How to Set a Custom Alphanumeric Passcode on Your iPhone

By default, Apple prompts you to create a six-digit numerical PIN code when you first configure your iPhone. While a six-digit number is reasonably secure against casual snooping, it is highly vulnerable to “shoulder surfing” (where someone watches your fingers as you type) and is relatively weak against a dedicated brute-force attack.

For absolute maximum security, you should abandon the numerical PIN pad entirely and force iOS to use a custom alphanumeric passcode (a complex password containing both letters and numbers, just like the password you use to log into your email or bank account).

How to Change Your Passcode Type

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on Face ID & Passcode (or “Touch ID & Passcode” on older models).
3. You will be immediately prompted to enter your current, existing numerical PIN to prove your identity. Enter it now.
4. Scroll down the page and tap the blue text that says Change Passcode.
5. You must enter your old numerical PIN one more time for security verification.
6. A new screen will appear asking you to “Enter your new passcode,” presenting the standard numerical number pad. Do not type numbers yet.
7. Look directly above the number pad and tap the small blue text that says Passcode Options.
8. A menu will slide up from the bottom of the screen. Tap Custom Alphanumeric Code.

Creating the New Password

The screen will instantly transform. The large numerical keypad will disappear, replaced by the standard, full QWERTY keyboard you use for texting.

9. Type a strong, complex password using a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols (e.g., BlueTiger$99!).
10. Tap Next in the top-right corner.
11. Re-type the exact same password to verify it, and tap Done.

Your phone will pause for a few seconds while it aggressively encrypts the file system with the new key.

From now on, whenever Face ID fails (like when you are wearing a mask) or when you reboot your phone, you will not see the familiar numerical PIN pad. Instead, your iPhone will present a blank text box and the full QWERTY keyboard, requiring you to type out your complex password to gain access to the device.