How to Lock Your iPad With a Passcode

This guide will show you how to add a passcode or PIN to your iPad so that once it’s locked you’ll need to enter that code in order to use it.

Adding a 4 digit PIN code, 6 digit PIN code or a complete alphanumerical password to your iPad will help you keep it secure – especially if it’s lost or stolen. It would be bad enough to lose your iPad – but it would be much worse for the person who finds your iPad to be able to access your personal information (photos, notes, email, calendar etc). This brief tutorial will show you how to secure your iPad by requiring a pin-code or password to be entered before you can use it. You can use this “lock” in addition to Touch ID or Face ID, depending on your iPad model and personal preference.

1. Start out by selecting Settings from your home screen



2. Select Touch ID & Passcode from the list of Settings. Note: it may be called Face ID & Passcode if your iPad supports Face ID.



3. Look for the link titled Turn Passcode On and tap it.



4. Depending on how you’ve used your iPad, you may have fingerprints or profiles saved. Tap Keep either way.



5. Now you’ll be prompted to enter a 6 digit passcode (PIN). If you’d rather use a 4 digit code or an alphanumerical password, tap the Passcode Options link.



6. Choose the type of passcode you’d like to use. I prefer to use a 4 digit PIN, so that’s what we’ll use for the rest of this guide. If you opt for a 6 digit PIN or longer password, the steps will be nearly identical from here on – you’ll have no trouble following along.



7. Enter your passcode when prompted.



8. Enter it a second time to confirm.



9. At this point you’ll be prompted to sign into your Apple account. Enter your password in the provided space and then tap Sign In



10. For some reason it can take a few moments to set your new passcode. The little wheel that spins will just keep on spinning until it’s done – be patient, it’s not frozen.



11. Depending on your exact iPad model, you may also be able to unlock your device using Touch ID or Face ID. If you want to be able to unlock your iPad using either a PIN or Touch/Face ID, make sure the iPad Unlock toggle in the Touch/Face ID & Passcode section is ON. If you want to use the passcode and only the passcode, make sure the iPad Unlock toggle is OFF



12. Now when you lock your device you’ll be prompted for your passcode (and/or Touch ID/Face ID, depending on your preference).



13. That’s it! You’re all done.

Before you move on, check out some of our other iPad guides, tips and tricks.