[2026 Updated] How to Set Passcode on iPhone
"Hey there, I bought a new iPhone yesterday and now wondering how to set up a new passcode on it. Does anyone know how to set password on iPhone? All the suggestions will be greatly appreciated."
Securing your new iPhone is necessary, and it is a must-do thing when buying a new mobile phone as well. If you are using iPhone X or later, you can set up a passcode or Face ID. For iPhone 8 or earlier models, setting up a passcode and fingerprint is a better choice. If you got a new iPhone and finding how to secure it by setting up passcodes, here will be the right page. In this post, we will show you how to set passcode on iPhone.

How to Set Passcode on iPhone (Passcode & Face ID & Touch ID)
In this part, I will show you how to set up passcode on iPhone. You can follow the below steps to set up passcode on iPhone/iPad/iPod touch. Different iPhone models have the same steps to set up passcodes.
1.1 Set iPhone Screen Passcode
Your screen passcode is the "master key" for your device. It is required to enable Face ID or Touch ID and is the primary defense for your data.
- Step 1. To begin with, navigate to the iPhone Home screen and find the Settings app. Click on the Settings app.
- Step 2. Scroll down and find the Face ID & Passcode option. Tap the Turn Passcode On option.

- Step 3. Then, enter a six-digit passcode. Tap Passcode Options above the number pad if you prefer a different format, such as a 4-digit numeric code, a custom numeric code, or a custom alphanumeric code (which allows for letters and numbers for higher security).

- Step 4. Enter your code again to confirm and activate it.
1.2 Set Face ID on iPhone
Face ID uses advanced TrueDepth camera technology to securely unlock your device with a glance. Follow the steps below to set up it correctly.
- Step 1. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and enter your device passcode.
- Step 2. Tap Set Up Face ID.

- Step 3. Tap Get Started and position your face within the frame on the screen. Gently move your head to complete the circular scan.
- Step 4. Tap Done. You can now use Face ID to unlock your phone, authorize purchases, and sign in to apps.

1.3 Set Touch ID on iPhone
If your device has a physical Home button, you can use your fingerprint for secure, instant access.
- Step 1. Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode and enter your passcode.
- Step 2. Tap Add a Fingerprint.

- Step 3. Follow the on-screen instructions, resting your finger on the Home button repeatedly. Do not press firmly; just rest your finger until you feel a vibration or are prompted to lift it.
- Step 4. Tap Continue once the process is complete. You can add up to five fingerprints (e.g., your thumbs and index fingers) for added convenience.
Bonus Tip: What to Do If You Are Locked Out of Your iPhone
If you have forgotten your passcode, you are locked out of your device. Because Apple’s security is designed to protect your data, there is no "backdoor." However, you can regain access by resetting the device.
If you are stuck and official recovery options are exhausted, professional unlocking tools like TunesKit iPhone Unlocker can help. TunesKit iPhone Unlocker is the optimal iOS unlocking program that can help users unlock iOS devices when forgetting the screen lock passcode, iPad/iPod touch/iPhone is disabled, iDevice screen is broken, etc. With the help of the TunesKit iPhone Unlocker, users can unlock their iOS devices within several steps without encountering any hassle.
Key Features of TunesKit iPhone Unlocker
Unlock iPhone in various situations within several minutes. Factory reset iDevices without passwords. Available on the latest iOS version including 26.
In the following content, we will show you how to use TunesKit iPhone Unlocker to unlock any iOS device.
Step 1Connect iPhone to Computer
To begin with, please launch TunesKit iPhone Unlocker on your computer. It is available on both Windows and Mac platforms. Then, connect your iPhone to the computer via a workable cable. When your iOS device is detected, click on the Unlock iOS Screen option and the Start button for the next step.

Step 2Put Your iPhone into DFU Mode/Recovery Mode
In this phase, you will need to put your iPhone into DFU Mode/Recovery Mode. If you don't know how to make it, you can just follow the on-screen instruction to put your iPhone into DFU Mode/Recovery Mode. When your iPhone is in DFU Mode/Recovery Mode successfully, click on the Next button.

Step 3Download Firmware Package
Confirm that the on-screen information is corresponding to your device. If there is anything wrong, please correct it manually. If you have a previous IPSW file, you can click on the Select button to use it. When there is nothing wrong, click on the Download button.

Step 4Unlock Your iPhone
After downloading firmware package, click the Unlock button to start the unlocking process. Wait for a minute until the process ends.

FAQs About Setting Passcode on iPhone
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Can I use both Face ID and a passcode?
Yes, you must have a passcode set to use Face ID. The passcode acts as the fallback method if Face ID fails (e.g., if you are wearing sunglasses, a mask, or if the device has been restarted).
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What happens if I enter the wrong passcode too many times?
If you enter the wrong passcode too many times, your device will be disabled for a specific period. If you have "Erase Data" or "Forgot Passcode?" enabled in your settings, the iPhone may automatically wipe itself after ten failed attempts. Always ensure your data is backed up to iCloud.
Conclusion
Setting up your passcode and biometric security is the most vital step in protecting your iPhone. By combining a strong alphanumeric passcode with the convenience of Face ID or Touch ID, you ensure that your personal information remains private. Take a few minutes today to confirm your security settings, and remember to keep your credentials in a secure place or use a trusted password manager.