How to Change Your Password on iPad: Apple ID, Screen Passcode & More

Changing a password on an iPad sounds simple — until you realize there are actually several different "passwords" your iPad uses, and each one lives in a different place. Whether you're updating your Apple ID password, changing your screen passcode, or adjusting a Wi-Fi or app password, the process varies depending on what you're trying to change and which version of iPadOS you're running.

Here's a clear breakdown of each type and how to handle it.

The Three Main Password Types on an iPad

Before diving into steps, it helps to understand what you're actually changing:

Each one is independent. Changing your Apple ID password won't change your screen passcode, and vice versa.

How to Change Your iPad Screen Passcode 🔒

Your screen passcode is the PIN or alphanumeric code that unlocks your iPad. This is separate from your Apple ID.

Steps:

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode, depending on your iPad model)
3. Enter your current passcode when prompted
4. Scroll down and tap Change Passcode
5. Enter your current passcode again, then enter and confirm your new one

Passcode options available:

• 6-digit numeric code (default)
• 4-digit numeric code
• Custom numeric code
• Custom alphanumeric code (strongest option)

You can choose between these during the change process by tapping Passcode Options on the entry screen.

If you've forgotten your screen passcode, you cannot bypass it from within Settings. You'll need to erase the device via Recovery Mode using a Mac or PC, or through Find My if the iPad is linked to your Apple ID.

How to Change Your Apple ID Password

Your Apple ID password controls access to iCloud, the App Store, FaceTime, iMessage, and all Apple services. This is a higher-stakes password and Apple enforces stricter rules around it.

From your iPad:

1. Open Settings
2. Tap your name at the top (your Apple ID profile)
3. Tap Sign-In & Security (on iPadOS 16 and later) or Password & Security (on earlier versions)
4. Tap Change Password
5. You may be asked to enter your screen passcode first
6. Enter your current password, then your new one (twice to confirm)

Apple requires your new password to be at least 8 characters, include a number, an uppercase letter, and a lowercase letter.

If you've forgotten your Apple ID password:

• Tap Forgot Password at the Apple ID sign-in screen
• You can reset via trusted phone number, trusted device, or through iforgot.apple.com
• Apple's Account Recovery process may apply if two-factor authentication is enabled and you don't have access to your trusted devices or number

How to View or Update Passwords Saved on Your iPad

If you're looking to change a password stored by Safari or an app — like your email, banking, or social media login — those are managed through iCloud Keychain.

To access saved passwords:

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Passwords (you'll need Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode to proceed)
3. Search for the app or site
4. Tap the entry to view or edit the saved username and password

Note: Changing the password here only updates what's saved on your device. You still need to go to the actual website or app and change the password there first — then return to update or confirm the saved entry in Keychain.

iPadOS will sometimes flag compromised, reused, or weak passwords with a security recommendation badge. These are worth reviewing periodically. 🔐

iPadOS Version Matters

The exact menu names and layout can differ between iPadOS versions:

• iPadOS 16 and later: Uses "Sign-In & Security" under Apple ID settings
• iPadOS 15 and earlier: Uses "Password & Security" in the same location
• iPadOS 14 and earlier: Keychain passwords are under Settings > Passwords & Accounts > Website & App Passwords

If your menus look slightly different from what's described here, your iPadOS version is likely the reason. You can check your version under Settings > General > About.

Factors That Affect the Process

Several variables shape exactly how straightforward a password change will be on any given iPad:

• Whether you remember the current password — forgetting it triggers a recovery process that can range from quick to time-consuming
• Whether two-factor authentication is active on your Apple ID — most accounts now require it, and it adds a verification step
• Your iPad model — Face ID iPads vs. Touch ID iPads have slightly different passcode menu labels
• Whether the iPad is managed — school or workplace iPads with Mobile Device Management (MDM) profiles may restrict passcode changes or require IT department involvement
• Account recovery options on file — if your Apple ID recovery contacts or phone number are outdated, resetting a forgotten password becomes significantly more complicated

What "Changing Your Password" Actually Means for Your iPad

Most people searching this question are dealing with one of a few distinct situations: a routine security update, a forgotten passcode, a compromised account, or a device they're handing off to someone else. Each of those scenarios leads to a different starting point, a different set of steps, and potentially a different level of urgency.

The technical steps above cover the mechanics — but which path applies, and how smooth it goes, depends entirely on where you're starting from and what your account recovery setup looks like.