Changing your iPhone passcode takes only a minute, but it is worth choosing a code that other people cannot easily guess. The passcode protects access to the phone and remains important even when you normally unlock with Face ID or Touch ID.
Change the iPhone passcode
- Open Settings.
- Tap Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode.
- Enter your current passcode.
- Scroll down and tap Change Passcode.
- Enter the current passcode again if requested.
- Enter the new passcode, then enter it a second time to confirm.
Your new passcode takes effect immediately. The next time the iPhone requires a passcode, use the new one.
Choose a different type of passcode
On the screen where you enter a new code, tap Passcode Options if you want something other than the default numeric format. Depending on the iPhone and iOS version, you can choose a custom alphanumeric code, a custom numeric code, or another available numeric format.
A longer, less predictable passcode is generally harder to guess. Avoid codes based on addresses, birthdays, phone numbers, or simple sequences.
What if you do not know the current passcode?
You normally need the existing passcode to change it from Settings. If you have forgotten it, repeatedly guessing is not a good solution because the iPhone can impose longer delays after failed attempts.
Use Apple’s official forgotten-passcode recovery process instead. Depending on the device and software version, that can involve resetting the iPhone and then restoring your data from a backup. If you recently changed the passcode, some versions of iOS may provide a limited recovery option involving the previous passcode.
Review Lock Screen access while you are here
The passcode settings also control which features are available while the phone is locked. Review options such as Control Center, accessories, notification-related features, and other Lock Screen access based on your privacy needs.
Disabling a Lock Screen feature does not remove it from the iPhone. It simply requires the device to be unlocked before that feature can be used.
A work or school management profile can enforce passcode rules. Screen Time or other restrictions can also affect settings. If this is a managed iPhone, your organization may require a particular passcode length or complexity.
When should you change your passcode?
Change it if someone else learned it, you entered it where another person could clearly see it, or you have been reusing a predictable code for a long time. A passcode change is also sensible after a device has been outside your control and you are unsure who may have handled it.
Remember the new code before relying on Face ID
Face ID and Touch ID can make it easy to go days without typing the passcode, but iOS still requires the code after certain restarts, security events, and periods of time. After changing it, make sure you can reliably recall the new code rather than depending entirely on biometric unlocking.
Matthew Roberts created this site to help his friends and family with questions that they might have about how to change the settings on their iPhones. It now serves as an archive of iPhone how-to guides to help anyone that stumbles upon this website.