How to change passcode to 4 digits on iphone 12

When you set up an iOS device running iOS 9 or iOS 10, you are prompted for a six-digit passcode. However, you can set a four-digit passcode. This post will show you how to change a passcode from 6 to 4 digits on iPhone/iPad.

How to change passcode back to a four-digit code

Step 1: Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode.

Step 2: Enter Passcode that you have set.

How to change passcode to 4 digits on iphone 12

Step 3: Then tap on Change Passcode.

Step 4: Enter your old passcode again.

How to change passcode to 4 digits on iphone 12

Step 5: Tap Passcode Options, then choose 4-Digit Numeric Code.

How to change passcode to 4 digits on iphone 12

Step 6: Enter your new passcode twice to verify it.

How to change passcode to 4 digits on iphone 12

Tips: You can use the same procedure to change a custom length numeric passcode, or use a mix of letters and numbers in password, learn more see how to set a stronger Alphanumeric passcode.

It’s already annoying enough as it is when Face ID or Touch ID cannot read our face of fingerprints. That’s when you have to type in that 4-6-digit passcode.

However, if you don’t have to type in as many digits to unlock your iPhone, why would you if you’re not worried about another layer of security?

Here is how you can make your iPhone so it goes from a 6-digit to a 4-digit passcode to unlock it.

  • Open the Settings app
  • Scroll Touch ID/Face ID & Passcode
  • Type in your current passcode
  • Scroll to Change Passcode
  • Type in your current passcode again
  • After that, it will take you to a new screen where you can type in a new passcode. It is from there that you will tap the “Passcode Options” wording below and choose “4-Digit Numeric Code.”
  • From there, you will then type in that new 4-digit passcode and verify it.
  • Once that is all said and done, the 4-digit passcode you just set up will be the new number to unlock your iPhone without Face ID or Touch ID.

Did this help you? Do you plan on using this? Comment below or let us know on Twitter at @appleosophy.

Want to use a shorter 4 digit passcode on your iPhone or iPad again? You can do that, though it’s important to remember that shorter passcodes are not as secure.

If you’re a long-time iPhone or iPad user, you probably remember the old days when you were able to use four-digit passcodes. Although Apple defaults users to six-digit passcodes now, you can still switch to a four-digit passcode if you prefer to.

As you may recall, the default passcode required to unlock iPhones and iPad used to be four-digit numeric codes. However, with the addition of Touch ID and Face ID enabled devices that makes unlocking faster and more convenient, Apple has moved to a more secure six-digit passcode. This doesn’t mean you cannot use four-digit passcodes anymore since it’s still available as an option in settings. So if you’re having a harder time remembering the six digit passcodes, want to use a simple passcode for a kids device, or just find it more cumbersome to use a lengthy passcode, and you understand the relative security and privacy risks of using simpler passcodes, you can use this as an option and switch back to a four-digit passcode on your iPhone and iPad.

How to Use a Four Digit Simple Passcode on iPhone & iPad

Using a four-digit passcode on your iOS / iPadOS device is not as hard as you may think. In fact, it’s as simple as changing the passcode itself. Here’s how:

  1. Head over to “Settings” from the home screen of your iPhone or iPad.

    How to change passcode to 4 digits on iphone 12
    How to change passcode to 4 digits on iphone 12
  2. In the settings menu, scroll down and tap on “Face ID & Passcode” or “Touch ID & Passcode” depending on the device you use. You’ll be asked to enter your passcode before you’re able to proceed to the next step.

    How to change passcode to 4 digits on iphone 12
    How to change passcode to 4 digits on iphone 12
  3. Here, scroll down and tap on “Change Passcode” to use a new passcode.

    How to change passcode to 4 digits on iphone 12
    How to change passcode to 4 digits on iphone 12
  4. Next, you’ll be prompted to enter your current passcode.

    How to change passcode to 4 digits on iphone 12
    How to change passcode to 4 digits on iphone 12
  5. Now, you’ll be able to enter a new passcode. Instead of using a new six-digit passcode, tap on “Passcode Options” to continue.

    How to change passcode to 4 digits on iphone 12
    How to change passcode to 4 digits on iphone 12
  6. Next, make sure you choose “4-digit Numeric Code”.

    How to change passcode to 4 digits on iphone 12
    How to change passcode to 4 digits on iphone 12
  7. Now, you’ll be able to enter a new four-digit passcode of your choice.

    How to change passcode to 4 digits on iphone 12
    How to change passcode to 4 digits on iphone 12

That’s it. You’ve successfully managed to switch to a four-digit passcode on your iOS/iPadOS device.

Although a four-digit passcode is easier to type out, it’s far less secure than a six-digit passcode. Since there are only 10000 possible combinations with a four-digit passcode, it’s easier to guess or crack by brute force. In comparison, a six-digit passcode has 1 million possible combinations. And of course, the alphanumeric and longer complex passcodes are even more difficult to guess or crack, and thus more secure.

Typically, you’re using Touch ID or Face ID to unlock your device. You’ll only be asked to enter your passcode if you’ve accessed SOS, restarted your device, or if the biometric authentication fails. However, since many people are wearing masks nowadays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, passcode unlock has become common again among iPhone users (for what it’s worth, you can try this trick to use Face ID better while wearing a face mask.)

Likewise, you can also set an alphanumeric passcode on your iPhone or iPad for enhanced security.

If you use an Apple Watch as a companion device with your iPhone, you may have noticed that Apple still defaults users to a simple four-digit passcode for that device. However, there’s an option available in settings to use a more complicated passcode for the users who need it.

Are you thinking of using a four-digit passcode on your iPhone and iPad? Is this a temporary measure, or something you prefer, or are you switching to a four digit passcode for another reason? Share with us your thoughts, tips, experiences, and advice in the comments.

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How do I change my passcode back to 4 digits?

Here is how you can make your iPhone so it goes from a 6-digit to a 4-digit passcode to unlock it..
Open the Settings app..
Scroll Touch ID/Face ID & Passcode..
Type in your current passcode..
Scroll to Change Passcode..
Type in your current passcode again..

How do I change the number of digits in my passcode?

Please note that Android devices do not have one standard way of changing your passcode. However, changing your passcode is usually listed in your device's Settings..
Tap Settings..
Tap Lock screen..
Tap Screen lock. ... .
Tap PIN..
Enter a new complex* six-digit PIN, then tap Continue..