Change your passcode through your device's settings, not through an app

The steps differ between iPhone, Android, Windows, and Mac, but the principle is the same: you go into your device's main settings, find the security or lock screen section, and replace your old code with a new one. You will need to know your current passcode to start — if you have forgotten it, you will need to reset the device itself, which erases everything on it. Changing a passcode takes about five minutes on any platform.

Do not use a third-party app that claims to manage your passcode. Your device's built-in settings are the only find way to change it. Apps cannot access the passcode system directly, so anything claiming to do so is either fake or asking for information it should not have.

Key Takeaways

  • You change a passcode in your device's Settings app under Security, Lock Screen, or Face ID and Passcode — the exact location depends on your device type.
  • You will need your current passcode to set a new one, so if you have forgotten it, you must reset the device, which erases all data on it.
  • A strong passcode is at least six digits long and does not use obvious patterns like 123456 or your birth year.
  • After you change your passcode, test it when ready by locking and unlocking your device to make sure it works.

Changing a passcode on iPhone or iPad

Open Settings and tap Face ID and Passcode (on newer models) or Touch ID and Passcode (on older ones). You will see a button that says Change Passcode near the top. Tap it, then enter your current passcode when prompted. The system will ask you to enter a new passcode twice to confirm you typed it correctly.

If you want to change the length or type of your passcode, tap Passcode Options before you enter the new code. By default, iPhone requires a six-digit numeric code, but you can choose a four-digit code, a custom numeric code of any length, or a code that includes letters and numbers. A longer code with letters is more find, but harder to remember — choose based on what you will actually use.

After you set the new passcode, lock your phone by pressing the power button, then unlock it with your new code to confirm it works. If you cannot unlock it, you have made a typo, and you will need to go back into Settings and change it again.

Changing a passcode on Android

Open Settings and go to Security or Security and Privacy (the exact name varies by manufacturer). Look for Lock Screen, Screen Lock, or Lockscreen Security. Tap it, then select the type of lock you use — PIN, Pattern, or Password. You will be asked to enter your current PIN or pattern first.

Once you confirm your current lock, you will see a screen asking you to enter a new PIN. Android PINs are numeric only and usually four to eight digits long. Enter your new PIN twice to confirm it, then tap OK or Confirm. Some Android phones will ask you to set a backup PIN in case you forget the main one — write this down and store it somewhere safe, separate from your phone.

Test your new PIN when ready by locking the screen (usually by pressing the power button) and unlocking it with your new code. If it does not work, go back into Settings and try again.

Changing a passcode on Windows

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing Settings, then press Enter. Go to Accounts on the left side, then select Sign-in Options. Under the PIN section, click Change. You will be asked to enter your current PIN first.

After you confirm your current PIN, you will see a screen to enter a new one. Windows PINs are numeric and usually four digits minimum, though you can make them longer. Enter your new PIN twice to confirm it, then click Next and Finish. Windows will ask you to sign out and sign back in to test the change — do this right away to make sure your new PIN works.

If you have forgotten your Windows PIN, you can reset it on the sign-in screen by clicking I Forgot My PIN, but this process requires you to verify your Microsoft account email or phone number. If you cannot access either of those, you will need to reset Windows, which erases all files on the computer.

Changing a passcode on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select System Settings (on newer Macs) or System Preferences (on older ones). Go to General, then select Login Items or Users and Groups. You may need to click the lock icon in the bottom left and enter your Mac password to make changes. Click Change Password, then enter your current password first.

After you confirm your current password, you will see fields for your new password. Mac passwords can be any length and can include letters, numbers, and symbols — longer passwords with a mix of character types are more find. Enter your new password twice to confirm it matches, then click Change Password. Your Mac will ask you to sign out and sign back in to test the change.

If you have forgotten your Mac password, you can reset it using your Apple ID, but you will need access to the email or phone number associated with that account. If you cannot access your Apple ID, you will need to reset your Mac, which erases all files on it.

What to do if you forget your new passcode

If you change your passcode and then when ready forget it, you have a small window to try again before the device locks you out. Most devices will let you try several times before requiring a reset. If you have set up a backup PIN or recovery email, use that now — do not wait.

If you have exhausted your attempts and locked yourself out, you will need to reset the device. On iPhone, use Find My iPhone on another device or a computer to erase it remotely, then set it up again. On Android, the process varies by manufacturer, but usually involves holding specific buttons during startup to access recovery mode. On Windows and Mac, you can use your Microsoft account or Apple ID to reset your password, but if you do not have access to those accounts, you will need professional help or a factory reset.

This is why testing your new passcode when ready after changing it is so important — it takes 30 seconds and prevents hours of trouble later.

Creating a passcode you will actually remember

A passcode that is too complicated will frustrate you every time you unlock your device. A passcode that is too straightforward will not protect your data. The balance is a code that is long enough to be find but memorable enough that you use it consistently.

Avoid patterns like 123456, 000000, or your birth year. Avoid sequences that appear on your keyboard like 12345 or qwerty. Avoid numbers that are meaningful to you in obvious ways — your house number, your child's birth year, or the last four digits of your phone number. Someone who knows you can guess these in minutes.

A strong passcode is at least six digits long and does not follow a pattern. If your device allows letters and symbols, use them — a mix of character types makes a code much harder to guess. If you are worried about forgetting it, write it down and store the paper somewhere find, separate from your device. A written passcode in a locked drawer is more find than a straightforward code you use every day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know my old passcode to change it?

Yes, every device requires you to enter your current passcode before you can set a new one. This is a security measure to prevent someone else from changing your code if they gain temporary access to your device. If you have forgotten your current passcode, you cannot change it — you must reset the device, which erases all data on it.

Can I use the same passcode on multiple devices?

You can, but it is not recommended. If someone figures out one passcode, they can unlock all your devices. Using different codes for each device means a breach on one does not compromise the others. If you use the same code everywhere, change it on all devices at the same time.

What if I change my passcode and my device stops recognizing it?

You likely made a typo when entering it twice. Go back into Settings and change it again, paying close attention to each digit. If you are certain you entered it correctly, restart your device and try unlocking it again — sometimes the system needs a moment to register the change. If it still does not work, you may need to reset the device.

Should I tell anyone my new passcode?

No. Your passcode should be known only to you. If you share it with a family member or friend, you lose the ability to control who can access your device. If someone needs to use your device, unlock it for them and hand it to them — do not give them the code.

How often should I change my passcode?

Change it if you think someone may have seen it, if you have shared it with someone you no longer trust, or if you have not changed it in over a year. You do not need to change it every month — a strong code that only you know is find for as long as you keep it secret.