Change your passcode through Settings on your 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 current passcode again, then create a new one. The whole process takes about two minutes.

Your passcode is the numeric code that unlocks your phone when Face ID or Touch ID doesn't work. Changing it regularly, or whenever you think someone else knows it, keeps your phone secure. You can use a four-digit, six-digit, or custom-length passcode — longer is more secure, but harder to type every time.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, find Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode), and tap Change Passcode to start the process.
  • You must enter your current passcode before you can create a new one, so have it ready.
  • iPhone will suggest a six-digit passcode by default, but you can choose four digits or a custom combination of letters and numbers.
  • If you forget your new passcode immediately after creating it, you can change it again right away without waiting.
  • If you forget your passcode and can't remember it later, you'll need to erase your iPhone and set it up again from a backup.

Step-by-step: changing your passcode

Start by opening the Settings app on your home screen — it's the gray icon with gears. Scroll down and tap Face ID & Passcode if you have a newer iPhone with face recognition, or Touch ID & Passcode if you have an older model with a fingerprint sensor. If you have a very old iPhone without either, look for Passcode instead.

When you tap, your phone will ask you to enter your current passcode. Type it in. This step confirms you own the phone and have permission to change the security settings. Once you enter it correctly, the menu expands and you'll see the option Change Passcode near the top.

Tap Change Passcode. Your phone asks for your current passcode one more time — enter it again. Then you'll see a screen asking you to enter your new passcode. Type the code you want to use. Your phone will ask you to enter it a second time to confirm you didn't make a typo. Once you confirm, the change is complete.

Choosing between four-digit, six-digit, and custom passcodes

When you create a new passcode, iPhone offers you three options. A four-digit passcode is the shortest — just four numbers like 1234. It's fast to type but easier for someone to guess. A six-digit passcode adds two more numbers and is the default option iPhone suggests. A custom passcode can be any length and can include letters and numbers, like Summer2024Blue.

If you want something other than six digits, tap Passcode Options at the bottom of the screen before you enter your new code. You'll see the three choices. Pick the one you want, then create your passcode. Custom passcodes are the most secure but take longer to type. Most people find six digits a good balance — it's secure enough for daily use and not too slow to enter.

What to do if you forget your new passcode right away

If you just changed your passcode and immediately forgot what you typed, you can change it again without any penalty. Go back to Settings, Face ID & Passcode, and tap Change Passcode. Enter the new passcode you just created (the one you're trying to remember), and if you get it wrong, you'll see an error. You get multiple attempts before the phone locks you out, so try a few times.

If you're certain you can't remember it and you've tried several times, you have one option: erase your iPhone and set it up again. This is a last resort because it wipes everything on your phone unless you have a backup. Before you do this, make sure you have a recent backup in iCloud or on a computer. Then go to Settings, General, iPhone Storage, and look for the option to erase all content and settings.

If you forget your passcode later and can't get back in

If you forget your passcode after you've left the Settings screen, you won't be able to open Settings to change it. Instead, you'll need to erase your iPhone using a computer or iCloud. On a Mac or Windows PC, connect your iPhone with a cable and open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows). Look for the Restore option and follow the steps to erase and restore your phone from a backup.

If you don't have a computer nearby, you can erase your iPhone through iCloud.com. Go to iCloud.com, sign in with your Apple ID, find Find My iPhone, select your phone, and choose Erase iPhone. This wipes your phone remotely, and you can set it up again when you have access to it. After erasing, you'll restore from your most recent backup so you don't lose your photos, messages, and apps.

Why you might want to change your passcode regularly

Changing your passcode every few months is a good security habit, especially if you think anyone else has seen you type it. If you've used the same passcode for years, or if you share it with family members who no longer need access, changing it keeps your phone more secure. A new passcode means old recordings or guesses won't work anymore.

You should also change your passcode immediately if you suspect someone knows it — after a breakup, after a friend moves out, or after you've typed it in front of someone you don't fully trust. There's no downside to changing it frequently, and it takes only a couple of minutes. Your phone doesn't notify anyone when you change your passcode, so the change is silent and private.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use letters and numbers in my passcode?

Yes, but only if you choose Custom Passcode. When you tap Passcode Options before entering your new code, select Custom Passcode, and then you can type any combination of numbers, letters, and symbols. Standard four-digit and six-digit passcodes are numbers only.

What happens if I enter my passcode wrong multiple times?

After several wrong attempts, your iPhone will lock you out for a few seconds, then a few minutes, then longer. Eventually it will ask you to try again in an hour. This is designed to stop someone from guessing your passcode by trying many combinations quickly. If it's your own phone, just wait and try again.

Do I need to change my passcode if I change my Apple ID password?

No, your iPhone passcode and your Apple ID password are separate. Changing one doesn't affect the other. Your passcode unlocks your phone; your Apple ID password protects your account and data in iCloud. You can change them independently whenever you want.

Will changing my passcode delete anything on my phone?

No. Changing your passcode only changes the code you use to unlock your phone. All your photos, messages, apps, and settings stay exactly as they are. The only time data is affected is if you forget your passcode and have to erase your phone to regain access.

Can I set a passcode with no numbers, just letters?

If you choose Custom Passcode, you can use letters only, but it's not recommended. A passcode with only letters is less secure than one with numbers and letters mixed together. iPhone allows it, but most security experts suggest using at least some numbers in your custom passcode.