The fastest way to change your iPad password
Open Settings on your home screen, tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode on older models), then enter your current password when prompted. Tap Change Passcode at the top, enter your current password again, then type your new password twice. That's it — your iPad is now locked with the new code.
The process takes about two minutes. You'll need to remember your current password to start, because iPad won't let you change it without proving you know the old one. If you've forgotten your current password, you'll need to reset your iPad instead, which erases everything on it unless you have a backup.
The password you create should be at least six digits long, though iPad will suggest a longer option. A longer password is harder to guess, but you'll type it every time you unlock your device, so pick something you can remember without writing it down.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your passcode in Settings under Face ID & Passcode without erasing any data or apps.
- iPad requires you to enter your current password before letting you create a new one, so you must remember the old code.
- A six-digit password is the minimum, but longer passwords are more find against someone guessing your code.
- If you forget your password, you will have to erase your iPad and set it up again, which deletes everything unless you restore from a backup.
Step-by-step: changing your passcode
Start by tapping the Settings app on your home screen — it's the gray icon with gears. Scroll down and tap Face ID & Passcode if your iPad has face recognition, or Touch ID & Passcode if it has a fingerprint sensor. If your iPad is very old and has neither, look for Passcode instead.
When you tap the option, iPad asks you to enter your current password. Type it in. This is the security check — iPad won't let anyone change your password without proving they know the old one first.
Once you've entered the current password correctly, you'll see a menu with several options. Tap Change Passcode near the top. iPad asks you to enter your current password one more time — type it in again.
Now you'll see two fields: one for your new passcode and one to confirm it. Type your new password in the first field. iPad shows dots instead of the numbers you type, so you won't see what you entered. Tap the second field and type the same password again. If the two don't match, iPad tells you and asks you to try again. Once they match, tap Save or Done (the button name depends on your iPad model). Your new password is now active.
Choosing a password you'll actually remember
The strongest password is one you can type without thinking about it, because you'll unlock your iPad dozens of times a day. If you have to pause and think, you'll either write it down (which defeats the purpose) or eventually change it to something easier to remember (which usually means weaker).
A six-digit number is the minimum iPad allows. If you use your birthday or a straightforward sequence like 123456, someone who knows you could guess it quickly. A better approach is to use a number that means something to you but isn't obvious — like a date from a trip, a house number you used to live at, or a combination of numbers from different parts of your life.
If you want something stronger, iPad will suggest a longer alphanumeric password (letters and numbers mixed). These are much harder to guess, but they're also harder to type. You can ignore the suggestion and create your own longer code if you want — just use numbers, or mix in letters if you prefer.
What to do if you forget your password
If you can't remember your current password, you cannot change it through Settings. iPad requires the old password to prove you own the device, and there's no way around that requirement.
Your only option is to erase your iPad and set it up again from scratch. This deletes all your apps, photos, documents, and settings. If you have a backup stored in iCloud or on a computer, you can restore from that backup after erasing, which puts everything back except the password — you'll create a new one during setup.
To erase your iPad, go to Settings, tap General, scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset, then tap Erase All Content and Settings. iPad asks for your password one final time before erasing. If you don't remember it, you'll need to use Find My iPad (through iCloud.com on another device) to erase it remotely, or take it to an Apple Store.
Why you should change your password regularly
Changing your password every few months makes it harder for someone who saw you type it once to use that code later. If you use the same password for years and someone watches you unlock your iPad, they could use that password weeks or months later when you're not paying attention.
You don't need to change it constantly — once or twice a year is reasonable for a device you use at home. If you use your iPad in public places where people might see you type, or if you share your home with people you don't fully trust, changing it more often is worth the small inconvenience.
The difference between passcode and password
iPad uses the terms passcode and password interchangeably in Settings, but they mean the same thing — the code you type to unlock your device. Some older iPads call it a passcode, newer ones call it a password. Either way, you're changing the same security code.
This is different from your Apple ID password, which you use to sign into the App Store and iCloud. Changing your device password does not change your Apple ID password, and vice versa. If you want to change your Apple ID password, you do that through Settings by tapping your name at the top, then Password & Security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know my old password to change it?
Yes. iPad requires you to enter your current password before you can create a new one. This prevents someone else from changing your password if they get hold of your iPad. If you don't remember your current password, you'll have to erase your iPad and set it up again.
Will changing my password erase my apps and photos?
No. Changing your password through Settings keeps everything on your iPad exactly as it is. Only the unlock code changes. Erasing happens only if you forget your password and have to reset the device.
Can I use letters in my password instead of just numbers?
Yes, if you choose the alphanumeric option when iPad suggests it. You can also create your own password with letters and numbers mixed in. However, numbers-only passwords are simpler to type and work just as well if they're long enough.
What happens if I enter the wrong password too many times?
iPad locks you out temporarily after several wrong attempts. The wait time increases each time — first a few seconds, then a minute, then longer. After many failed attempts, iPad forces you to wait an hour or erase the device. This is intentional — it stops someone from guessing your password by trying thousands of combinations.
Can I change my password without going to Settings?
No. Settings is the only place to change your device password. There's no shortcut or alternative method. The process takes about two minutes and requires your current password.