Change your passcode through Settings on any iPhone

To change your iPhone passcode, 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 and works the same way on all current iPhone models.

Your passcode is the four-digit or six-digit number (or custom alphanumeric code) that unlocks your phone. Changing it regularly is a good security habit, especially if you think someone has seen you enter it or if you haven't changed it in a long time.

Key Takeaways

  • You need your current passcode to change it — if you've forgotten it, you'll have to erase your iPhone and set it up again.
  • New passcodes can be four digits, six digits, or a custom combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • Face ID and Touch ID still work after you change your passcode; they're separate security layers.
  • If you use iCloud Keychain or have a linked Apple ID, you don't need to update passwords stored in your phone.

Step-by-step: Changing your passcode

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your home screen and scroll down until you see Face ID & Passcode (iPhone X and newer) or Touch ID & Passcode (iPhone 8 and earlier).

Step 2: Tap that option. Your phone will ask you to enter your current passcode. Type it in — this confirms you're the owner of the phone.

Step 3: Scroll down and tap Change Passcode. You'll see a field that says "Enter your old passcode." Type your current passcode again.

Step 4: The next screen asks for your new passcode. Type the new code you want to use. If you want to use something other than the default six digits, tap Passcode Options at the top to choose four digits, six digits, or a custom alphanumeric code.

Step 5: Re-enter your new passcode to confirm it. Your phone will show a checkmark when the change is complete.

Choosing a strong passcode

A six-digit passcode is harder to guess than four digits, but a custom alphanumeric code (mixing letters, numbers, and symbols) is the strongest option. If you choose custom, your passcode can be as long as you want — longer codes are more secure but harder to remember.

Avoid passcodes that are easy to guess, like your birth year, a repeating number (1111), or a sequence (1234). Don't use the same passcode you've used before, and don't share it with anyone. If you're worried about remembering a complex code, write it down and store it somewhere safe away from your phone — like a locked drawer or a password manager on your computer.

What happens to Face ID and Touch ID when you change your passcode

Changing your passcode does not affect Face ID or Touch ID. Both of these biometric security features work independently from your passcode. You can still unlock your phone with your face or fingerprint after you change your passcode, and you'll only need to type the new passcode if Face ID or Touch ID fails or if you restart your phone.

If you want to turn off Face ID or Touch ID entirely, you can do that in the same Settings menu — just toggle them off. But most people keep both turned on for convenience while also maintaining a strong passcode as a backup.

If you forget your current passcode

If you can't remember your current passcode, you cannot change it through Settings. Instead, you'll need to erase your iPhone completely and set it up again. You can do this through iCloud.com by signing into your Apple ID, finding your phone in Find My iPhone, and choosing Erase This Device. You can also erase it in person at an Apple Store.

After erasing, you'll set up your iPhone as new or restore it from a backup. During setup, you'll create a new passcode. This is why it's important to remember your passcode or write it down somewhere safe — losing it means losing access to your phone until you go through the full erase and setup process.

Passcode versus passwords stored on your phone

Your passcode is different from the passwords you use for apps, email, and websites. Changing your passcode does not change any of those passwords. If you use iCloud Keychain, your saved passwords stay encrypted and synced across your devices — they don't need to be updated when you change your passcode.

If you want to change a password for a specific app or account, you'll need to go into that app or website and change it there. Your iPhone's passcode is just the security code that unlocks the phone itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use letters and symbols in my passcode?

Yes, if you choose Custom Alphanumeric Code in Passcode Options. You can mix letters, numbers, and symbols like !, @, or #. This creates a much stronger passcode than numbers alone, though it's harder to type quickly on the lock screen.

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

You'll have to erase your iPhone and set it up again. There's no way to recover a forgotten passcode. Write down your new passcode somewhere safe, or use a password manager to store it.

Do I need to change my passcode regularly?

There's no rule that says you must, but changing it every few months is a good security habit. Change it sooner if you think someone saw you enter it or if you've used the same passcode for a long time.

Will changing my passcode affect my Apple ID password?

No. Your passcode unlocks your phone. Your Apple ID password is separate and controls access to your iCloud account, App Store, and other Apple services. They don't affect each other.

Can I set a passcode that's longer than six digits?

Yes, if you choose Custom Alphanumeric Code. You can make it as long as you want, though longer codes take longer to type on the lock screen every time you unlock your phone.