Setting a strong passcode is one of the most important things you can do to protect your iPhone security. According to Apple, a passcode helps prevent unauthorized access to your device and the sensitive information stored on it (Apple Support). While iPhone has strong default encryption, a passcode adds an extra layer of security.
Experts generally recommend changing your iPhone passcode every 30-90 days as a best practice. More frequent changes may be warranted if you have increased security concerns. This article will provide an overview of how often you should change your iPhone passcode depending on your personal security needs.
Default iPhone Passcode Settings
iPhones require a 6 digit passcode by default when setting up a new device or after resetting an iPhone (Source: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204060). This provides over 1 million possible passcode combinations for increased security. However, this default can be changed to a 4 digit passcode or longer alphanumeric code containing both letters and numbers if desired.
When initially setting up an iPhone, users are prompted to create a 6 digit numerical passcode. This can later be changed by going to Settings > Face ID/Touch ID & Passcode and selecting Change Passcode. From here, users can tap on Passcode Options to switch to a 4 digit numerical code, a custom longer numeric code, or an alphanumeric passcode (Source: https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/set-up-stronger-passcode-iphone/).
Minimum Recommended Frequency
Most cybersecurity experts recommend changing your iPhone passcode at least every 90 days to protect your data and privacy (https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/how-often-should-i-change-my-password). While some people may change it more frequently, 90 days is the general guideline for the minimum frequency to update your passcode. Changing it this often makes it harder for someone to access your phone if they happen to learn your passcode. It reduces the window of opportunity for them to gain unauthorized access.
Other experts say you can safely go slightly longer between passcode changes, recommending updating it at least every 6 months (https://www.mcafee.com/learn/how-often-should-you-change-your-passwords/). This provides a balance between security and convenience. Changing your passcode semiannually still makes it very difficult for someone with ill intentions to use an old code to access your device and data.
Factors That Increase Risk
There are several factors that can increase the risk of someone else accessing your iPhone if they obtain your passcode, including:
Sharing passcodes with others – Giving out your iPhone passcode to friends, family members or colleagues gives them direct access to all of your personal information stored on the device. It’s best to keep your passcode private and not share it with anyone. 1
Using passcode for other accounts – Many people reuse the same passcode across multiple accounts for convenience. However, if someone gains access to your iPhone passcode, they may be able to access your email, social media, bank accounts and more. Using unique passcodes for all accounts is the most secure practice.
Entering passcode in public frequently – Entering your passcode in public areas where others may be able to observe allows for the possibility of passcode hijacking. Being discreet when entering your passcode in public can help mitigate this risk.
When to Change Passcode
There are a few key times when it is especially important to change your iPhone passcode:
After a data breach or account compromise – If any of your accounts that are linked to your iPhone get hacked or compromised, you should immediately change your iPhone passcode as a precautionary measure. This helps ensure the attacker cannot gain access to your iPhone data using a compromised password. See Apple’s support article.
When device is lost or stolen – If your iPhone is ever lost or stolen, changing your passcode should be one of the first steps you take, after using Find My iPhone to lock or erase the device. This prevents unauthorized access if the phone ends up in the wrong hands. Changing the passcode renders any previously known code invalid. See Apple’s instructions on changing your passcode.
When lending device to others temporarily – If you need to briefly lend your iPhone to someone else, like a family member, you should change the passcode beforehand and then change it back afterwards. This protects your private data and accounts during the time someone else needs access.
Creating a Strong Passcode
When creating a passcode for your iPhone, it’s important to make it as strong and secure as possible to protect your data and privacy. Here are some tips for creating a hard-to-guess passcode:
Use at least 6 digits. The default 4-digit passcode is far too easy for someone else to guess or brute force. Experts recommend using a 6-digit passcode at a minimum for better security (source).
Avoid obvious numbers like birthdays or anniversary dates. These number patterns are some of the first things someone might try when attempting to crack your passcode.
Don’t use the same passcode for multiple accounts. Creating a unique passcode for your iPhone helps prevent access to other accounts if someone guesses your passcode.
Consider using a randomized mix of numbers, letters, and symbols if your iPhone supports alphanumeric passcodes. This creates an exponentially larger number of possible passcode combinations.
Avoid passcodes that form patterns on the number pad, as people can recognize these visual patterns easily. The most secure passcodes use truly random number selections.
Enabling Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) provides an extra layer of security for your iPhone by requiring you to enter a unique code along with your passcode when signing into your device or accessing certain apps and services. According to Apple Support, “If you turn on two-factor authentication, you need two pieces of information to log in to your account: your password and a one-time code generated by your trusted devices.”
When 2FA is enabled, in addition to entering your passcode, you will also be prompted to enter a six-digit verification code that is generated and sent to your trusted devices. This ensures that even if someone knows your passcode, they cannot access your iPhone without also having access to your trusted device that generates the verification code.
Enabling 2FA provides critical protection and makes it much more difficult for anyone besides you to get into your iPhone. Apple highly recommends turning on this feature, which can be easily enabled by going to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security and tapping “Turn on Two-Factor Authentication.”
Using a Password Manager
Using a dedicated password manager app or service is one of the best ways to create and store strong, unique passwords while keeping them safe and secure. According to Wired’s review of top password managers, tools like NordPass and Keeper Password Manager make password security simple by generating hard-to-crack passwords and storing them behind a master passphrase.
Leading iPhone password managers like NordPass, Norton Password Manager, and Dashlane allow you to generate strong randomized passwords up to 50 characters or more for each account. The password manager securely stores these passwords behind one master passcode. This means you only have to memorize one strong master password, while getting a unique, complex password for every other account.
Many password managers like Keeper also sync your passwords across devices, so you can access them on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and more with one master password. This auto-sync makes it easy to use strong passwords everywhere, on every device, without having to manually enter them on each platform.
Backing Up Data
It is important to regularly back up your iPhone data to protect it in case you forget your passcode. According to Apple Support, “iCloud Backup helps keep your data safe by making a copy of the information on your iPhone and iPad that isn’t already synced to iCloud.” (source). Backing up allows you to reset your device and restore your data if you can no longer access your iPhone due to a forgotten passcode.
Apple recommends using iCloud Backup which automatically saves your data including “device settings, app data, photos and videos in iCloud storage.” This occurs daily when your iPhone is charging, locked, connected to Wi-Fi, and has over 20% battery (source). You can also manually back up at any time. An iCloud backup means your data is available if you need to restore your iPhone.
In addition to iCloud, you can back up an iPhone to a computer using iTunes or Finder. Backing up regularly by either method gives you a way to recover your data if locked out of your device. Just be sure to encrypt your iPhone backups for maximum security.
Conclusion
In summary, it is recommended that iPhone users change their passcode at least every 3-6 months to enhance security. While Apple’s default settings only require an iPhone passcode change after over 5 years, more frequent changes are advised to protect sensitive data in case your phone is lost or stolen. Users who download unfamiliar apps, access unsecured networks, or have had their phone compromised previously should change their passcode every 1-3 months for maximum protection.
While regularly changing your iPhone passcode is wise, additional security measures like enabling two-factor authentication and using a password manager app provide further layers of protection. Backing up your iPhone data regularly, either to iCloud or locally on your computer, ensures you can easily recover from any potential security incident. By following these best practices, you can keep your iPhone secure and protect your sensitive information.
