For better security, set a passcode that needs to be entered to unlock iPhone when you turn it on or wake it. Setting a passcode also turns on data protection, which encrypts your iPhone data with 256-bit AES encryption, though some apps may opt out of using data protection.
You can also change when iPhone automatically locks, and even have it erase data after 10 failed passcodes. You can also reset the passcode, or turn it off.
Set or change the passcode
- Open Settings and then depending on your model, do one of the following:
- On an iPhone with Face ID: Tap Face ID & Passcode.
- On an iPhone with a Home button: Tap Touch ID & Passcode.
- Tap Turn Passcode On or Change Passcode.
To view options for creating a passcode, tap Passcode Options. The most secure options are Custom Alphanumeric Code and Custom Numeric Code.
After you set a passcode, on supported models you can use Face ID or Touch ID to unlock iPhone (depending on your model). For additional security, however, you must always enter your passcode to unlock your iPhone under the following conditions:
- You turn on or restart your iPhone.
- You haven’t unlocked your iPhone for more than 48 hours.
- You haven’t unlocked your iPhone with the passcode in the last 6.5 days, and you haven’t unlocked it with Face ID or Touch ID in the last 4 hours.
- Your iPhone receives a remote lock command.
- There are five unsuccessful attempts to unlock your iPhone with Face ID or Touch ID.
- An attempt to use Emergency SOS is initiated.
- An attempt to view your Medical ID is initiated.
Change when iPhone automatically locks
Go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock, then set a length of time.
Note: Your Auto-Lock time is cut in half if you leave your iPhone on the Home Screen without taking any action.
Erase data after 10 failed passcodes
Set iPhone to erase all information, media, and personal settings after 10 consecutive failed passcode attempts.
- Open Settings and then do one of the following:
- On an iPhone with Face ID: Tap Face ID & Passcode.
- On an iPhone with a Home button: Tap Touch ID & Passcode.
- Scroll to the bottom and turn on Erase Data.
After all data is erased, you must restore your device from a backup. If you didn’t back up your iPhone, you need to set it up again as new.
Turn off the passcode
- Open Settings and then do one of the following:
- On an iPhone with Face ID: Tap Face ID & Passcode.
- On an iPhone with a Home button: Tap Touch ID & Passcode.
- Tap Turn Passcode Off.
Reset the passcode
If you enter the wrong passcode four times in a row, you’ll be locked out of your device, and you’ll receive a message that says iPhone is disabled. If you can’t remember your passcode, you can erase your iPhone with a computer or with recovery mode, then set a new passcode.
Note: An iCloud or computer backup made before you forgot your passcode can restore your data and settings.
