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Touch ID and Face ID are great iPhone security features, but if you want the best protection for your device, you need an iPhone passcode. Apple's default six-digit numeric passcode is already pretty hard to crack, but you can change your iPhone passcode to one that's even more secure. You can change your iPhone's passcode to an alphanumeric code that's six digits or longer.
Why You'll Love This Tip:
- Keep your iPhone secure with a hard-to-guess passcode.
- Prevent others from accessing your iPhone.
How to Create a Custom iPhone Alphanumeric Passcode
System Requirements
This tip works on all iPhones on all versions of iOS. Find out how to update to the latest version of iOS.
In addition to setting up Face ID or Touch ID, your passcode helps keep your iPhone safe from prying eyes. If you're worried about Apple iPhone passcode thieves, the best security code is an alphanumeric code. That combination of letters, numbers, and length will bring your iPhone security to the next level. If you're interested in more security features, you can also learn how to set up Face ID for apps. To learn more about iPhone security, sign up for our free Tip of the Day newsletter. Now, let's go over how to change your passcode on iPhone to an alphanumeric one:
- Open the Settings app, and tap Face ID & Passcode.
![Scroll down and tap on Face ID & Passcode]()
- Enter your current passcode.
![Enter your old passcode.]()
- Scroll down and tap on Change Passcode.
![Scroll down and tap on Change Passcode.]()
- You'll be once again prompted to enter your current passcode.
![Enter your old passcode.]()
- Select Passcode Options below that.
![iphone change passcode screen with passcode options circled in red]()
- Tap on Custom Alphanumeric Code.
![iphone change passcode screen with custom alphanumeric passcode circled in red]()
- Now, enter your new passcode using a combination of letters and numbers; you can use up to 34 characters. When you're finished, tap Next. You may need to enter it again to confirm the passcode change.
![iphone change passcode screen with next button circled in red]()
You'll be asked to confirm your new passcode, and then it will be set! Make sure that your alphanumeric passcode is something you're able to remember. The longer the passcode, the more secure it is; but, if you're going to have to enter it every time you access your iPhone without Face ID or Touch ID, you might not want to go beyond 8 to 10 characters. Remember, if you forget your iPhone passcode, you might have to enter recovery mode to access your phone. Next, you may want to go over the other options you have when you change your iPhone password.
