Setting a passcode on an iPad is the easiest way to protect sensitive information, such as email accounts and credit card numbers, from unauthorized access. You can create a simple numeric passcode or a more sophisticated multi-character passcode through the settings menu or " Settings ". You can also scan Touch ID on an iPad that supports fingerprint scanning.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Creating a Simple Passcode
Step 1. Swipe the iPad screen towards the right to unlock the device
After setting a passcode, you can enter the code on this page.
Step 2. Open the settings menu or "Settings"
This menu is indicated by a gray gear icon on the device's home screen.
Step 3. Scroll down until you find the "Passcode" option, then tap on it
If this is your first time activating a passcode, " Turn Passcode On " is the only option to choose from.
If your iPad supports Touch ID, this option will be labeled "Touch ID & Passcode"
Step 4. Touch "Turn Passcode On"
iPad will ask you to enter a 6-digit passcode.
Step 5. Enter the desired code
You will need to re-enter it correctly on the next page to verify the code entry.
Step 6. Confirm the code by typing it again
If the two codes entered are the same, you will be taken back to the "Passcode Lock" page.
Step 7. Press the lock button to lock the device
You still need to make sure that the passcode is active.
Step 8. Swipe the iPad screen to the right, then enter the passcode
Now your iPad is passcode protected!
You can change or delete your passcode at any time via the " Passcode " menu
Method 2 of 4: Setting a Passcode with Touch ID
Step 1. Swipe the iPad page to the right
You must have set a passcode before you can create a Touch ID passcode.
Step 2. Enter the passcode
Step 3. Open the settings menu or "Settings"
This menu is indicated by a gray gear icon on the device's home screen.
Step 4. Locate and tap on “Touch ID & Passcode” tab
The “Touch ID” segment is only available for iPads that have a “Home” button with the Touch ID scanner feature.
Step 5. Re-enter the passcode
A passcode settings menu (“Passcode”) will appear and you can assign a new Touch ID from that menu.
Step 6. Touch "Add a Fingerprint"
Step 7. Paste the middle of your desired finger to the “Home” button
Make sure you don't press the button. Just touch the button slowly.
Step 8. When iPad vibrates, lift your finger from the button
The device may also ask you to lift your finger via an on-screen message.
Step 9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 until you move to the next page
You need to scan your finger 8 times.
Step 10. When the "Adjust Your Grip" page is displayed, hold the iPad as you would want to open it
You will need to scan multiple parts of your finger to complete the Touch ID assignment process.
Step 11. Stick the fingertip on the “Home” button
The fingertip you use depends on how you touch the “Home” button as usual.
For example, if you normally use the outside of your right thumb to touch the “Home” button, then stick that part a few times on the button
Step 12. When iPad vibrates, finger number of “Home” button
Step 13. Repeat steps 11 and 12 until iPad notifies you that the fingerprint has been accepted
Your Touch ID is now active!
Step 14. Lock iPad
You need to make sure that Touch ID is working.
Step 15. Touch “Home” button once to turn on the screen
Step 16. Paste the scanned finger on the “Home” button
After a second or so, the iPad will unlock.
- If the device does not unlock after scanning the previously used finger, try using a different finger.
- You can store a maximum of five fingerprints.
- You can also use Touch ID to purchase content or verify downloads from the App Store.
Method 3 of 4: Setting a More Advanced Passcode
Step 1. Swipe the iPad screen towards the right to unlock the device
After setting a passcode, you can enter the code on this page.
Step 2. Open the settings menu or "Settings"
This menu is indicated by a gray gear icon on the device's home screen.
Step 3. Scroll the screen until you find the "Passcode" option, then tap on it
If your iPad supports Touch ID, this option will be labeled "Touch ID & Passcode"
Step 4. Touch "Turn Passcode On"
You will be taken to the passcode entry page.
Step 5. Touch “Passcode Options” at the bottom of the screen
You'll see three additional passcode options in addition to the regular 6-digit passcode.
- The "Custom Alphanumeric Code" option allows you to enter numbers, letters, and symbols without a limit on the number of characters.
- The "Custom Numeric Code" option allows you to enter a number without a character limit.
- The "4-Digit Numeric Code" option allows you to set a standard 4-digit passcode.
Step 6. Select the desired option, then enter the passcode
You need to re-enter the same code on the next page to verify the code.
Step 7. Confirm the code by typing it again
If the two passcodes entered are the same, you will be taken back to the "Passcode Lock" page.
Step 8. Press the lock button to lock the device
You still need to make sure that the passcode is active.
Step 9. Swipe the iPad screen to the right, then enter the passcode
Now your iPad is passcode protected!
You can change or delete your passcode at any time via the " Passcode " menu
Method 4 of 4: Changing an Existing Passcode
Step 1. Swipe the iPad screen towards the right
You will be taken to the "Enter Passcode" page.
Step 2. Enter the passcode
Step 3. Open the device settings menu or "Settings"
This menu is indicated by a gray gear icon on the home screen.
Step 4. Scroll down until you find the "Passcode" option, then tap on it
iPad will ask you to enter the current passcode.
If your iPad supports Touch ID, this option will be labeled "Touch ID & Passcode"
Step 5. Enter the passcode
Enter the same code that you used to unlock the device.
Step 6. Touch "Change Passcode"
iPad will ask you to enter your currently active passcode one more time.
Step 7. Enter the current passcode
You will be taken to the "Enter your new passcode" page after that.
Step 8. Enter the desired new passcode
You need to re-enter the same code on the next page to verify the code.
Step 9. Confirm the code by typing it again
If the two codes entered are the same, you will be taken to the "Passcode Lock" page.
Step 10. Press lock button to lock iPad
You still need to make sure that the passcode is active.
Step 11. Swipe the iPad screen to the right, then enter the passcode
Now your iPad is passcode protected!
You can change or delete your passcode at any time via the " Passcode " menu
Tips
- Choose a passcode that is easy for others to remember but difficult for others to guess (eg the last four digits of your social security card number).
- While it's a hassle when you have to enter a passcode every time you unlock iPad, using a passcode is the easiest and most reliable way to keep your data safe in case your device is stolen.
- The passcode can also be used to confirm iOS updates and app downloads.
- The passcode generation process on the iPad is the same as the code generation process on the iPhone.
