A common complaint from iOS 9 users is that their passcode is not four, but six digits. We show you how to set a shorter code.
This is how you change your iOS 9 passcode
Since the release of iOS 9, the passcode of iOS devices has been six digits by default. Apple is doing this to improve the security of its devices, because with six digits many more combinations are possible, making codes more difficult to crack.
Still, many users experience the longer code as a nuisance. For example, it takes longer to enter and is more difficult to remember. However, it is relatively easy to reduce your passcode to four digits.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone, iPad or iPod and select ‘Touch ID and passcode’;
- Enter your current access code to open the menu;
- Scroll down and select ‘Change access code’. After this you have to re-enter your six-digit access code;
- You can then choose a new access code. Press ‘Access code options’ above the keyboard and select ‘4-digit code’;
- Finally, choose a new code to complete the process.
However, be aware that your iOS device is less secure if your passcode is only four digits. We therefore recommend choosing a longer access code. If your iOS device has a fingerprint scanner, you can set your printout to make unlocking easier (yet secure).
Finally, it is possible to choose a custom alphanumeric code. This allows you to combine letters with numbers to achieve a stronger code. When you choose the ‘custom numeric code’ option, you can use as many numbers as you want. If you want to go back to a six-digit code later, you have to go through the steps again.