How to Change Your iPad Passcode in Four Steps

You can change your iPad passcode through Settings in about two minutes

Open Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode on older models), enter your current passcode, then tap Change Passcode. You'll enter your current code once more, then create a new one. The whole process takes less than five minutes and doesn't affect any of your data or apps.

The passcode is separate from your Apple ID password. Changing one doesn't change the other. If you forget your current passcode, you'll need to erase the iPad and set it up again, so write down your new code somewhere safe — or use a password manager to store it.

Key Takeaways

You need your current passcode to change it; if you've forgotten it, you'll have to erase the iPad and start over.
A six-digit numeric code is the default, but you can choose a four-digit code, a custom numeric code, or a mix of letters and numbers.
Your iPad passcode and your Apple ID password are two separate things; changing one does not affect the other.
If you use Face ID or Touch ID, you still need a passcode as a backup when biometric unlock fails.

Step-by-step: changing your passcode

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your home screen. It's the gray icon with gears.

Step 2: Scroll down and tap Face ID & Passcode (on iPad Pro and newer iPad Air models) or Touch ID & Passcode (on iPad Air 2, iPad mini 4, or older). If you don't see either option, your iPad uses a simpler passcode system — look for "Passcode" instead.

Step 3: Enter your current passcode when prompted. This confirms you have permission to change it.

Step 4: Tap Change Passcode. Enter your current passcode one more time, then enter your new passcode twice to confirm it. iOS will tell you if your new code is too straightforward (like 1111 or 123456) and suggest you use something stronger.

Choosing a passcode type that fits your needs

By default, iOS requires a six-digit numeric code. You can change this when you create your new passcode. Tap Passcode Options to see your choices: a four-digit numeric code, a custom numeric code (any length), or an alphanumeric code (letters and numbers mixed).

A longer code is harder to guess, but harder to type in quickly. A six-digit code is a reasonable middle ground — it's stronger than four digits but faster than a full passphrase. If you use Face ID or Touch ID, you'll rarely type it, so a longer code is worth the trade-off.

Avoid codes based on your birthday, address, or other information someone could find out. Avoid repeating digits (1111) or sequences (1234). A random mix is strongest.

What happens if you forget your passcode

If you enter the wrong passcode too many times, iOS locks you out temporarily. After the first six wrong attempts, you'll see a timer. After the tenth wrong attempt, the wait stretches to one hour. After the fifteenth, the iPad erases itself automatically.

If you forget your passcode before hitting the erase limit, you have one option: erase the iPad using iCloud or a computer, then set it up again. You'll need your Apple ID and password to reactivate it afterward. Your data will be gone unless you have a backup.

This is why storing your passcode in a password manager (like 1Password, Bitwarden, or even the Notes app in iCloud) is worth doing now, before you need it.

The difference between your passcode and your Apple ID password

Your iPad passcode unlocks the device itself. Your Apple ID password unlocks your account across Apple's services — the App Store, iCloud, Apple Music, and so on. They are completely separate. Changing your passcode does not change your Apple ID password, and vice versa.

If you need to change your Apple ID password instead, go to Settings, tap your name at the top, tap Password & Security, then tap Change Password. You'll need your current Apple ID password and a phone number or email address to verify the change.

Using Face ID or Touch ID alongside your passcode

If your iPad has Face ID or Touch ID, you can use either to unlock it instead of typing your passcode every time. But your passcode is still required as a backup — if Face ID or Touch ID fails, or if you restart the iPad, you'll need to enter your passcode.

Changing your passcode doesn't affect Face ID or Touch ID. They'll continue to work as before. If you want to turn off biometric unlock entirely and use only your passcode, go to Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode), enter your passcode, then toggle off the unlock options you don't want.

Why you should change your passcode periodically

If someone has watched you type your passcode, or if you've used the same code for years, changing it reduces the risk that an unauthorized person can unlock your device. You don't need to change it monthly, but once or twice a year is reasonable if the iPad holds sensitive information.

If you suspect someone knows your passcode — because you typed it in front of them, or because you used a code that's straightforward to guess — change it right away. The same goes if you've shared the iPad with someone and no longer trust them with access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passcode with letters and numbers?

Yes. When you tap Change Passcode, tap Passcode Options and select Alphanumeric Code. You can then use any combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. This is stronger than numbers alone, but takes longer to type.

What if I change my passcode and then forget the new one?

You'll need to erase the iPad and set it up again using iCloud or a computer. You'll need your Apple ID and password to reactivate it. Your data will be gone unless you have a backup. This is why writing down or storing your new passcode is important.

Does changing my passcode affect my apps or files?

No. Your apps, photos, documents, and all other data stay exactly as they are. Only the unlock code changes. You won't lose anything or need to sign in again to your apps.

Can I use the same passcode on multiple Apple devices?

Yes, you can use the same passcode on your iPad, iPhone, and Mac if you want. But using different codes on different devices means that if someone learns one code, they can't access all your devices. It's a trade-off between convenience and security.

What if Face ID stops recognizing my face after I change my passcode?

Changing your passcode doesn't affect Face ID. If Face ID stops working, the problem is something else — poor lighting, a change in your appearance, or a hardware issue. Your passcode will still unlock the iPad as a backup.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.