How to Change or Reset Your iPhone Passcode (iOS 17/iOS 16)

Clare Weaver
Last updated: Jan 29, 2024

This guide covers how to change your iPhone passcode on the device itself, from another device, via iCloud, and even from your computer. Whether you know your passcode or not, we've got you covered. Read on!

Nowadays, iPhones hold a wealth of personal information, making it important to set a strong passcode. Whether you want to change your existing passcode, reset a forgotten one, or enhance your security, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step.

Let's dive in and empower you to take control of your iPhone's security.

How to Change or Reset Your iPhone Passcode (iOS 17/iOS 16)

How to Change/Reset Your Passcode on iPhone

Your iPhone provides a straightforward method to change the passcode directly on the device. This method only works if you know the screen passcode. Here's how:

  1. Unlock your iPhone using your existing passcode or Face ID.
  2. Tap Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
  3. Enter your screen passcode.
  4. Scroll down to the Change Passcode option and select it.
    Go to Change iPhone Passcode
  5. Enter your current passcode again.
    Enter Your Current Passcode
  6. Now you can set your new passcode. If you want to change your iPhone passcode from 6 digits to 4 digits, tap the Passcode Options button and choose 4-Digit Numeric Code.
    Reset iPhone Passcode on iPhone
Tip
Starting from iOS 17, Apple introduced a Passcode Reset that allows you to temporarily access your iPhone using your old passcode.

How to Reset Your iPhone Passcode with Old Passcode

If you've recently changed your iPhone passcode and quickly forgot it, Apple allows you to quickly reset your iPhone with your old passcode. It's worth noting that your iPhone needs to be running iOS 17 or later, and your iPhone passcode reset should be completed within 72 hours.

Here are the passcode resetting steps:

  1. Enter the wrong passcode for 4 times on your iPhone.
  2. When you see the iPhone Unavailable screen, tap the Forgot Passcode? option in the bottom right of your screen.
    Reset Passcode on iOS 17
  3. Tap Enter Previous Passcode.
    Use Old Passcode to Reset iPhone Passcode on iOS 17
  4. Enter your old passcode and then set a new passcode for your iPhone.

How to Change Your iPhone Passcode from Another Device

In some situations, you may need to change your iPhone passcode from another Apple device such as an iPad or Mac. This can be useful if your iPhone is unavailable.

Here's how:

  1. Ensure that your iPhone has "Find My iPhone" set up.
  2. Open the Find My app on your iPad or Mac.
  3. Switch to Devices and tap the iPhone for which you want to change the passcode.
  4. Tap Erase This Device > Continue > Erase.
    Erase iPhone to Reset iPhone Passcode Using the Find My App
  5. Enter your Apple ID password, then tap Erase. See what to do if you forget your Apple ID password.
  6. Wait for the erasing process to complete. Afterward, you will be able to set a new passcode for your iPhone.
Note
These steps will delete all content and settings on your iPhone. It's recommended that you back up your iPhone beforehand to avoid data loss.

How to Change Your iPhone Passcode from iCloud

The "Find My" feature is one part of the iCloud services. Once you have enabled this feature on your iPhone, you will be able to use iCloud to remotely erase your device, allowing you to remove your iPhone passcode and protect your personal information, especially in cases where your iPhone is lost or stolen. Here's how to do it:

  1. Open a web browser and go to icloud.com/find.
  2. Sign in with your Apple ID and password.
  3. From the All Devices list, choose the iPhone you want to erase. (If your iPhone is online, you'll see its current location on a map.)
  4. Click Erase This Device and follow the onscreen instructions to remotely erase the device, including the passcode.
    Erase iPhone to Reset iPhone Passcode
  5. This will reset the passcode, and you can set up a new one when you regain access to your iPhone.
Tip
Don't forget to back up your device if you don't want to lose any important data.

How to Change Your iPhone Passcode from Computer

If you prefer to manage your iPhone passcode from your computer, you can do so using iTunes. Please note that as of iOS 15, iTunes has been replaced by the Finder on macOS.

Here's how to change your passcode from your computer:

  1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
  2. If you're using a Mac, open Finder. For Windows, open iTunes.
  3. Unlock your iPhone if you know your passcode; otherwise, put your iPhone into recovery mode for detection.
  4. Once Finder or iTunes detects your iPhone, click Restore iPhone to proceed.
    Restore iPhone to Reset iPhone Passcode
  5. This will restore your iPhone to its factory settings, which includes erasing the passcode.
  6. Once the restoration is complete, set up your device and create a new passcode when prompted.

How to Change Your iPhone Passcode without Passcode and iTunes

If you've forgotten your passcode and can't access your device, you can still change your passcode by using BuhoUnlocker, the best unlocking tool for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. No passcode and iTunes are needed.

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Here's how it works:

  1. Download and install BuhoUnlocker on your computer.
  2. Launch BuhoUnlock and select Unlock Screen Passcode > Start.
    Unlock Locked iPhone via BuhoUnlocker
  3. Connect your iPhone to your computer and follow the instructions provided by BuhoUnlock to put your device into recovery mode.
    Put iPhone into Recovery Mode
  4. Once your iPhone is in recovery mode, download the iOS firmware suitable for your device.
    Download Firmware for Your iPhone
  5. When the firmware download process is complete, click Start Unlock.
  6. When you see the "Hello" screen on your iPhone, set it up as a new device.
Note
If you haven't signed out your Apple ID beforehand, you will need the correct Apple ID and password to bypass the Activation Lock when setting up your iPhone.

FAQs about Changing iPhone Passcode

Can I Change My iPhone Passcode Using Family Sharing?

No, you cannot change iPhone passcodes directly through Family Sharing. As the organizer of a Family Sharing group, you have control over shared apps, music, and content, but passcode management is not part of this feature.

Can I Reset My iPhone Passcode with Apple ID?

No, you can't. However, if you have enabled the "Find My iPhone" feature on your device, you can erase it, including the iPhone passcode, using your Apple ID through iCloud.

Can I Reset the Passcode on My iPhone without Erasing It?

Yes, if you know your iPhone passcode, you can quickly reset it on your device. Alternatively, if your iPhone is running iOS 17 or later and you've recently changed your passcode, you can use the Passcode Reset feature.

How Can I Change My iPhone Passcode from 6 Digit to 4 Digit?

You have the option to change your iPhone passcode from a 6-digit to a 4-digit, customized numeric, or alphanumeric format. Refer to the steps of How to Change/Reset Your Passcode on iPhone

Clare Weaver

Clare Weaver has been captivated by the world of Apple products since the launch of iconic iPhone in 2007. With a wealth of experience, Clare is your go-to source for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and all things Apple.