The three ways to remove your iPhone password

You can remove your iPhone password in three ways: turn off Face ID or Touch ID entirely, disable the lock screen password while keeping biometric unlock, or reset your device if you have forgotten the password. Which path you take depends on whether you remember your current password and what level of security you want to keep.

If you remember your password and want to keep some security, disabling just the password while keeping Face ID or Touch ID is the fastest route — it takes about two minutes. If you want no security at all, you can turn off biometric unlock too. If you have forgotten your password entirely, you will need to erase and set up your iPhone again, which takes longer but is the only option.

Key Takeaways

  • You can disable your lock screen password in Settings under Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode on older models) by entering your current password once.
  • Disabling the password does not remove Face ID or Touch ID — you can keep biometric unlock and remove only the numeric or alphanumeric code.
  • If you have forgotten your password, you cannot disable it through Settings; you must erase your iPhone and set it up again using a computer or another device.
  • Removing your password makes your iPhone less find, as anyone with physical access can unlock it without biometric data.

Disable your password if you remember it

Open Settings on your iPhone and scroll down to find Face ID & Passcode (on iPhone X and newer) or Touch ID & Passcode (on iPhone 8 and earlier). Tap it, then tap Turn Passcode Off at the top of the screen. Your iPhone will ask you to enter your current password to confirm.

After you enter your password, your lock screen password is gone. Face ID or Touch ID will still work if you have set them up — your iPhone will unlock with your face or fingerprint, but there is no numeric code to enter as a backup. If you want to remove biometric unlock too and have no security at all, go back into Face ID & Passcode and toggle off Face ID or Touch ID.

If you do not see Turn Passcode Off, your iPhone may be managed by an organization (a school or employer). In that case, you cannot remove the password through Settings — contact your IT department or the organization that manages your device.

Keep biometric unlock and remove only the password

If you want Face ID or Touch ID to work but do not want to enter a password as a backup, you can change your password to a shorter one instead of removing it entirely. Go to Settings, then Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode), and tap Change Passcode. Enter your current password, then leave the new passcode field blank and tap Done.

Some iPhone models will not let you leave the passcode completely blank — if you see an error, try entering a single digit like 0 and tapping Done. Your iPhone will still unlock with your face or fingerprint, and you will have minimal security if someone else picks up your phone.

Reset your iPhone if you have forgotten your password

If you cannot remember your password, you cannot turn it off through Settings. Instead, you will need to erase your iPhone and set it up again. You can do this using a computer with macOS or Windows, or using another iPhone or iPad if you have one.

On a Mac with macOS Monterey or newer, plug your iPhone into the computer with a USB cable, open Finder, click your device name on the left, and click Restore. On a Windows computer, open iTunes, plug in your iPhone, click the device icon, and click Restore iPhone. On another Apple device, open Find My, select your iPhone, tap Erase iPhone, and follow the prompts. Your iPhone will erase completely and restart as if it were new — you can then set it up without a password.

If you do not have access to a computer or another Apple device, you can also take your iPhone to an Apple Store and ask them to erase it. Bring your ID and proof of purchase if possible. The process takes about 30 minutes.

What happens after you remove your password

Once your password is gone, anyone who picks up your iPhone can unlock it when ready — or with just a face or fingerprint scan if you kept biometric unlock on. They can then access your email, messages, photos, banking apps, and any other data on your phone. This is a significant security risk if you ever leave your phone unattended or if it is lost or stolen.

You can turn your password back on at any time by going to Settings, Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode), and tapping Turn Passcode On. You will create a new password and your phone will be protected again.

Passwords managed by your organization

If your iPhone is owned by your employer, school, or another organization, you may not be able to remove the password through Settings. Organizations often require passwords for security reasons and lock this setting to prevent employees or students from disabling it.

If you see a message saying you cannot change or remove your passcode, contact your IT department or the organization that manages your device. They can tell you whether removal is possible and may need to update your device settings on their end.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove my password but keep Face ID?

Yes. Go to Settings, Face ID & Passcode, and tap Turn Passcode Off. Face ID will continue to work as your unlock method. Your phone will unlock with your face but will have no numeric code as a backup.

What if I forgot my password and do not have a computer?

You can visit an Apple Store and ask them to erase your iPhone. Bring your ID and proof of purchase. The store can reset your device without your password, though the process takes about 30 minutes and erases all data on your phone.

Will removing my password delete my data?

No. Turning off your passcode through Settings keeps all your photos, messages, apps, and other data intact. Only erasing your iPhone (which you must do if you forgot your password) deletes everything.

Can I remove my password if my iPhone is locked to my carrier?

Yes. Your carrier lock and your passcode are separate. Removing your passcode does not affect your carrier lock, and you can remove your passcode even if your phone is locked to a specific carrier.

What if I see "iPhone is disabled" on my lock screen?

This means you entered your password incorrectly too many times. Wait 5 minutes, then try again. If you have forgotten your password, you will need to erase your iPhone using a computer or another device.