How to Set a Passcode on an iPhone

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: October 27, 2021 Tested

This wikiHow teaches you how to set a passcode that will be needed to unlock your iPhone and access the information stored on it.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:
Setting a Passcode

1
Open Settings. It's a gray app that contains gears (⚙️) and is typically located on your home screen.
2
Scroll down and tap Touch ID & Passcode. It's next to a red icon that contains a white fingerprint.
- Normally, you would have added a passcode when you initially set up your iPhone.
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3
Scroll down and tap Turn Passcode On. It's just below the "FINGERPRINTS" section.
- If you've already enabled Touch ID, you'll be asked if you want to keep or delete the stored fingerprints. Make a selection to proceed.
4
Tap Passcode Options. It's just above the numeric keypad at the bottom of the screen.
5
Tap a passcode option. You can choose from four types of passcodes:
- Tap Custom Alphanumeric Code to use a passcode that contains numbers and/or letters and is of a length that you determine.
- Tap Custom Numeric Code to use a numbers-only passcode that's of a length that you determine.
- Tap 6-Digit Numeric Code to use a numbers-only passcode that contains six characters.
- Tap 4-Digit Numeric Code to use a numbers-only passcode that contains four characters.
6
Enter a passcode. Use the keypad at the bottom of the screen.
7
Re-enter your passcode. This verifies your passcode.
8
Enter your Apple ID password. This verifies your identity.
9
Tap Continue. It's below the password field. You have now added a passcode to your iPhone.

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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:
Setting Up Touch ID

1
Tap Finger 1. It's at the top of the "FINGERPRINTS" section.
- Follow the on-screen instructions, tapping your finger gently on the Home button until your fingerprint is recorded.
- Repeat this step for as many fingers as you like. You can add fingerprints by tapping Add a Fingerprint at the bottom of the "FINGERPRINTS" section.
- Touch ID is only available on iPhone 6 or newer.
2
Choose how to use Touch ID. The controls in the "USE TOUCH ID FOR:" section at the top of the screen allow you to enable or disable Touch ID for these functions by sliding them "On" (green) or "Off" (white):
- iPhone Unlock to unlock your phone from the lock screen;
- Apple Pay to use Apple Pay without entering a passcode; and
- iTunes & App Store to make purchases without entering a passcode.
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Community Q&A

Question

How can I reset a lost password for iCloud?

Community Answer

Press "Forgot password" and choose "Answer security questions," then answer the security questions, enter your birthday, and reset your password.
Question

How do I prevent my iPhone 6 from requiring a passcode every single time it wakes up?

Community Answer

Go to Settings, then Touch ID and Passcode. You can turn off the passcode or change the amount of time allowed before a passcode is required.
Question

How do I completely turn off the Passcode function on my iPhone?

Community Answer

Go to your settings app, then go into the Passcode tab. Once there, tap "Turn Passcode Off" and agree with any prompts to disable your Passcode This was tested with IOS 9.3.2.
Question

How can I use my fingerprint as a passcode?

Community Answer

This only works with iphone 6, go to settings and press 'passcode'. Then enter your passcode and press the fingerprint button. Then press your finger into the home button.
Question

How do I set a finger print to show up on lock screen instead of the digit passcode?

Community Answer

If your iPhone supports Touch ID you can go into your iPhone Settings>Touch ID & Passcode, then you can set up Touch ID. If you scroll down, there is an option to turn your passcode off.
Question

How do I set the passcode so that I can pair with my car's Bluetooth?

Community Answer

Once your phone is paired, it should connect every time you start the vehicle without you having to unlock it.
Question

How do I set a passcode for my photos on my iPhone?

Community Answer

Unfortunately, you cannot set a passcode for your photos specifically.
Question

How do I make an emergency call if I do not know the passcode for an iPhone?

Community Answer

To make an emergency call, just press the Home button until the keypad comes up. Then, hit "Emergency" in the bottom left corner.