Change your iPad password through Settings

To change your iPad password, open Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode on older models), enter your current passcode, then tap Change Passcode. You'll enter your old passcode once more, then create a new one. The whole process takes about two minutes.

Your passcode is the six-digit code (or custom length code if you set one) that unlocks your iPad when you turn it on or wake it from sleep. This is different from your Apple ID password, which controls your account across Apple services. If you forget your passcode, you'll need to erase your iPad and set it up again, so write down your new code somewhere safe.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode, and select Change Passcode to update the code that unlocks your iPad.
  • You must enter your current passcode before creating a new one, so you cannot change it if you've forgotten the old one.
  • A six-digit passcode is the default, but you can choose a four-digit code or a custom alphanumeric password during setup.
  • If you forget your passcode, your only option is to erase the iPad and set it up as new, which deletes all data unless you restore from a backup.

What happens if you forget your current passcode

If you cannot remember your passcode, you cannot change it through Settings. Instead, you must erase your iPad completely and set it up again from scratch. This removes all apps, photos, messages, and files stored on the device.

To erase your iPad, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. You'll need your Apple ID password to confirm. After the iPad erases, you can set it up as a new device and create a new passcode. If you have a backup stored in iCloud, you can restore your apps and data after setup is complete.

The difference between your passcode and Apple ID password

Your passcode is the code you enter to unlock your physical iPad. Your Apple ID password is what you use to sign into your Apple account, purchase apps, and access iCloud. They are separate and serve different purposes.

If you want to change your Apple ID password instead, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security > Change Password. You'll need to enter your current Apple ID password and answer security questions. Changing your Apple ID password will sign you out of your account on all devices, and you'll need to sign back in.

Choosing a passcode type during setup

When you first set up your iPad or create a new passcode, you can choose between three types: a six-digit code (the default), a four-digit code, or a custom alphanumeric password. A six-digit code offers more security than four digits because there are more possible combinations.

To select a different type, tap Passcode Options before you enter your new code. A custom alphanumeric password can include letters, numbers, and symbols, making it harder to guess, but it's also harder to remember and slower to type each time you unlock your iPad. Most people stick with the six-digit default.

What to do if Face ID or Touch ID stops working

If your iPad has Face ID or Touch ID enabled, you can unlock it with your face or fingerprint instead of typing your passcode every time. If these features stop working, you can still unlock your iPad by entering your passcode manually.

To check if Face ID or Touch ID is set up, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode) and look for the toggle switches. If they're off, tap them to turn them back on and follow the setup steps. If they remain off or won't activate, your iPad's camera or sensor may need service, but your passcode will still work as a backup.

How to keep your new passcode secure

Once you've created a new passcode, avoid using obvious numbers like your birthday, anniversary, or sequential digits like 1-2-3-4-5-6. These are the first combinations someone will try if they attempt to unlock your iPad.

Write your passcode down and store it in a safe place separate from your iPad — not in a note on the iPad itself. If you use the same passcode across multiple devices, consider changing them to be different so that if someone learns one code, they cannot access all your devices. Never share your passcode with anyone unless you trust them completely with access to your personal data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my iPad passcode without knowing the old one?

No. You must enter your current passcode before you can create a new one. If you've forgotten it, your only option is to erase the iPad through Settings using your Apple ID password, then set it up again and create a new passcode.

Will changing my passcode affect my apps or files?

No. Changing your passcode does not delete anything or affect how your apps work. It only changes the code you use to unlock your iPad. All your data, apps, and settings remain exactly as they were.

What's the strongest passcode I can create?

A custom alphanumeric password is the strongest option because it can include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. However, a six-digit numeric code is secure enough for most people and is much easier to remember and type daily.

If I change my passcode, do I need to update it on my other Apple devices?

No. Your iPad passcode is separate from your iPhone, Mac, or Apple Watch passcodes. Changing one does not affect the others. You can change each device's passcode independently.

Can I use the same passcode on multiple devices?

Yes, you can use the same passcode on your iPad, iPhone, and other devices if you want. However, using different passcodes on each device is more secure because if someone learns one code, they cannot access all your devices.