Learn · iPhone & iPad
Use a strong passcode with Face ID or Touch ID
5 min · essential
Why this matters. Your passcode unlocks your email, photos, banking apps and saved passwords, and it's also what encrypts the phone. Face ID or Touch ID means you rarely have to type it, so it can be a strong one. Avoid birthdays, 123456 and repeated digits, and don't type it in front of strangers: thieves watch people enter their passcode before stealing the phone.
1
Open passcode settings
Settings, then Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode), and enter your current passcode.
9:41
‹ Settings
Face ID & Passcode
iPhone Unlock
Turn Passcode Off
Change Passcode
Tap to strengthen it
Stolen Device Protection
2
Choose a stronger code
Tap Change Passcode. Tap Passcode Options to choose a 6-digit code (not 4) or, better, a custom alphanumeric code.
Check your understanding
Why can the passcode be long if you have Face ID?
Because you'll rarely type it. Face ID handles everyday unlocking.
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Checked against:
Apple: Set a passcode on iPhone
· last reviewed 2026-09