How to Reset iPhone Password If You Forgot it: Complete Guide

Penny Warren Published on August 11, 2026Unlock iOS3-min reading

Your iPhone and iPad use multiple security features to protect your personal data and privacy, including the lock screen passcode, Apple ID password, and Screen Time passcode. Whether you want to update your password for security reasons or reset it after forgetting it, this guide will show you how to change passwords on your iPhone or iPad.

Part 1. Different Types of Passwords on iPhone/iPad

Before changing a password on your iPhone or iPad, it is important to know which password you need to update. Apple devices use different passwords for different purposes, including:

• Lock screen passcode: Used to unlock your iPhone or iPad and protect your device data.
• Apple ID password: Used to access Apple services like iCloud, App Store, iMessage, and Find My.
• Screen Time passcode: Used to manage app limits, content restrictions, and parental controls.
• iPhone backup password: Used to encrypt local iPhone backups on a computer.

Each password has a different function, and the steps to change or reset them may vary. The following sections will show you how to change these passwords on your iPhone or iPad.

Part 2. How to Change Password on iPhone/iPad If You Know it

There are usually three most used passwords on your iPhone/iPad: Apple ID, screen lock, and screen time. If you remember your old passwords, updating passwords on Apple devices is easy. In the following paragraph, we will introduce how to change these passwords on your iPhone/iPad.

How to Change Lock Screen Password on iPhone/iPad

Apple and the news talk more about biometric security, Face ID, and Touch ID, you still need a passcode on your iPhone. Once you charged your handset and restart it, you must access the iPhone with a passcode. To make it handy, most people use memorable numbers. Therefore, you should change iPhone password regularly to protect yourself.

How to Change Apple ID Password on iPhone/iPad

Every Apple customer has an Apple ID and password. The credential is significant since it is the key to accessing Apple services, such as iCloud, iMessage, Apple Pay, and more. Moreover, you need it to set up a new iPhone. You can change your iPhone/iPad password in the Settings app.

How to Change Screen Time Password on iPhone/iPad

Screen Time is used to set a limit on time spent on a certain app. It also requires a password, which is less frequently used than the previous two passwords. However, some users may need to change their Screen Time passcode, adjust restrictions, or turn off Downtime but don't know how to do it. The following is the detailed guidance.

Part 3. How to Change Password on iPhone/iPad When You Forgot it

Can you change your iPhone/iPad passcode when you forgot it? If you forget your iPhone or iPad passcode, you cannot change it directly from Settings because Apple requires the current passcode to verify your identity. In such case, you need to reset the forgotten passcode. Here are 3 practical ways you may need.

Method 1. Erase iPhone/iPad from the Lock Screen

If your iPhone is running iOS 15.2 or later (or iPad is running iPadOS 15.2 or later) and connected to a network, you may see the Forgot Passcode? or Erase iPhone option after multiple failed passcode attempts.

Method 2. Restore iPhone/iPad Using Recovery Mode

If you cannot change your passcode using the Forgot Passcode option, you can use a computer to restore your device through Recovery Mode.

For iPhone 8 and later:

Press and release the Volume Up button quickly. Press and release the Volume Down button quickly. Press and hold the Power button until you see Recovery Mode appear.

For iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus:

Keep pressing the Volume Down button and Side button together until Recovery Mode appears on the screen.

For iPhone 6S or earlier:

Press the Home and Side buttons together and hold them until Recovery Mode appears on your phone.

Method 3. Use imyPass iPassGo to Remove Forgotten Passcode

If you want a simpler way to remove a forgotten passcode from iPhone or iPad, imyPass iPassGo can help reset your passcode within a few clicks. It supports removing 4-digit/6-digit passcodes, Face ID, and Touch ID when you cannot access your iPhone or iPad.

Part 4. Tips to Manage iPhone/iPad Passwords

Managing your iPhone and iPad passwords properly can help protect your personal data and avoid forgetting them in the future. Here are some useful tips to keep your passwords secure.

1. Use a Strong and Unique Passcode

Avoid using simple passcodes like birthdays, repeated numbers, or other easy-to-guess combinations, like 888888 or 123456.

2. Update Your Passwords Regularly

Changing your device passcode and Apple ID password from time to time can reduce security risks. Avoid using the same password on multiple accounts.

3. Store Your Passwords Safely

If you use multiple passwords for your Apple devices and accounts, remembering all of them is challenging. A password manager like imyPass iPhone Password Manager can help you find, view, and manage saved passwords on your iPhone easily.

Conclusion

Following our guide, you should understand how to change your password on an iPhone/iPad. We have discussed the Apple ID password, as well as the lock screen passcode, and the screen time password. Plus, imyPass iPassGo is a good way to reset the password on your iOS device when you forgot it.