How to Change Your iPhone Password in Settings

Change your iPhone password through Settings

Your iPhone password — also called a passcode — is the code you enter when you unlock your phone. To change it, 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 process takes about two minutes. Your new passcode takes effect immediately, and you'll need it the next time you unlock your phone. If you forget your new passcode after changing it, you'll need to erase your iPhone and set it up again — there's no recovery option — so write it down or store it somewhere safe before you finish.

Key Takeaways

Open Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode), and select Change Passcode to start the process.
You must enter your current passcode twice — once to access the settings, once to confirm the old code before creating a new one.
Your new passcode can be a 4-digit code, a 6-digit code, or a custom combination of numbers and letters, depending on what you choose during setup.
If you forget your new passcode after changing it, the only way to regain access is to erase your iPhone completely and set it up from scratch.
Your passcode protects access to your phone, your Apple ID, and payment methods stored in Wallet, so keep it private and memorable.

Step-by-step: changing your passcode

Start by opening the Settings app — the gray gear icon on your home screen. Scroll down and tap Face ID & Passcode if your phone uses face recognition, or Touch ID & Passcode if it uses a fingerprint. If you have an older iPhone with neither, look for Passcode instead.

When you tap, your phone will ask you to enter your current passcode. Type it in. Once you're in, you'll see a list of options. Look for Change Passcode near the top and tap it. Your phone will ask for your current passcode one more time — this is a security step to make sure you're really the owner. Enter it again.

Now you'll see the screen to create your new passcode. By default, your phone will offer a 6-digit numeric code. Type six numbers, then tap Next. Type the same six numbers again to confirm. If you want a different type of passcode — a 4-digit code or a mix of letters and numbers — tap Passcode Options before you enter your new code and choose what you prefer.

Once you confirm your new passcode, you're done. Your phone will return to the main Settings screen. The next time you lock and unlock your phone, you'll use the new passcode.

What to do if you forget your current passcode

If you don't remember your current passcode, you cannot change it through Settings — the phone won't let you in. Your only option is to erase your iPhone and set it up again. This deletes everything on the phone unless you have a backup stored in iCloud or on a computer.

To erase your phone, go to Settings, tap General, scroll to the bottom, and tap Transfer or Reset. Choose Erase All Content and Settings. Your phone will ask for your Apple ID password to confirm — this is a security feature to prevent theft. Once you enter it, the phone erases and restarts. You can then set it up as new or restore from a backup.

This is why it's important to remember your passcode before you change it. If you're worried you might forget a new one, write it down and store it somewhere safe — not on your phone, and not in a note on your phone.

Choosing a passcode you can actually remember

A strong passcode is one you can remember without writing it down, but one that isn't obvious to someone who knows you. Avoid birthdays, anniversaries, or sequences like 123456. A mix of numbers in a random order — like 482917 — is both strong and memorable if you repeat it a few times.

If you want to use letters and numbers together, tap Passcode Options before you create your code and choose Custom Alphanumeric Code. This lets you mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numbers. A code like "Blue7Desk2" is harder to guess than a number-only code, but also harder to type quickly when you're unlocking your phone.

Consider what you'll be typing dozens of times a day. A 4-digit code is faster to enter but less secure. A 6-digit code is the default and strikes a reasonable balance. An alphanumeric code is most secure but slowest to type. Choose based on how much security you need and how often you unlock your phone.

Passcodes versus Face ID and Touch ID

Your passcode is a backup to Face ID or Touch ID. If your face or fingerprint won't unlock your phone — because you're wearing a mask, your hands are wet, or the sensor isn't working — you can enter your passcode instead. Your passcode also unlocks your phone if Face ID or Touch ID is turned off or if you've restarted your phone.

Changing your passcode does not affect Face ID or Touch ID. They continue to work the same way. If you want to turn off Face ID or Touch ID and use only your passcode, you can do that in the same Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode settings — just toggle them off. But you'll always need a passcode as a backup.

What happens to your data when you change your passcode

Changing your passcode does not affect any of your photos, messages, apps, or other data on your phone. It only changes the code you use to unlock it. Your Apple ID password, your email, and your payment methods in Wallet remain the same. Nothing is deleted or reset.

If you change your passcode and then forget it, that's when data loss happens — because the only way to regain access is to erase the phone. But the act of changing the passcode itself is safe and doesn't touch your files.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my passcode without knowing my current one?

No. If you don't remember your current passcode, you cannot access the change passcode screen. You'll need to erase your iPhone and set it up again, which deletes everything unless you restore from a backup. This is a security feature to prevent someone else from changing your passcode without your permission.

What's the difference between my passcode and my Apple ID password?

Your passcode unlocks your phone. Your Apple ID password unlocks your Apple account and controls access to iCloud, the App Store, and your payment methods. They are separate. Changing one does not change the other. You can change your Apple ID password in Settings under your name at the top, then Password & Security.

Will changing my passcode lock me out of my apps?

No. Your passcode only unlocks your phone. Your apps will continue to work normally. Some apps have their own passwords or use Face ID and Touch ID separately, but changing your phone's passcode won't affect them.

Can I use the same passcode on multiple iPhones?

Yes, you can use the same passcode on multiple iPhones if you own them. Each phone's passcode is independent — changing it on one phone doesn't change it on another. But using the same code on multiple devices means if someone learns one code, they can unlock all your phones.

What should I do if someone else knows my passcode?

Change it immediately using the steps above. If you're concerned someone may have accessed your phone, also check your Apple ID settings for any changes to your password, recovery email, or trusted devices. You can do this in Settings under your name, then Password & Security.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.