How do I set up a password for my device?

iPhone, iPod touch, iPad

AppStoreYou can store a great amount of personal information on your iOS device and access it easily wherever you are. However, the portability of the iPhone, the iPod touch, and to a lesser degree the iPad, means that it's relatively easy to lose or accidentally leave one behind. Secure your personal information by passcode protecting your device. Once activated, any time you or anyone else turns on your device and moves the "slide to unlock" button, you're asked to enter a passcode. If you don't have it, you can't open any of the apps. (Exception: You can make emergency phone calls on a locked iPhone.). Here's how to create a password:

You can set a simple 4-digit password (top right) or a more complex password with numbers and symbols (bottom-right) on your iOS device.

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Turn on passcode protection

  1. TAppStoreap on the Settings icon.
  2. Select the General option on the left side of the screen.

  3. Tap on "Passcode Lock" in the right side of the screen. By default, the Simple Passcode option is turned on. It lets you create a 4-digit passcode (no letters or symbols). If you turn the Simple Passcode option off, you can create a more complex passcode.
  4. Tap on "Turn Passcode On" at the top of the page. Depending on which passcode option you selected in step 3, you'll be presented with one of the following screens:
  1. Enter your passcode. You'll be immediately prompted to re-enter it to confirm it.
  2. If you're entering a complex password, you will have to tap on "Done" when you're finished.


Turn off passcode protection

  1. Go to Settings >General >Passcode Lock.
  2. When prompted, enter your passcode and you're taken to the Passcode Lock screen.
  3. Tap the "Turn Passcode Off" button at the top.

  4. Enter your passcode again to disable passcode protection.



Don't forget your password!

You must enter your password to use your device until you turn passcode protection off. If you forget your password, you'll be locked out of your device. The only way to get back in will be to completely reset the device to factory settings. My advice: store your passwords in a safe place.

Issue: 
May-June 2011
Department/Section: 
Getting Started
TOC Weight: 
16