Tip: This is how you set a strong alphanumeric password on your iPhone

If you can’t unlock your iPhone with Face ID or Touch ID, you can still enter a passcode. This code is fairly reliable, but it can be much more secure. This is how you set a password as a passcode on your iPhone or iPad.

Set password as access code

As a backup for Face ID and Touch ID, you always have a passcode that secures your iOS device. This four or six digit code is great for extra security, but it could be much better. For this you set an alphanumeric password, the same kind of password of letters and numbers that you use for all kinds of accounts. You can set a password as an access code as follows.

  1. Open Settings and go to the menu ‘Face ID and passcode’ or on an older iPhone to ‘Touch ID and passcode’;
  2. Enter your current access code;
  3. Here, tap on ‘Change access code’;
  4. Enter your current access code again;
  5. After this, a screen will appear to enter your new code. Here, tap on ‘Passcode Options’;
  6. Then press ‘Custom Alphanumeric Code’;
  7. Enter a secure password here, press ‘Next’ and repeat this password;
  8. Tap Done to save your new password.

If you are unlucky enough to lose your iPhone (or iPad) or get it stolen, this will make it difficult for intruders to unlock your device. It may take you a little more effort to remember this password instead of an access code, but it protects your data a lot better.

Come up with a strong password

Think of a password that is easy to remember, but not too simple. Passwords such as your date of birth or the name of your pet offer little security. Come up with a weird fantasy word or generate a strong password with a password manager like 1Password and LastPass.

You can indicate the length and difficulty, after which the service generates a strong password. Keep the password safe, because if your fingerprint or face scan does not work for a moment, you will have to enter it.

More tips

Don’t have a password manager yet? These password apps keep all your sensitive codes in a safe place. You can also set up a password manager quite easily. Also read our overview with tips for more privacy and security on your iOS device.

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