How to Change Your iPhone Passcode (to Something Secure)

You can and should secure your iOS device with Touch ID or Face ID, but a passcode is still an essential way of securing your iPhone or iPad. If Touch ID or Face ID fails or if your phone or tablet is ever lost or stolen, a passcode becomes your default form of protection. And if you have an ancient iOS device without Touch ID, a passcode is your only shield against unwanted access.

Passcodes used to be limited to just four numbers, and many iPhone or iPad owners still use that format. However, those four numbers don't provide the best level of security. A numeric passcode with six or more digits or an alphanumeric passcode with letters, numbers, and special characters is essential.

This article originally appeared on PCMag.com.

Changing Your Passcode

Let's say you currently have a four-digit numeric password and want to change it to something stronger. On your iPhone or iPad, open Settings. Tap on the setting for "Passcode, Touch ID & Passcode," or "Face ID & Passcode," depending on your device. Enter your current passcode.

Passcode Options

Tap on the link to "Change Passcode" and enter your current passcode again. At the window to enter your new passcode, tap on the link for "Passcode Options."

Choosing the Passcode Format

You're given three choices: Custom Alphanumeric Code, Custom Numeric Code, or 6-Digit Numeric Code. A six-digit code is certainly much stronger than a four-digit one. A four-digit code results in 10,000 possible combinations, while a six-digit one yields 1 million. A custom alphanumeric or numeric code will give you an even greater level of security beyond that.

As an example, an eight-digit numeric code results in 100 million possible combinations, while a 10-digit numeric code offers 10 billion combinations. An alphanumeric code yields significantly more as you can use uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Pick the option for Custom Alphanumeric Code.

Entering Your New Passcode

Type your new passcode using a blend of letters, numbers, and special characters. Tap "Next."

Verify Your New Passcode

Type your new passcode again to verify it. Tap "Done."

Passcode Duration

You’re returned to the Settings screen. Here, you can tweak other options for your passcode. Tap on the setting to Require Password. On older iOS devices without Face ID or Touch ID, you can set the duration to Immediately, After 1 minute, After 5 minutes, After 15 minutes, After 1 hour, or After 4 hours. As the screen says, shorter times are more secure. If you’re safely at home, you can choose a longer duration. If you’re out and about, go for a shorter duration.

Using Touch ID and Face ID

On newer devices, you can set Touch ID or Face ID to unlock your device. In that case, the setting for Require Passcode provides immediately as your only option.

Help, I Forgot My iPhone Passcode

Can you change your passcode on your iPhone if you forgot it? Yes, sort of. All is not lost. But restoring your device will be a headache. You have to erase and restore your device, which deletes all of its data and settings. If you synced with iTunes, erase via iTunes; otherwise, use recovery mode.

About Our Expert

Lance Whitney

Contributor

My Experience

I've been working for PCMag since early 2016 writing tutorials, how-to pieces, and other articles on consumer technology. Beyond PCMag, I've written news stories and tutorials for a variety of other websites and publications, including CNET, ZDNet, TechRepublic, Macworld, PC World, Time, US News & World Report, and AARP Magazine. I spent seven years writing breaking news for CNET as one of the site’s East Coast reporters. I've also written two books for Wiley & Sons—Windows 8: Five Minutes at a Time and Teach Yourself Visually LinkedIn.

My Areas of Expertise

I've used Windows, Office, and other Microsoft products for years so I'm well versed in that world. I also know the Mac quite well. I'm always working with iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and Android on my various mobile devices. And these days, I write a lot about AI, so that's become another key area for me.

The Tech I Use

My wife always jokes about all the tech products we have around the house, but I manage to put them to good use for my articles. I like Lenovo computers, so I own a couple of Lenovo desktops and several laptops. I have three MacBooks and a Mac mini. For my mobile life and work, I use an iPhone 16 Pro, iPad Pro, and iPad mini as well as an Apple Watch. But since I write about Android, I own several Android phones and tablets. Like any tech person, I have a cabinet full of cables, wires, and assorted mysterious gadgets. And when it's time to take a break from writing, I have an old Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii, both of which I use for exercise and fitness games.

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