How do I change the unlock passcode on my iPad mini?

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Level 1

23 points

How do I change the unlock passcode on my iPad mini?

I was just given an iPad. Turns out it is OLD, but it was given to me, so I can't complain. According to the "About" screen it is an iPad mini 2, running iOS 12.5.7. It was reset to "new" when I got it, so I set it up and got it working. I'd entered a password for the Unlock, which is turning out to be awkward, and I'd like to change it to a numeric code. I've googled this, and I get a lot of answers, none of which seem to be what I need. It isn't that I've forgotten anything. I know the code to get into it. I found one screen that I thought was it, but it turned out to be to change the Apple ID password, which isn't what I want. I just want to change the code to unlock the device. I know the current code, so I can provide that when it is called for, I just can't find the necessary screen to do this. Everything I find talks about looking for something marked "FaceID" or "Touch ID" reset, and this is an OLD device, it doesn't have TouchID or FaceID. Can someone help me to change the unlock code?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Change UNLOCK Password - iOS 12.5.7

iPad mini, iOS 12

Posted on Aug 27, 2025 02:19 PM

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Answer 1

Aug 27, 2025 02:40 PM in response to NHBulldog

Here’s how to do it on an iPhone for iOS 12.

Hopefully it’ll get you in the ballpark on your iPad.

(The iPad-specific iPadOS didn’t arrive ‘till iPadOS 13. )

Set a passcode on iPhone - Apple Support

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Answer 2

NHBulldog Author

Level 1

23 points

Aug 28, 2025 11:14 AM in response to Phil0124

OK, I got it figured out. The issue, as I mentioned was, I kept seeing things talking about "Touch ID & Passcode" or "Face ID & Passcode", and this iPad is old enough it doesn't have either of these features. Somehow I overlooked it, but down in the 3rd grouping of options, I think it is, almost at the bottom of that group I found an option labeled "Passcode". This allowed me to remove the passcode (It did get confusing, when you're not CAREFULLY reading when it is asking for the current Passcode and when it is asking for your Apple ID password). Thank you for your answers.

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