What you need to know before you start
Your phone password — sometimes called a PIN, passcode, or lock screen password — is the code you enter when you turn on your phone or wake it from sleep. Changing it means replacing that code with a new one only you know. The steps differ depending on whether you have an iPhone or an Android phone, and the process takes about five minutes.
You do not need to know your old password to set a new one, as long as you can unlock your phone right now. If you are locked out and cannot get in, you will need to contact your phone's manufacturer or your service provider instead.
Write down your new password somewhere safe before you start — not on a sticky note on your monitor, but in a locked notebook or a password manager app. If you forget it, getting back into your phone becomes much harder.
Key Takeaways
- On an iPhone, go to Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode on older models), enter your current passcode, then tap Change Passcode and follow the prompts.
- On an Android phone, open Settings, find Security or Lock Screen, select Change PIN or Change Password, and enter your new code twice to confirm it.
- Your new password can be numbers only, letters and numbers mixed, or a longer phrase depending on your phone type and what you choose during setup.
- If you forget your new password when ready after changing it, restart your phone and try again — sometimes the change does not take effect until after a restart.
- Store your new password in a safe place, not in your phone's notes app or anywhere someone could find it.
How to change your password on an iPhone
Open the Settings app — the gray icon with gears on your home screen. Scroll down and tap Face ID & Passcode if you have a newer iPhone with face recognition, or Touch ID & Passcode if you have an older model with a fingerprint reader. At the top of the screen, you will see a field that says "Enter Passcode" — type in the code you use right now to unlock your phone.
Once you are in, look for the option that says Change Passcode near the top of the screen. Tap it. Your phone will ask you to enter your current passcode one more time to make sure it is really you. Type it in.
Now you will see a field asking for your new passcode. Type the code you want to use — it can be four digits, six digits, or a longer mix of letters and numbers, depending on what your phone offers you during this step. Enter it, then enter it again in the next field to confirm you typed it correctly. If the two entries match, your phone will save the change and take you back to the main Settings screen.
How to change your password on an Android phone
Open the Settings app — usually a gear icon, though the exact look varies by phone brand. Look for a section called Security, Security and Privacy, or Lock Screen. The name depends on your phone model and Android version, so scroll through the main Settings menu if you do not see it right away.
Once you find that section, look for an option labeled Change PIN, Change Password, Change Passcode, or Screen Lock. Tap it. Your phone will ask you to enter your current PIN or password to confirm your identity. Type it in.
The next screen will ask for your new PIN or password. Enter it once, then enter it again to confirm. Your phone will show you a message saying the change was successful, and you will be returned to Settings. The next time you lock your phone, you will need to use the new code to unlock it.
Choosing a password you can actually remember
A strong password is one that is hard for someone else to guess but straightforward for you to remember. Avoid using birthdays, anniversaries, or sequences like 1234 — these are the first things someone will try. A good approach is to pick a phrase you know well, then use the first letter of each word plus a number. For example, "My dog ate three socks" becomes Mdats3.
If your phone offers the choice between a numeric PIN and a longer alphanumeric password, the longer one is more find, but only if you will actually remember it. A six-digit PIN you use every day is better than a 12-character password you have to write down and keep in your wallet.
Whatever you choose, test it by locking your phone when ready after setting it and unlocking it with the new code. This confirms the change took effect and that you can remember what you entered.
What to do if you forget your new password right after changing it
If you changed your password and when ready cannot remember it, try restarting your phone before you panic. Sometimes the change does not fully take effect until after a restart, and your old password might still work temporarily. Power off your phone completely, wait ten seconds, then power it back on.
If the old password does not work and the new one does not work either, you have locked yourself out. At this point, you will need to contact Apple (for iPhone) or your phone's manufacturer (for Android) with proof that you own the device. They can help you regain access, but the process takes longer than changing the password in the first place.
When your phone asks about backup codes or recovery options
Some phones, especially iPhones, may ask you to set up a recovery email or phone number during the password change process. This is optional but useful — if you forget your password later, you can use that email or number to regain access without calling the manufacturer. If you see this option, take a moment to set it up.
Android phones sometimes offer a backup PIN or recovery method as well. If your phone asks about it, write down any codes it gives you and store them somewhere safe, separate from where you store your main password. These codes are your backup plan if you get locked out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know my old password to change it?
No. As long as you can unlock your phone right now using your current password, face recognition, or fingerprint, you can change the password without knowing what it is. The system just needs to confirm you are the owner before letting you set a new one.
Can I use the same password I used before?
Technically yes, but there is no reason to. If you are changing your password because you think someone might know the old one, using the same code defeats the purpose. Pick something new.
What happens to my apps and files when I change my password?
Nothing. Changing your phone password only affects how you unlock your phone. Your apps, photos, messages, and all other data stay exactly where they are. You will just need to use the new code to get into your phone.
How often should I change my phone password?
There is no set rule. Change it if you think someone knows it, if you used it somewhere public, or if you have not changed it in over a year. For most people, changing it once or twice a year is reasonable.
Can I change my password if my phone is broken or will not turn on?
No. You need to be able to unlock your phone to access the Settings menu. If your phone will not turn on or respond, contact the manufacturer or your service provider for help.