How do I change iPad password: The simple way to fix a security headache

You’re staring at that glowing screen and realize the code you’ve used for three years is suddenly all over the internet—or maybe your toddler just figured it out. It happens. Security is one of those things we ignore until it's annoying. Changing things up is smart. Honestly, if you're asking how do i change ipad password, you’re probably looking for a quick fix because you’re either locked out or just feeling a bit paranoid about your privacy. Both are valid.

Modern iPads don’t just use "passwords" anymore; they use passcodes. It’s a subtle difference, but a big one for how the hardware actually protects your photos and bank apps. Whether you have the newest iPad Pro with the M4 chip or an old iPad Air you found in a drawer, the process is mostly the same, but the menus might look slightly different depending on your version of iPadOS.

Finding the right menu to change your passcode

Most people get lost in the Settings app. It’s a maze. You don’t want "General" or "Display." You need the section specifically for security.

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Open Settings. It’s that grey icon that looks like gears. Scroll down the left-hand sidebar until you see Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode. This depends entirely on your model. If you have a home button, it’s Touch ID. If your iPad is all-screen, it’s Face ID. Tap it.

The iPad will immediately demand your current passcode. This is a safety measure. If you don't have it, we’ve got a bigger problem (which I’ll get to in a minute). Once you’re in, look for the blue text that says Change Passcode. It’s usually tucked right under the toggle switches for what the passcode actually unlocks.

Picking a code that isn't 123456

When you tap "Change Passcode," the iPad will ask for the old one again. Then, it shows you a blank keypad.

Wait. Don’t just type six numbers. Look for the small link that says Passcode Options. This is where you can get fancy. You can choose a 4-digit numeric code (don't do this, it’s weak), a custom numeric code of any length, or—the most secure—a custom alphanumeric code. This last one lets you use actual letters and symbols. It turns your iPad into a fortress.

If you choose a long string of numbers, it's harder for "shoulder surfers" to catch what you're typing in a coffee shop.

What happens if you actually forgot the old one?

This is the nightmare scenario. If you’re asking "how do i change ipad password" because you can't get past the lock screen at all, the "Settings" method won't work. Apple takes encryption very seriously. According to their own security whitepapers, if you don't have the code, the data on the device is essentially scrambled eggs.

You have to erase the device.

If you have iPadOS 15.2 or later, there’s a "hidden" feature. If you type the wrong code enough times, you’ll see an Erase iPad option at the bottom of the screen. This is a lifesaver. You tap it, enter your Apple ID password, and the iPad wipes itself. You can then restore your data from an iCloud backup. If you don't see that option, you’re going to need a computer—Mac or PC—to put the iPad into Recovery Mode.

1. Turn off the iPad.
2. Connect it to the computer while holding the top button (or home button on older models).
3. Keep holding until you see the support screen with a cable icon.
4. Find the iPad in Finder or iTunes and hit Restore.

It’s a pain. It really is. But it’s the only way if the passcode is gone from your memory.

Why you should probably use an alphanumeric password

Most of us are lazy. We use 0000 or our birthday. Hackers love that. Even a simple 6-digit code has only a million combinations. A computer can crack that in seconds if it has direct access. But a password like Purple!Elephant?99? That would take years.

Since you likely use Face ID or Touch ID 99% of the time, you rarely have to type the actual password. Why not make it incredibly strong? You only need it when the iPad restarts or if the biometrics fail because you're wearing a mask or your fingers are wet.

The Apple ID password vs. The iPad Passcode

People mix these up constantly. Your iPad passcode is what unlocks the physical screen. Your Apple ID password is what you use for the App Store, iCloud, and Find My.

If you’re trying to change your Apple ID password on the iPad:
Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security > Change Password.

This is different from the device code. If you change this, it affects every Apple device you own. Your iPhone, your Mac, even your Apple Watch will ask for the new one. Keep them distinct in your mind. One is for the "door" of the iPad; the other is for your "entire digital life."

Managing passwords for your family

If you’re a parent, you’ve probably had to change iPad password because your kid shared it with a friend or watched you type it in. Apple's Screen Time settings are actually a better place to manage this than just changing the lock screen code every week.

Under Settings > Screen Time, you can set a separate passcode just for restrictions. This prevents kids from changing the main passcode or buying things. It’s a secondary layer of defense that most people forget exists.

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A quick note on the "Erase Data" toggle

While you’re in the Passcode settings, look at the very bottom. There’s a toggle for Erase Data. If you turn this on, the iPad will wipe everything after 10 failed passcode attempts.

It’s great for security. It’s terrifying if you have a toddler who likes to mash buttons.

If you have a backup on iCloud, go ahead and turn it on. If you haven't backed up since 2022? Leave it off. Losing your iPad to a thief is bad, but losing every photo of your vacation because your kid was playing "spy" is arguably worse.

Solving the "Grayed Out" Passcode Button

Sometimes you go to change the password and the button is grey. You can't tap it.

This usually happens for two reasons:

• Configuration Profiles: If your iPad is from work or school, they might have a "management profile" that forbids you from changing the security settings. You’ll see this under Settings > General > VPN & Device Management.
• Screen Time Restrictions: If "Account Changes" is set to "Don't Allow" in the Screen Time settings, you’re locked out of your own security menus.

Check those two spots if you're stuck. Usually, a quick tweak in Screen Time fixes the "unclickable" button.

Keeping your new password safe

Once you’ve successfully figured out how do i change ipad password, don't just write it on a sticky note and slap it on the back of the case. (Yes, people actually do this.)

Use a password manager. Even the built-in Apple Keychain is great. It stores everything securely and syncs across your devices. If you change your iPad passcode and immediately forget it, a password manager—on your phone or computer—is the only "paper trail" that won't get you hacked.

Your next steps for a more secure iPad

Changing the password is just the first step in a larger security audit. Since you’re already in the settings, take sixty seconds to check these three things:

• Review "Allow Access When Locked": In the same menu where you changed the passcode, look at what’s accessible without the code. Can people see your notifications? Can they reply to messages? Toggle off anything that feels too private.
• Check your Recovery Contact: Go to your Apple ID settings and add a "Recovery Contact." This is a trusted friend who can help you get back into your account if you ever get locked out of your Apple ID. It doesn't give them access to your data; it just gives them a code to help you reset things.
• Update iPadOS: Security patches often fix vulnerabilities that bypass passcodes. If you're running an old version, your new password doesn't matter as much because the "back door" might be wide open.

By keeping your passcode unique and long, and by knowing exactly where those settings live, you're ahead of 90% of tablet users. Just remember: if you go for the alphanumeric option, make sure it’s something you can type quickly, or you’ll find yourself getting frustrated every time you have to reboot the device. Honestly, a six-digit random string is usually the "sweet spot" for most people between annoyance and actual safety.

If you ever find yourself in a loop where the iPad says "Security Lockout," don't panic. Just wait the timer out or use a computer to reset. Your data is safe as long as your iCloud backup is current. Check that backup status now—Settings > [Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup. If it says "Last successful backup: Yesterday," you're golden. If it says "Never," fix that before you change a single letter of your password.