iOS 12

Set a passcode on iPad

For better security, set a passcode that must be entered to unlock iPad when you turn it on or wake it. Setting a passcode turns on data protection, which uses your passcode as a key to encrypt Mail messages and attachments stored on iPad with 256-bit AES encryption. (Other apps may also use 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 security, 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, and you’ll receive a message that says iPad is disabled. If you can’t remember your passcode, you can erase your device with iTunes or with recovery mode, then set a new passcode. (If you made an iCloud or iTunes 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 for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, or your device is disabled.

Helpful?

iPad User Guide