If you own an iPhone or iPad, it is a good idea to secure it with a passcode. This prevents just anyone from gaining access to your device and personal data.
Nowadays, in addition to an access code, the iPhone and iPad are also secured on a biometric level using facial recognition (Face ID) or via the fingerprint scanner (Touch ID). If you want to use this security, you must also activate an access code. If you want to change the code afterwards, that is no problem at all.
Change iPhone or iPad passcode
- Open Settings
- Navigate to ‘Face ID/Touch ID & Passcode’
- Enter your current code
- Scroll down and tap ‘Change Passcode’
Now enter your old access code and then a new one, repeat the new code again. The new access code is used immediately and you can use this combination to unlock your iPhone or iPad again when Face ID or Touch ID does not work.
Use extra difficult access code
Apple recommends using a six-digit passcode because it is much more secure than a four-digit one. However, you can decide for yourself what kind of passcode you use. Go to Settings â–¸ Face ID/Touch ID & Passcode â–¸ Change Passcode â–¸ enter your old one. Now the screen for entering a new passcode will appear, tap ‘Passcode Options’ above the numbers. Now choose between a custom (alpha)numeric code or a 4/6-digit code.
Forgot password
Unfortunately, it can happen that you have forgotten the access code of your iPhone or iPad. This often results in a blocked iOS device. If the iDevice remains blocked and you no longer know the code, you can solve this in different ways and remove the block. View this manual for this.
Use old access code (within 72 hours)
After changing the access code, your old code will remain active for 72 hours. However, you cannot simply use the old access code on the home screen. Only after 10 incorrect attempts will the option to use the access code appear on the screen.
Tap on the ‘Forgot your access code?’ button at the bottom right of the screen, after which you will immediately be given the option to enter the old access code and immediately set a new access code via the option ‘Enter previous access code’.