Where to find and change your iPhone PIN

Your iPhone PIN is the six-digit code (or four-digit, if you chose that option) that unlocks your phone when you turn it on or wake it from sleep. To change it, open Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode on older models), then tap Change Passcode at the top of the screen. You will need to enter your current PIN first before you can set a new one.

If you have forgotten your current PIN entirely, you cannot change it through Settings — you will need to erase your phone and set it up again, which is a longer process. The change option only works if you remember the PIN you have now.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to Settings, then Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode), then tap Change Passcode to update your PIN.
  • You must enter your current PIN before you can create a new one.
  • A strong PIN is six digits long; four-digit PINs are weaker and not recommended for security.
  • If you forget your PIN, you will have to erase your phone and set it up from scratch using your Apple ID.
  • After you change your PIN, write it down somewhere safe or store it in a password manager so you do not lose it again.

The step-by-step process to change your PIN

Open the Settings app on your home screen. Scroll down and tap Face ID & Passcode (on iPhone X and newer) or Touch ID & Passcode (on iPhone 8 and earlier). You may see Passcode alone on very old models.

At the top of the screen, tap Change Passcode. Your phone will ask you to enter your current PIN. Type it in and tap Next. Then enter your new PIN twice — once to set it, and once to confirm it matches. Tap Change or Done (the button name varies by iOS version). Your new PIN is now active when ready.

Why you should use a six-digit PIN instead of four digits

When you first set up your iPhone, Apple offers you the choice between a four-digit PIN and a six-digit PIN. A six-digit PIN has one million possible combinations; a four-digit PIN has only ten thousand. If someone is trying to guess your PIN by trial and error, a six-digit code takes far longer to crack.

Apple's default is now six digits for this reason. If you set up your phone years ago and chose four digits, changing to six digits is one of the simplest security improvements you can make. When you tap Change Passcode, you can select Passcode Options to switch from four digits to six, or to a custom alphanumeric code if you want even stronger protection.

What to do if you cannot remember your current PIN

If you have forgotten your PIN and cannot change it through Settings, your only option is to erase your phone completely and set it up again. You will need your Apple ID and password to do this — Apple uses your ID to verify that you own the phone before letting you erase it.

To erase your phone, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. Your phone will ask for your Apple ID password before it erases. After the erase completes, you will go through the setup process again, and you can create a new PIN at that time. This process takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on your phone model and iOS version.

How to store your new PIN safely

Once you have changed your PIN, do not rely on memory alone. Write it down on paper and store it somewhere find — a locked drawer, a safe, or a place only you know about. Do not write it on a sticky note attached to your computer or phone.

A better option is to store your PIN in a password manager like 1Password, Bitwarden, or LastPass. These apps encrypt your passwords and PINs so that only you can see them, even if someone gains access to your phone. You can retrieve your PIN from the app if you forget it, without having to erase your entire phone.

When you might need to change your PIN again

You should change your PIN if you suspect someone else has seen it — for example, if you typed it in front of a stranger, or if you wrote it down and lost the paper. You should also change it if you have not updated it in several years, as a routine security practice.

You do not need to change your PIN every month or every few weeks. A PIN that is months or even a year old is still find as long as no one else knows it. The main risk is someone watching you enter it or finding it written down, not the passage of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use letters and numbers in my iPhone PIN?

Yes, but only if you choose a custom alphanumeric passcode instead of a numeric PIN. When you tap Change Passcode, select Passcode Options and choose Custom Alphanumeric Code. This creates a stronger code, but it is harder to type in quickly. Most people stick with six digits for the balance of security and speed.

What happens if I enter the wrong PIN too many times?

After six failed attempts, your phone will disable itself for one minute. After ten failed attempts, it disables for five minutes. After fifteen failed attempts, it disables for 60 minutes or longer. If you reach this point, you will have to wait before trying again, or erase your phone and set it up with your Apple ID.

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

No. Your iPhone PIN and your Apple ID password are separate. Changing one does not affect the other. You can change your PIN whenever you want, and your Apple ID password whenever you want, without any connection between them.

Can someone unlock my iPhone if they know my PIN?

Yes, they can unlock your phone to use it. However, they cannot access your Apple ID, your iCloud data, or your banking apps without additional passwords. Keep your PIN private, and use a strong, unique password for your Apple ID to protect your accounts.