Use a passcode with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Learn how to set, use, and change a passcode on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

Set a passcode on your device to help protect your data. If your device supports Touch ID, you can often use your fingerprint instead of your passcode. If your device supports Face ID, you can use face recognition instead of your passcode. Your device will require your passcode when you do the following:

  • Turn on or restart your device

  • Press the Home button or swipe up to unlock your device (you can change this)

  • Update your software

  • Erase your device

  • View or change passcode settings

  • Install iOS or iPadOS Configuration profiles

Set up a passcode

Change your settings

Set up a passcode

  1. On iPhone X and later, or iPad with Face ID, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode. On earlier iPhone models, go to Touch ID & Passcode. On devices without Touch ID, go to Settings > Passcode.

  2. Tap Turn Passcode On.

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  3. Enter a six-digit passcode. Or tap Passcode Options to switch to a four-digit numeric code, a custom numeric code, or a custom alphanumeric code.

  4. Enter your passcode again to confirm it and activate it.

Change your passcode or passcode settings

On iPhone X and later, or iPad with Face ID, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode. On earlier iPhone models, go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode. On devices without Touch ID, go to Settings > Passcode.

You'll find several settings and options:

  • Turn Passcode Off: Tap this option to turn off your passcode.

  • Change Passcode: Enter a new six-digit passcode. Or tap Passcode Options to switch to a four-digit numeric code, a custom numeric code, or a custom alphanumeric code.

  • Require Passcode: As soon as you lock your screen, the default for this setting will ask you to enter your passcode to unlock. If you don't want an immediate passcode requirement, change this setting. (For your own security, if you use Touch ID or Apple Pay, you can't change the immediate passcode requirement).

  • Allow Access When Locked: Use this option to allow access to some features when your device is locked, including Today View, Notification Center, Control Center on iPhone and iPod touch or iPad, Siri, Reply with Message, Home Control, Wallet, Return Missed Calls, and USB accessories.

  • Erase Data: Choose whether to erase your device automatically after ten failed passcode attempts. If you don’t enable this option, your device will need to be restored on a computer after ten failed attempts.

  • Expire Previous Passcode Now (iOS 17 and later): If you forget your new passcode in the first 72 hours after you changed passcodes, your previous passcode can be used once to access your device and reset your passcode. Use this to turn off the feature before 72 hours passes.

Learn what to do if you want to change your Apple Account password instead

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