The six-digit passcode to lock your iPhone and iPad was first introduced by Apple in its iOS 9 software update. And this move enhanced the security of iOS devices.
Earlier, iPhone users had to enter a four-digit passcode to unlock their devices. There were only 10000 possible combinations in the four-digit passcode, but with a six-digit code, the number of combinations reached one million.
This makes it nearly impossible for any stranger to crack your passcode. However, many users find it difficult to remember the six-digit passcode to unlock iPhone. So how can they change 6 digit passcode to 4 digit on iPhone and iPad in iOS 11 or iOS 10?
Post-iOS 9, users believed that there is no way back to set the four-digit passcode on their iPhones. But this feature is hidden in the Touch ID & Passcode feature on your iPhone.
As a matter of fact, users clean forget to notice this feature while they are setting up a passcode on their iPhones. You can follow this tutorial with screenshots so that you can locate that feature to change your six-digit iPhone passcode to the four-digit one.
NOTE: We also advise users to use Touch ID or set up Face ID on their iOS devices as both the methods are way far easier than typing passcode to unlock iPhone or iPad.
How to Change Six Digit Passcode to Four Digit on iPhone and iPad in iOS 11 or iOS 10
Step #1: Launch Settings app on your iPhone.
Step #2: Scroll down and tap on Touch ID & Passcode.
Step #3: Enter your existing passcode (we believe that you must have set up a passcode on your iPhone).
Step #4: Next, tap on Change Passcode; this option is given below Turn Passcode Off option.
Step #5: Here, you need to enter your old passcode.
Step #6: Once you enter the passcode, you will be asked to enter your new passcode. But wait; you should not do this. Instead, tap on Passcode Options button, which is in blue fonts above the keypad.
Step #7: When you tap on Passcode Options, a pop-up menu will swipe up from the bottom of your phone screen.
This pop-up shows you three options, and one of them is 4-Digit Numeric Code. Tap on this option.
Step #8: You will be asked to enter your new four-digit passcode.
Choose a passcode that is hard to guess for strangers; if you select four zeroes or four ones or any other similar combination, Apple will ask you to choose new code as this passcode can be easily guessed.
It is your discretion to choose any passcode. Confirm your passcode and your device will set up the four-digit passcode for you.
How to Setup Alphanumeric Passcode on iPhone and iPad
To give your device more security, you can also set up an alphanumeric passcode on iPhone. This option is available when you choose Passcode Options during the process of changing your passcode. Don’t remember that option? No worries! Follow the steps:
Step #1: Open Settings app and tap on Touch ID & Passcode.
Step #2: Enter your passcode.
Step #3: Tap on Change Passcode option.
Step #4: Again, you will be asked to enter your existing passcode; simply type in your existing passcode.
Step #5: Next, instead of entering your new passcode, you need to tap on Passcode Options button, which is seen in blue fonts right on the keypad.
Step #6: A pop-up menu appears on your phone screen with three options; one of the options is Custom Alphanumeric Code. Tap on that option.
Step #7: Now you can see a text field where you need to enter your new passcode. Remember that you can add alphabets and numbers together to create a strong password or passcode.
Step #8: Tap on Next and re-enter your passcode to confirm.
Finally, tap on Done from the top right corner to set your new alphanumeric passcode on your iPhone.
Next time, when you want to unlock your iPhone, you will see your screen like this (see the screenshot below).
How to Setup Custom Numeric Code on iPhone and iPad
It is a little-known feature hidden inside your iPhone. If you want to set your entire birthday as your passcode, it requires at least 8 characters or digits. The popular six-digit passcode will not work here as you need to enter the date, month, and year of your birth. In this situation, you can use Custom Numeric Code on iPhone.
Step #1: Go to Settings and then open Touch ID & Passcode.
Step #2: Enter your existing passcode.
Step #3: Tap on Change Passcode option.
Step #4: Type your current passcode again.
Step #5: Do not enter a new passcode; instead, tap on Passcode Options.
Step #6: A menu will swipe up on your phone screen; tap on Custom Numeric Code option.
Step #7: Now type your custom numeric code and then tap Next.
Step #8: Confirm your passcode and then tap Done.
That’s it!
You have successfully changed your passcode.
Also Read:
- How to Reset iPhone Restriction Passcode
- Forgot iPhone Restriction Passcode? How to Recover it
- My Apple ID is Locked or Disabled? How to Reset it
- Is iPhone Disabled? How to Recover it
- How to Fix iMessage Not Working on iPhone
- How to Fix iPhone Apps Crashing Issue
Do you think that four-digit passcode and custom numeric code are more secure than your six-digit passcode? Share your feedback with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google Plus.