How to Change Your Screen Lock on Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android

How to change your screen lock depends on what device you use

Your screen lock is the password, PIN, or biometric (fingerprint or face) that appears when you wake your device. Changing it takes a different path on each operating system, but the process is straightforward once you know where to look. On Windows and Mac, you go through system settings. On iPhone and Android, the path is similar but the menu names differ.

The reason to change your screen lock is simple: you want a code only you know. If someone learns your current lock, changing it cuts off their access immediately. You might also change it if you've been using the same one for years, if you suspect someone watched you enter it, or if you want to switch from a PIN to a fingerprint or face recognition.

Key Takeaways

On Windows 10 or 11, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and choose Password, PIN, or Windows Hello (face or fingerprint).
On Mac, open System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions, then change your password through the Apple ID section.
On iPhone, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode) and tap Change Passcode at the top.
On Android, the path varies by manufacturer, but usually Settings > Security > Screen Lock or Biometrics & Security will have the option.
You will need to enter your current lock code before you can set a new one, so have it ready.

Changing your screen lock on Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then click the Settings app. Go to Accounts on the left side, then click Sign-in options. You will see your current lock method listed under "Signing in to your device".

If you use a password, click Password and then Change. Windows will ask you to enter your current password, then prompt you to create a new one twice. If you use a PIN instead, click PIN and then Change, and follow the same steps with numbers only. To switch to Windows Hello (face or fingerprint recognition), click Windows Hello Face or Windows Hello Fingerprint, depending on what your device supports, and follow the setup wizard.

Changing your screen lock on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select System Settings. Click General on the left sidebar, then scroll down and click Login Items & Extensions. You will see an Apple ID section; click the Details button next to your account name.

Click the lock icon in the bottom left of the window to unlock it (you will need to enter your current password), then click Change Password. Enter your current password, then type your new password twice. If you want to use Touch ID instead of a password, go back to System Settings, click Face ID & Fingerprint, and follow the prompts to set it up.

Changing your screen lock on iPhone

Open Settings and scroll down to Face ID & Passcode (if your phone has Face ID) or Touch ID & Passcode (if it has a fingerprint sensor). You will be asked to enter your current passcode. Once you do, tap Change Passcode at the top of the screen.

Enter your current passcode again, then type your new passcode twice. If you want to switch from a passcode to Face ID or Touch ID only, you can turn off the passcode toggle, though Apple recommends keeping a passcode as a backup. To add a biometric option without removing your passcode, stay in the same menu and tap Add Face ID or Add Fingerprint.

Changing your screen lock on Android

The exact path depends on your phone's manufacturer. On most phones, open Settings and look for Security, Biometrics & Security, or Lock Screen. Tap Screen Lock or Screen Lock Type. You will be asked to enter your current PIN, pattern, or password.

Choose your new lock method from the list: PIN (numbers only), Password (letters and numbers), Pattern (draw a shape on the grid), or Biometric (fingerprint or face recognition if your phone supports it). Follow the prompts to set it up. If you want to use both a PIN and a fingerprint, set the PIN first, then go back into the same menu and add the biometric option separately.

What to do if you forget your current lock code

If you cannot remember your current code, you cannot change it through the normal settings menu — the system will not let you proceed without entering it first. On Windows, you can reset your password by clicking "I forgot my password" on the sign-in screen, which will send a reset link to your email or phone. On Mac, you can use your Apple ID to reset your password if you have one linked to your account.

On iPhone, you will need to erase the device and set it up again using your Apple ID. On Android, the process varies by manufacturer, but you can usually reset your PIN or password through your Google account. In all cases, this is a more involved process than simply changing your lock, so keeping your current code written down somewhere safe (not on your device) is worth the effort.

Why you might want to use biometric locks instead of codes

Fingerprint and face recognition are faster to use than typing a code, and they are harder for someone to guess or steal. However, they work differently: a fingerprint lock still requires a PIN or password as a backup if your finger is wet or dirty, while a face lock can sometimes be fooled by a photo or a twin. Neither is inherently more secure than the other — it depends on your situation.

If you use the same device with family members or in a workplace where people might see you unlock it, a code is often better because it is private. If you live alone and want speed, biometric is convenient. Many devices let you use both at once, so you can unlock with your face or fingerprint most of the time and fall back to your PIN if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use the same type of lock on all my devices?

No. Your phone can use a fingerprint, your laptop can use a password, and your tablet can use a PIN — they do not have to match. However, if you use the same account across devices (like an Apple ID or Google account), changing your account password will affect all of them.

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

You will go through the same reset process as if you forgot any other lock: use your email or phone number to verify your identity and reset it. This is why keeping a backup way to prove who you are (a recovery email, a phone number, or a recovery code) is important.

Can someone change my screen lock if they have physical access to my device?

Not without knowing your current lock code. The system requires you to enter your current lock before you can set a new one. This is why your screen lock is your first line of defense — if someone steals your device, they cannot change the lock without it.

Should I change my screen lock regularly?

There is no hard rule, but changing it once or twice a year is reasonable if you use the same code for a long time. Change it sooner if you think someone may have seen it, if you shared it with someone who no longer needs access, or if you have not changed it in several years.

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.