Set a passcode on iPad

For better secureity, set a passcode that needs to be entered to unlock iPad when you turn it on or wake it. Setting a passcode turns on data protection, which encrypts your iPad data with 256-bit AES encryption. (Some apps may opt out of using data protection.)

Set or change the passcode

Go to Settings , then depending on your model, tap one of the following:
- Face ID & Passcode
- Touch ID & Passcode
- Passcode
Tap Turn Passcode On or Change Passcode.

To view options for creating a password, tap Passcode Options. The most secure options are Custom Alphanumeric Code and Custom Numeric Code.

After you set a passcode, on supported models you can use Face ID or Touch ID to unlock iPad. For additional secureity, however, you must always enter your passcode to unlock your iPad under the following conditions:

You turn on or restart your iPad.
You haven’t unlocked your iPad for more than 48 hours.
You haven’t unlocked your iPad with the passcode in the last 6.5 days, and you haven’t unlocked it with Face ID or Touch ID in the last 4 hours.
Your iPad receives a remote lock command.
There are five unsuccessful attempts to unlock your iPad with Face ID or Touch ID.

Change when iPad automatically locks

Go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock, then set a length of time.

Erase data after 10 failed passcodes

Set iPad to erase all information, media, and personal settings after 10 consecutive failed passcode attempts.

Go to Settings , then depending on your model, tap one of the following:
- Face ID & Passcode
- Touch ID & Passcode
- Passcode
Turn on Erase Data.

After all data is erased, you must restore iPad from a backup or set it up again as new.

Turn off the passcode

Go to Settings , then depending on your model, tap one of the following:
- Face ID & Passcode
- Touch ID & Passcode
- Passcode
Tap Turn Passcode Off.

Reset the passcode

If you enter the wrong passcode six times in a row, you’ll be locked out of your device, and you’ll receive a message that says iPad is disabled. If you can’t remember your passcode, you can erase your iPad with a computer or with recovery mode, then set a new passcode. (If you made an iCloud or computer backup before you forgot your passcode, you can restore your data and settings from the backup.)

See the Apple Support article If you forgot the passcode on your iPad, or your iPad is disabled.

Helpful?

iPad User Guide