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Passcodes: Unlock Your Device With A PIN | iOS 17 Guide

If a passcode hasn’t been enabled on your device, it’s worth setting one up to avoid unwanted access – whether by family, a friend, or a stranger.

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To do this, open the Settings app and select Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode, depending on your device, then Set Passcode. The default is a 6-digit numeric code. Type in your chosen sequence, then when prompted type it a second time for verification.

To enable a different type of passcode, tap Passcode Options from the Set Passcode screen. From here, you can choose between the old style 4-digit code (4-Digit Numeric Code), a longer, more complex set of numbers (Custom Numeric), or a limitless string of both numbers and letters (Custom Alphanumeric).

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Whatever you choose, you’ll need this code to access the device in the future, so make sure it’s one you will remember!

To disable a passcode, open Settings, choose Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode, and select Turn Passcode Off. Enter the passcode to disable it.

How soon?

After setting a passcode, you can also choose how soon it’s needed after locking the device. Tap on Require Passcode and select from the options. A shorter length of time makes your device more secure. Bear in mind that if you have a device that uses biometrics (Face ID or Touch ID), the only option is to require the passcode immediately.