What you can change about your iPhone lock screen

Your iPhone lock screen has two separate parts you can change: the unlock method (Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode) and the passcode itself if you use one. Most people can switch between these methods in Settings, though some choices depend on which iPhone model you have. Face ID works on newer iPhones with a notch or Dynamic Island. Touch ID (fingerprint) is available on iPhones with a home button or newer models with a side button. All iPhones support a numeric or alphanumeric passcode as a backup or primary method.

Changing your lock method takes about two minutes. Changing just your passcode takes less than one minute. You'll need to know your current passcode to make either change — if you've forgotten it, you'll need to erase and set up your iPhone again through recovery mode.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode), then enter your current passcode to access lock options.
  • You can use Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode alone, or combine Face ID or Touch ID with a passcode for extra security.
  • To change only your passcode without changing your unlock method, scroll to "Change Passcode" and enter your old passcode first.
  • If you forget your passcode, you cannot retrieve it — you must erase your iPhone and set it up again, which erases all data unless you restore from a backup.

How to switch between Face ID, Touch ID, and passcode

Go to Settings on your home screen, then tap Face ID & Passcode (on newer iPhones) or Touch ID & Passcode (on older models with a home button). Enter your current passcode when prompted. You'll see toggles for each unlock method available on your device.

If you want to use only Face ID, turn off the passcode toggle. If you want to use only Touch ID, turn off both Face ID and passcode. If you want a passcode as your only unlock method, turn off both Face ID and Touch ID. You can also keep both Face ID (or Touch ID) and a passcode turned on — your iPhone will unlock with your face or fingerprint, but some sensitive actions like changing passwords or making payments will still require your passcode.

After you make your choice, your iPhone will ask you to confirm. The change takes effect immediately.

How to change your passcode without changing your unlock method

Open Settings, go to Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode), and enter your current passcode. Scroll down and tap "Change Passcode." You'll be asked to enter your old passcode first, then type your new passcode twice.

You can choose a 4-digit code, 6-digit code, or a longer alphanumeric code with letters and numbers. A longer code is harder to guess, but you'll type it more often. Most people use a 6-digit numeric code as a balance between security and convenience.

How to add or remove a fingerprint or face

If you keep Face ID or Touch ID turned on but want to add another face or fingerprint, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode), enter your passcode, then tap "Add Another Face" or "Add Another Fingerprint." Follow the on-screen prompts to scan your face or finger.

To remove a face or fingerprint you've already added, go to the same screen, find the face or fingerprint you want to remove, tap "Edit," then tap "Delete." You must keep at least one face or fingerprint enrolled if Face ID or Touch ID is turned on.

What to do if you forgot your passcode

If you've forgotten your passcode, you cannot change it or unlock your iPhone through Settings. Your only option is to erase your iPhone and set it up again. You can do this through a computer with Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows), or through iCloud.com on another device.

Before you erase, know that all data on your iPhone will be deleted unless you restore from a backup. If you have a recent backup in iCloud or on a computer, you can restore your photos, messages, and apps after you set up your iPhone again. If you don't have a backup, that data is gone.

To erase through iCloud, go to iCloud.com, sign in with your Apple ID, open Find My, select your iPhone, and choose "Erase iPhone." To erase through a computer, connect your iPhone, open Finder (or iTunes), select your device, and click "Restore." Both methods require your Apple ID password after the erase is complete.

Why your iPhone asks for your passcode even with Face ID or Touch ID on

Your iPhone requires your passcode in certain situations for security reasons. You'll be asked for your passcode when you first turn on your iPhone, after it restarts, if you haven't unlocked it in 48 hours, or if you've failed Face ID or Touch ID five times in a row. You'll also need your passcode to change security settings, authorize app downloads, or make payments.

This design means that even if someone has your face or fingerprint, they still can't access your most sensitive data or settings without knowing your passcode. It's a deliberate layer of protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Face ID and Touch ID at the same time?

No. On iPhones that have both options, you can only use one as your primary unlock method. You can have multiple faces or fingerprints enrolled under whichever method you choose, but not both methods active at once.

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

You'll have to erase your iPhone the same way you would if you forgot any passcode. There's no way to recover or reset a forgotten passcode without erasing. Always write down or securely store a new passcode before you rely on it.

Can someone unlock my iPhone with my face if I'm asleep?

Face ID is designed to require your attention — your eyes must be open and looking at the camera. If you're asleep or not looking at the phone, Face ID will not unlock it. You can also turn on "Require Attention for Face ID" in Settings to add an extra layer, though this is on by default.

Is a passcode more secure than Face ID or Touch ID?

A long, random passcode is theoretically harder to crack than a biometric method, but in practice, Face ID and Touch ID are very secure and much faster to use. The best approach is to use Face ID or Touch ID as your primary unlock method and keep your passcode as a backup for situations where biometrics don't work.