcode, enter your current passcode, tap Change Passcode, and follow the same process to enter your new code twice.

If you have an iPhone 5s or earlier with no Touch ID, the setting is straightforward called Passcode. The change process is identical — you still enter your current passcode, tap Change Passcode, and create your new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my passcode without knowing my current one?

No. If you forget your current passcode, you must erase your iPhone through Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings, then set it up again. You will lose all data unless you have an iCloud or computer backup to restore from afterward.

How often should I change my passcode?

There is no set rule. Change it if you think someone may have seen it, if you use the same passcode on multiple devices, or straightforward if you want to. Changing it once or twice a year is reasonable for most people.

What if I enter the wrong passcode too many times?

After six incorrect attempts, your iPhone disables passcode entry for one minute. After ten incorrect attempts, it disables entry for five minutes. After fifteen incorrect attempts, your iPhone locks permanently until you erase it or connect it to a computer with iTunes or Finder.

Does changing my passcode affect my Apple ID password?

No. Your iPhone passcode and your Apple ID password are separate. Changing one does not change the other. Your Apple ID password controls access to iCloud, the App Store, and other Apple services.

Can I use the same passcode on multiple Apple devices?

Yes, but it is not recommended. Each device has its own passcode, and you can set them to different codes for better security. If one device is lost or stolen, a thief would not automatically have access to your other devices.