Where to find the password or PIN settings on your phone

The location of password and PIN settings depends on whether you have an iPhone or Android phone, and which version you're running. Both types let you change the code that unlocks your device, but the path to that setting is different.

On an iPhone, open the Settings app and tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode on older models). You'll see a field that says "Change Passcode" near the top. On an Android phone, open Settings, then look for Security or Security and Privacy — the exact name varies by manufacturer. Tap Screen Lock, PIN, or Passcode, depending on what your phone calls it. If you can't find it, search for "passcode" or "PIN" in your phone's Settings search bar.

Before you start, know that you'll need to enter your current password or PIN first. If you've forgotten it, you'll have to reset your phone entirely, which erases everything on it. That's why changing it while you still remember it is much simpler.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhone passwords are called passcodes and live in Settings under Face ID & Passcode; Android PINs are usually under Settings > Security > Screen Lock.
  • You must enter your current password or PIN before the system will let you create a new one.
  • A strong password uses at least six characters and mixes numbers, letters, and symbols rather than birthdays or sequential numbers.
  • If you forget your new password after changing it, you will have to erase your phone and set it up again from scratch.
  • Changing your phone password does not affect passwords for apps, email accounts, or online services — those stay the same.

Steps to change your password on iPhone

Open the Settings app and tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode if your phone is older). The system will ask you to enter your current passcode. Type it in.

Once you're in, scroll down and tap "Change Passcode." The phone will ask for your current passcode one more time — enter it again. Then you'll see a field labeled "Enter New Passcode." Type the new code you want to use. The phone will ask you to enter it a second time to confirm you didn't make a typo. After you confirm, the change takes effect when ready. The next time you unlock your phone, you'll use the new passcode.

If you want to switch from a numeric PIN to a longer alphanumeric password (one that includes letters and numbers), tap "Passcode Options" before you enter your new code. Choose "Custom Alphanumeric Code" instead of the default numeric option. This makes your phone harder to unlock by guessing.

Steps to change your password on Android

Open Settings and look for Security, Security and Privacy, or Lock Screen — the name depends on your phone's manufacturer and version. Once you find it, tap Screen Lock, PIN, or Passcode. The system will ask you to enter your current PIN or password. Type it in.

After you enter your current code, you'll see an option to change it. Tap that option. The phone will ask you to enter your new PIN or password. Type it in, then enter it again to confirm. Some Android phones let you choose whether to use numbers only or a mix of numbers and letters. If that option appears, choose the alphanumeric version for stronger security. After you confirm, the change is complete.

If you can't find the setting, try searching within Settings. Most Android phones have a search bar at the top of the Settings app. Type "passcode" or "PIN" and the phone will show you the right screen.

What makes a strong phone password

A strong password is one that's hard for someone else to guess but straightforward for you to remember. Avoid using your birthday, your child's name, sequential numbers like 1234, or any number that appears on your ID. These are the first things someone will try if they get your phone.

Instead, use at least six characters and mix numbers, letters, and symbols. An example might be "Blue$Lamp7" or "Garden42@Night." If your phone lets you use letters, that's better than numbers alone because there are more possible combinations. Write your new password down and store it somewhere safe — not on a sticky note on your desk, but in a locked drawer or a password manager app.

If you use the same password for your phone and other accounts, change those other passwords too. Your phone password should be unique to your phone.

What happens if you forget your new password

If you change your password and then forget it, you cannot straightforward reset it by answering security questions or getting a code sent to your email. Your phone will lock you out after several wrong attempts, and the only way to regain access is to erase the entire device and set it up again from scratch.

When you erase your phone, everything on it is deleted — photos, messages, apps, contacts, everything. You can restore some of it from a backup if you made one before you forgot the password, but the process takes time and you may lose recent data. This is why writing down your new password in a safe place before you leave the Settings app is worth the extra minute.

If you do forget it, contact your phone's manufacturer or your mobile carrier. They can walk you through the erasure and recovery process, but they cannot retrieve or reset your password for you.

How changing your phone password affects other accounts

Changing your phone's unlock password does not change the passwords for any apps, email accounts, social media, or online services on your phone. Those passwords stay exactly the same. You'll still log into Gmail, Facebook, your bank app, and everything else with the same usernames and passwords you used before.

If you want to change those passwords too — which is a good idea if you think someone may have seen them — you'll need to change each one separately within each app or service. Your phone password only controls who can unlock and use your phone itself.

Similarly, if you have a work phone or a phone provided by your employer, changing the unlock password may not change the password for work email or work apps. Check with your IT department before you change anything, because some work phones have restrictions on what you can modify.

When to change your phone password

Change your phone password if you suspect someone knows it, if you've lent your phone to someone else, or if you haven't changed it in over a year. You should also change it if you've used the same password on multiple devices or accounts — each device should have its own unique code.

If your phone was stolen or lost, change your password as soon as you have access to another device. This prevents someone from unlocking it and accessing your photos, messages, and apps. If you can't change the password yourself, contact your phone's manufacturer or your carrier and ask them to remotely lock or erase the device.

You don't need to change your password every month if it's strong and you're the only one who knows it. But if anything makes you uncertain about who might know it, change it right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a fingerprint or face recognition instead of a password?

Yes. Both iPhone and Android phones let you unlock with your fingerprint or face instead of typing a code. You set this up in the same Settings area where you change your password. However, you should still create and remember a strong password, because you'll need it if your fingerprint or face recognition stops working, or if you need to unlock your phone in certain situations.

What if I change my password and my phone won't accept it?

Make sure you're entering the new password exactly as you created it, including capital letters and symbols in the right places. If you're certain you're typing it correctly and the phone still rejects it, restart your phone and try again. If it still doesn't work, you may need to erase and set up your phone again.

Does changing my phone password affect my Apple ID or Google account password?

No. Your phone's unlock password is separate from your Apple ID password (on iPhone) or Google account password (on Android). Changing one does not change the other. If you want to change your Apple ID or Google password, you'll do that through their websites or apps, not through your phone's Settings.

Can someone unlock my phone if they know my password?

Yes, which is why it's important to keep your password private and change it if you think someone knows it. Don't share your phone password with anyone, even family members, unless you trust them completely. If you need to let someone use your phone temporarily, consider using a guest account or a temporary unlock method instead.

What if my phone keeps asking me to change my password?

This usually means your phone's security settings require you to update your password periodically, or your password doesn't meet the phone's security requirements. Follow the prompts to create a new password that meets the requirements shown on your screen. If the prompts won't stop, restart your phone or contact your phone's manufacturer for support.