How to Change Your Passcode on Any Device

The basic steps are the same across phones, tablets, and computers

Changing your passcode is straightforward on most devices: you go into Settings, find the security or lock screen section, and choose the option to change your passcode or password. The exact names and locations vary by device type and operating system, but the principle is identical. You'll enter your current passcode to prove you own the device, then create a new one.

The reason to change your passcode regularly is simple: if someone has seen you type it, guessed it, or obtained it another way, a new one locks them out. You should also change it if you've shared it with someone who no longer needs access, or if you suspect it's been compromised.

Key Takeaways

On iPhones and iPads, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode), enter your current passcode, then tap Change Passcode.
On Android phones, the path is Settings > Security > Screen lock or Lock screen, then select Change PIN or Change Password depending on your lock type.
On Windows computers, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and choose Change under your password or PIN section.
On Mac computers, open System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions, then use the Users & Groups pane to change your password.
Write down your new passcode somewhere secure, separate from your device, in case you forget it — recovery is harder if you lose access.

Changing your passcode on iPhone or iPad

Open the Settings app and tap Face ID & Passcode if your device uses facial recognition, or Touch ID & Passcode if it uses your fingerprint. If your device is older and uses neither, you'll see just Passcode. You'll be asked to enter your current passcode to proceed.

Once you've entered your current passcode, look for the option that says Change Passcode. Tap it, and you'll be prompted to enter your current passcode one more time. Then you'll create your new passcode. Apple devices let you choose between a 4-digit code, a 6-digit code (the default), or a custom alphanumeric password with letters, numbers, and symbols. A longer passcode is harder to guess, but harder to type quickly when you're in a hurry.

After you've typed your new passcode twice to confirm it matches, the change takes effect immediately. Your old passcode stops working.

Changing your passcode on Android phones

Open Settings and look for Security or Lock screen — the exact name depends on your phone's manufacturer and Android version. Tap it, then find the option for Screen lock, Lock screen, or Lock type. You may see options like PIN, Pattern, Password, or Biometric (fingerprint or face unlock).

Select the type of lock you currently use. You'll be asked to enter or draw your current passcode to verify you own the device. Then you'll see an option to change it. Enter your new PIN, pattern, or password twice to confirm it matches, and the change is complete.

If you use a pattern lock (drawing a shape across nine dots), keep in mind that patterns are easier to see over someone's shoulder than numeric PINs. If security is a concern, consider switching to a numeric PIN or password instead.

Changing your passcode on Windows computers

Click the Start button and open Settings. Go to Accounts, then Sign-in options. You'll see sections for Password, PIN, and Windows Hello (facial recognition or fingerprint). Find the one you currently use to lock your computer.

Under Password, click Change. You'll be asked to enter your current password, then create a new one. Windows passwords can include uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Under PIN, click Change and follow the same process — you'll enter your current PIN and create a new one. PINs are typically numeric only, though Windows allows some special characters.

After you've entered your new password or PIN twice to confirm, the change takes effect the next time you lock your computer or restart it.

Changing your passcode on Mac computers

Click the Apple menu and open System Settings. Go to General, then look for Login Items & Extensions or Users & Groups (depending on your macOS version). You may need to click the lock icon at the bottom left and enter your current password to make changes.

Find your user account in the list on the left. Click the lock icon next to your account name, or look for a Change Password button. You'll be asked to enter your current password, then type your new password twice to confirm it. Mac passwords can include uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

The change takes effect immediately, but you won't need to use your new password until the next time you log in or wake your computer from sleep.

What to do if you forget your new passcode

If you change your passcode and then forget it, recovery depends on what device you're using. On iPhones and iPads, you'll need to use your Apple ID to reset it, or erase the device and set it up again — both options mean losing data if you don't have a backup. On Android phones, the process varies by manufacturer, but usually involves using your Google account or answering security questions you set up beforehand.

On Windows computers, you can reset a forgotten password using another administrator account, or by using a password reset disk if you created one before you forgot the password. On Mac computers, you can use your Apple ID to reset a forgotten password, or use Recovery Mode to create a new administrator account.

The safest approach is to write your new passcode down and store it somewhere secure and separate from your device — a locked drawer, a safe, or a password manager on a different device. That way, if you forget it, you have a backup.

Why you should use a strong passcode

A strong passcode is long, random, and doesn't contain information someone could guess — like your birthday, a pet's name, or a sequence like 1234. The longer your passcode, the harder it is to crack by guessing. A 4-digit PIN has only 10,000 possible combinations; a 6-digit PIN has 1 million. An alphanumeric password with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols is exponentially harder to guess.

That said, a passcode you can't remember is useless — you'll either write it down unsecurely or reset it constantly. Choose something long enough to be secure but memorable enough that you can type it without looking. If you use a password manager, you can store a truly random, complex passcode there and let the manager fill it in for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my passcode regularly?

There's no magic number, but changing it once or twice a year is reasonable if you're concerned about security. Change it immediately if you think someone has seen it, if you've shared it with someone who no longer needs access, or if you've used the same passcode on multiple devices or accounts.

What's the difference between a passcode and a password?

Passcodes are usually numeric only (like a PIN), while passwords can include letters, numbers, and symbols. Some devices use the terms interchangeably. On most modern phones and computers, you can choose which type you prefer.

Can I use the same passcode on all my devices?

You can, but it's riskier. If someone learns one passcode, they can access all your devices. Using different passcodes for different devices means a compromise on one device doesn't automatically compromise the others. A password manager can help you remember multiple passcodes without writing them down.

What if I'm locked out of my device and can't remember my passcode?

Your options depend on the device. iPhones can be reset using your Apple ID; Android phones can often be reset using your Google account; Windows computers can be reset using another admin account or a password reset disk; Macs can be reset using your Apple ID or Recovery Mode. All of these methods may result in data loss if you don't have a backup.

Is biometric lock (fingerprint or face recognition) more secure than a passcode?

Biometric locks are convenient and reasonably secure for everyday use, but they're not a replacement for a passcode — they're a second layer. You should still have a strong passcode as a backup in case your fingerprint or face doesn't unlock the device, or in case someone forces you to unlock it biometrically.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.