Change your iPhone passcode through Settings

You change your iPhone passcode in the Settings app under Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode on older models). Open Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode, enter your current passcode, then tap Change Passcode. You'll enter your current code once more, then type your new passcode twice to confirm it.

The whole process takes about two minutes. Your new passcode takes effect immediately — the old one stops working as soon as you finish.

Key Takeaways

  • You need your current passcode to change it; if you've forgotten it, you'll need to erase the phone and set it up again.
  • A strong passcode is at least six digits, though you can use longer codes or mix letters and numbers if you want.
  • If you use iCloud, your passcode and Apple ID password are separate — changing one does not change the other.
  • After you change your passcode, you may need to re-enter it the next time you restart your phone or use certain features.

What to do if you forget your current passcode

If you can't remember your current passcode, you cannot change it through Settings — you'll get a message saying "Passcode Incorrect" after a few tries, then the phone will lock you out temporarily. After several failed attempts, the phone locks permanently and you'll see a message to try again in 15 minutes, then an hour, then longer.

The only way forward is to erase the phone and set it up again. You can do this through iCloud.com if you have your Apple ID and password, or you can take the phone to an Apple Store and they can erase it for you. Either way, you lose everything on the phone unless you have a backup. After the erase, you set up the phone fresh and create a new passcode.

Choosing a passcode that's actually secure

iPhone gives you three passcode options: a six-digit numeric code (the default), a custom numeric code of any length, or a custom alphanumeric code with letters and numbers. The longer and more random your passcode, the harder it is to guess, but it also has to be something you can remember or write down safely.

A six-digit code is stronger than most people think — there are a million possible combinations. If you want something you can type quickly, six digits is a reasonable choice. If you want maximum security and don't mind typing more, use a longer code with letters and numbers. Avoid birthdays, phone numbers, or sequences like 123456 or 111111.

Why you might need to re-enter your passcode after changing it

After you change your passcode, the next time you restart your iPhone or use certain features — like accessing your Apple ID settings or making a large purchase — you'll be asked to enter the new passcode. This is normal. The phone is confirming that you're the person who made the change.

If you use Face ID or Touch ID along with your passcode, those biometric features will still work after you change the code. You don't need to re-set up your face or fingerprint.

The difference between your passcode and your Apple ID password

Your iPhone passcode unlocks your phone. Your Apple ID password unlocks your Apple account and lets you download apps, access iCloud, and make purchases. They are completely separate. Changing one does not change the other, and you need both to fully use your phone.

If you forget your Apple ID password, you change it at iforgot.apple.com or through the Settings app under your name at the top. If you forget your iPhone passcode, you erase the phone as described above. Keep both somewhere safe — a password manager works well for your Apple ID password, and your iPhone passcode should be something only you know.

What happens if someone else knows your passcode

If you think someone else has your passcode, change it right away through Settings. They won't be able to unlock your phone with the old code once you finish. However, if they also know your Apple ID password, they could still access your account through iCloud.com or another device, so change that password too.

If you suspect someone has both your passcode and your Apple ID password, sign out of iCloud on your phone (Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out), then change your Apple ID password at iforgot.apple.com. This locks them out of your account even if they have the old password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passcode with letters and numbers instead of just numbers?

Yes. In Settings, go to Face ID & Passcode, tap Change Passcode, then look for an option that says Custom Alphanumeric Code. This lets you mix letters and numbers. You can also choose Custom Numeric Code for a longer all-number passcode.

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

You'll need to erase your phone and set it up again. Write down your new passcode somewhere safe before you leave Settings, or store it in a password manager. There's no way to recover a forgotten passcode without erasing the phone.

Do I need to change my passcode regularly?

Not unless you think someone knows it or your phone has been lost or stolen. A strong passcode that only you know is secure whether you change it monthly or never. Change it if you suspect a breach, but routine changes aren't necessary.

Will changing my passcode affect my Face ID or Touch ID?

No. Your biometric features stay active and work the same way. You don't need to re-set up your face or fingerprint. Your passcode is a backup way to unlock the phone if Face ID or Touch ID isn't working.