It is best to protect your iPhone or iPad with an access code. You must always enter this code before you can access your iDevice. A number code is secure, but you can also use an alphanumeric password.
You can unlock an iPhone or iPad in different ways, for example with your fingerprint (Touch ID) or face (Face ID). You can also use the Apple Watch to unlock the iPhone when you are wearing a face covering and Face ID is not working. The passcode ensures that no one can unlock your iDevice and a password may be an extra secure solution.
Access codes for iPhone and iPad
By default, most users will have a four-digit code set. With a new device you must set a six-digit code as standard, because it is much more secure and difficult to retrieve than the four-digit variant. If you want to secure your device even better, an alphanumeric password is a solution. This can consist of letters and/or numbers, so that you can also use a word as an access code, for example.
Access code consisting of an alphanumeric password
- Open ‘Settings’
- Navigate to ‘Touch ID/Face ID and passcode’
- Choose ‘Change code’
- Enter your old code
- Then tap ‘Passcode Options’
You will now see a pop-up menu where you have the option to set a 6-digit code, 4-digit code, custom numeric code, or custom alphanumeric code. Choose this last option if you want to use letters and characters. Enter the new code/password and repeat to confirm. From then on, you can use this password to unlock your iDevice.
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 the ‘Forgot your passcode?’ at the bottom right of the screen, you will then immediately have the option to enter the old access code and immediately set a new access code via the ‘Enter previous access code’ option.