If you are trying to change your iPad password, you are probably dealing with one of two things, you want to update the passcode that unlocks the device, or you need to change the password for an account used on the iPad. The good news is that both tasks are straightforward once you know where to look.
This guide walks you through how to change the iPad passcode that protects your screen, which is the most common meaning of “iPad password.” I will also cover a few related edge cases, like changing an Apple ID password, updating account passwords, and what to do if you forgot the passcode. Most of the time, the process takes less than a minute if you know your current passcode. Let’s get right to it.
Quick Summary
If you want the fastest answer, here it is:
- Open Settings
- Tap Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode
- Enter your current passcode
- Tap Change Passcode
- Enter the old passcode, then create the new one
If you forgot the passcode, you cannot change it directly. You will need to erase the iPad and restore it from a backup.
Tutorial – How to Change Your iPad Passcode
The steps below show how to change the passcode that unlocks your iPad. This is the security code that appears when you wake the device, not your Apple ID password.
Step 1: Open the Settings app
Tap Settings on your Home Screen or in your App Library.
You should now see the main Settings menu, with options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Notifications. If you cannot find it quickly, swipe down on the Home Screen and use search.
Step 2: Go to Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode
Scroll down and tap Face ID & Passcode on newer iPads, or Touch ID & Passcode on older models.
This screen controls your lock screen security. If asked, enter your current passcode to continue. After that, you should see several passcode and biometric settings.
Step 3: Tap Change Passcode
Select Change Passcode from the menu.
Your iPad will now ask for your current passcode one more time. This is a security check to ensure no one else is changing your lock code without permission.
Step 4: Enter your current passcode
Type in the existing passcode on the keypad.
Once accepted, the iPad will move you to the new passcode setup screen. You should see a prompt asking you to enter a new passcode.
Step 5: Create your new passcode
Enter the new passcode you want to use, then type it again to confirm.
At this point, you can usually choose a passcode type if available, such as a 4-digit code, a 6-digit code, or a custom alphanumeric code. If you want stronger security, choose a longer code with letters and numbers.
Step 6: Test the new passcode
Lock your iPad and unlock it with the new code to make sure it works.
If the passcode is correct, the iPad opens normally. If it does not work, go back to Settings and repeat the process carefully.
Alternative Methods and Edge Cases
Not every iPad situation is the same. Here are the most common variations.
If you want to change your Apple ID password instead of your iPad passcode:
Go to Settings, tap your name at the top, then choose Sign-In & Security or Password & Security. From there, select Change Password. This is separate from the screen-lock passcode.If you forgot your iPad passcode:
You cannot simply reset it from within the device. You must erase the iPad using recovery mode or Find My, then restore from a backup if you have one.If your iPad uses Face ID or Touch ID:
You still have a passcode behind the biometrics. The passcode is the backup method if Face ID or Touch ID fails, so changing it works the same way.If your iPad is managed by work or school:
Some organizations enforce passcode rules. You may not be able to use certain passcode types or lengths. In that case, contact your IT administrator.If you want to remove the passcode completely:
Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode, enter your current passcode, then choose Turn Passcode Off. This is less secure and not recommended for most users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an iPad password the same as an Apple ID password?
No. The iPad passcode unlocks the device. Your Apple ID password is used for iCloud, the App Store, FaceTime, and other Apple services.
Can I change my iPad passcode without knowing the old one?
No. If you do not know the current passcode, you cannot change it from inside the iPad. You will need to erase the device and set it up again.
How often should I change my iPad passcode?
There is no fixed rule, but you should change it anytime you think someone else may know it. If you use a simple code, upgrading to a stronger one is a smart move.
What is the most secure type of iPad passcode?
A custom alphanumeric passcode is the strongest option because it combines letters, numbers, and symbols. A longer numeric code is also much better than a 4-digit passcode.
Will changing the passcode delete my apps or data?
No. Changing the passcode does not erase your data, apps, photos, or files. It only updates the lock screen code.
Why does my iPad ask for the passcode after a restart?
That is normal. iPad requires the passcode after rebooting, even if Face ID or Touch ID is enabled.
Tips
- Use a passcode that is hard to guess, avoid birthdays, repeated numbers, and obvious patterns.
- If your iPad supports it, choose a longer numeric code or an alphanumeric passcode for better security.
- Write down the new passcode and store it somewhere safe if you are worried about forgetting it.
- If Face ID or Touch ID is enabled, make sure it is working properly after you change the passcode.
- Keep your iPad updated, because Apple sometimes improves security settings and passcode options with iPadOS updates.
- If you share your iPad with family or coworkers, tell them the device is now locked with a new code so they are not locked out.
Troubleshooting
I do not see “Change Passcode.”
Make sure you are in Settings > Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode, not a different menu. You may need to scroll down a bit farther in Settings.My current passcode is not working.
Double-check for typos and make sure you are entering the correct digits. If it still fails, you may have the wrong passcode and will need to erase the iPad.Face ID or Touch ID stopped working after the change.
This can happen temporarily. Restart the iPad and check Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode settings to confirm biometrics are still enabled.I forgot the new passcode right after changing it.
If you cannot unlock the iPad, you will need to put it into recovery mode and erase it. After that, restore from iCloud or computer backup if available.The option to change passcode is grayed out.
This is often caused by device management settings, Screen Time restrictions, or a configuration profile from work or school. Check with your administrator if the iPad is managed.
Conclusion
Changing an iPad passcode is usually quick and painless. In most cases, you only need to open Settings, enter your current code, and set a new one in under a minute.
If you forgot the passcode, the process is more involved, but it is still fixable. The key is to know whether you are changing the device passcode, the Apple ID password, or an account password inside an app. Once you know which one you need, the rest is easy.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.