Change your iPad password through Settings

To change your iPad password, 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.

Your passcode is the six-digit (or longer) code you use to unlock your iPad. This is different from your Apple ID password, which you use to sign into the App Store and iCloud. If you've forgotten your current passcode, you'll need to erase your iPad and set it up again — there's no way to recover a forgotten passcode without losing your data.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode, and select Change Passcode to update the code you use to unlock your iPad.
  • You must know your current passcode before you can create a new one — if you've forgotten it, you'll have to erase your iPad.
  • A passcode is not the same as your Apple ID password; changing one does not affect the other.
  • Make your new passcode at least six digits long, and avoid obvious patterns like 123456 or your birth year.

Step-by-step: changing your passcode

Start by opening the Settings app on your home screen. Scroll down and tap Face ID & Passcode if your iPad has Face ID, or Touch ID & Passcode if it uses a fingerprint sensor. On very old iPads without either, look for Passcode instead.

When prompted, enter your current six-digit passcode. Then tap Change Passcode at the top of the screen. You'll be asked to enter your current passcode one more time to confirm you're the owner. After that, tap the field labeled New Passcode and type in a code you haven't used before. Confirm it by typing it again in the next field, and you're done.

What to do if you've forgotten your current passcode

If you don't remember your passcode, you cannot change it — you'll have to erase your iPad completely and set it up from scratch. This is by design: Apple locks you out to prevent someone else from accessing your device if they steal it.

To erase your iPad, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. You'll be asked to enter your Apple ID password to confirm. After the erase completes, your iPad will restart and walk you through setup. You can then create a new passcode. If you have a backup in iCloud, you can restore your apps and data after setup is complete.

Passcode versus Apple ID password

Your passcode is the code that unlocks your physical iPad — the one you enter on the lock screen. Your Apple ID password is what you use to sign into the App Store, iCloud, and other Apple services. They are completely separate. Changing your passcode does not change your Apple ID password, and vice versa.

If you need to change your Apple ID password instead, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security > Change Password. You'll need to know your current Apple ID password to create a new one.

Tips for a strong passcode

A six-digit passcode is the minimum, but you can make yours longer for more security. To use a longer code, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode, tap Passcode Options, and choose Custom Alphanumeric Code to use letters and numbers, or Custom Numeric Code to use more than six digits.

Avoid patterns that are easy to guess: your birth year, 123456, repeating digits like 111111, or sequences that follow the keypad layout. The harder your passcode is to predict, the longer it would take someone to break in if they had physical access to your iPad.

What happens after you change your passcode

Once you've created your new passcode, it takes effect immediately. You'll use it the next time you unlock your iPad or when you try to change settings that require authentication. Your old passcode will no longer work.

If you use iCloud Keychain to store passwords, your new passcode is not automatically saved there — you'll need to remember it or write it down somewhere safe. If you forget it again, you'll have to erase your iPad once more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my passcode without knowing the old one?

No. If you don't know your current passcode, you'll have to erase your iPad through Settings and set it up again. This is a security feature to prevent unauthorized access.

Will changing my passcode affect my apps or data?

No. Changing your passcode only changes the code you use to unlock your iPad. Your apps, photos, messages, and all other data remain exactly as they are.

What's the difference between a passcode and Face ID?

Face ID is a way to unlock your iPad using your face instead of typing a code. You still need a passcode as a backup — if Face ID fails or you're wearing a mask, you'll enter your passcode instead. Both protect the same device.

Can I use the same passcode on multiple devices?

Yes, but it's not recommended. Each device has its own passcode setting, so you can use the same code on your iPad and iPhone if you want. However, using different codes on different devices is more secure.

How often should I change my passcode?

There's no set rule. Change it if you think someone knows it, if you've used the same code for several years, or if you're concerned about security. For most people, changing it once a year is reasonable.