4 Different Ways to Set a Passcode on your iPad: Step-by-Step Guide

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Learn all the ways to set up a passcode on your iPad

Co-authored by Jack Lloyd

Last Updated: February 18, 2024

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Setting a Simple Passcode

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Setting a Touch ID Passcode

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Setting an Advanced Passcode

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Changing an Existing Passcode

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Video

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Q&A

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Tips

Setting a passcode on an iPad is the easiest way to protect your sensitive information, such as email accounts and credit card numbers, from unauthorized access. You can create a simple numerical passcode or an advanced multi-character passcode through the "Settings" menu. You can also create a touch ID on supported iPads.

Things You Should Know

You can set a simple passcode that only involves numbers, or you can opt to use a passcode that allows letters as well.
You can also set a Touch ID passcode so you can unlock your iPad with only your fingerprint.
To change or remove your passcode, you must enter your existing one first.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Setting a Simple Passcode

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Once you enable your passcode, this is the screen on which you'll enter it.
This is the grey gear app on your home screen.

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Scroll until you find the "Passcode" option, then tap it. If this is your first time enabling a passcode, "Turn Passcode On" will be the only selectable option.
- If your iPad supports Touch ID, this option will be called "Touch ID & Passcode".
Your iPad will prompt you for your desired 6-digit passcode.^{[1]
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You'll need to enter it again exactly the same way on the next screen to verify.
If both your new passcodes match each other, you'll be taken back to the "Passcode Lock" screen.
You still need to confirm that your passcode is active.
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Swipe right on your iPad's screen, then enter your passcode. Your iPad is now passcode-protected!
- You can change or remove your passcode at any time in the "Passcode" menu.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Setting a Touch ID Passcode

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You'll need to have a passcode set in order to create a Touch ID passcode.^{[2]
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This is the grey gear app on your home screen.
The "Touch ID" section will only appear for iPads with a Touch ID-enabled home button.
This will open the Passcode settings, from which you can set a new Touch ID.
Make sure you aren't pressing the home button--you only need to lightly touch it.
Your iPad may also prompt you to remove your finger with on-screen text.^{[3]
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You will have to scan your finger eight times.^{[4]
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You'll need to scan different parts of your finger in order to complete the Touch ID process.
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Touch the edge of your finger to the home button. The edge you use will vary depending on how you normally tap your home button.
- For example, if you normally use the outside of your right thumb to tap the home button, you would repeatedly touch that edge to the home button here.
Your Touch ID is now active!
You'll need to verify that your Touch ID works.
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Touch your scanned finger to the home button. This should unlock your iPad after a second or so.
- If your chosen finger doesn't work, try using a different finger.
- You can save up to five fingerprints.
- You can also use your Touch ID to make purchases or verify downloads from the app store.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Setting an Advanced Passcode

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Once you enable your passcode, this is the screen on which you'll enter it.
This is the grey gear app on your home screen.
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Scroll until you find the "Passcode" option, then tap it.
- If your iPad supports Touch ID, this option will be called "Touch ID & Passcode".
This will take you to the passcode entry screen.
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Tap "Passcode Options" at the bottom of the screen. This gives you three different passcode choices in addition to the standard 6-digit passcode.
- The "Custom Alphanumeric Code" option allows numbers, letters, and symbols, with no character limit.
- The "Custom Numeric Code" option allows numbers with no character limit.
- The "4-Digit Numeric Code" option allows a traditional 4-digit passcode.
You'll need to enter it again exactly the same way on the next screen to verify.
If both your new passcodes match each other, you'll be taken back to the "Passcode Lock" screen.
You still need to confirm that your passcode is active.
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Swipe right on your iPad's screen, then enter your passcode. Your iPad is now passcode-protected!
- You can change or remove your passcode at any time in the "Passcode" menu.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Changing an Existing Passcode

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This will take you to the "Enter Passcode" screen.
This is the grey gear app on your home screen.
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Scroll until you find the "Passcode" option, then tap it. Your iPad will prompt you for your current passcode.
- If your iPad supports Touch ID, this option will be called "Touch ID & Passcode".
This is the same passcode you use to unlock your iPad.
Your iPad will prompt you for your current passcode one more time.^{[5]
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This will take you to the "Enter your new passcode" page.
You'll need to enter it again exactly the same way on the next screen to verify.
If both your new passcodes match each other, you'll be taken back to the "Passcode Lock" screen.
You still need to confirm that your passcode was updated.
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Swipe right on your iPad's screen, then enter your passcode. Your passcode is now updated!
- You can change or remove your passcode at any time in the "Passcode" menu.

Community Q&A

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Question

What types of passcode locks are there?

Community Answer

You can either set a numerical passcode (simple passcode) or use an alphanumeric passcode (letters and numbers).

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Question

What if I don't set a passcode?

Community Answer

Then your device is accessible by anyone.

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How do I set up a Touch ID passcode?

Community Answer

Make sure Touch ID is enabled. Enter your passcode, and press "add fingerprints." Follow the steps listed.

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Tips

Choose a passcode that is easy for you to remember, but difficult for others to guess (e.g., the last four digits of your Social Security number).

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Although it's inconvenient to enter a passcode every time you open your iPad, a passcode is the easiest and most reliable way to keep your data safe if your iPad is stolen.

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Your passcode will also be used to confirm iOS updates and some app downloads.

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