Your passcode is the key to entering your device. With a four-digit passcode there are only 10,000 different combinations that were possible. For folks worried about the security of their iDevices, that number was far too low. Apple introduced the option for a six-digit passcode in iOS 9. Those two extra digits, moves the possible passcode combination from 10,000 to 1 million, making it even more secure.

How to set a 6-digit or custom passcode in iOS 9

The default passcode option for devices all the way up to iOS 9 has been four digits. Now, after updating or buying a device with iOS 9 installed, the default passcode request will have six digits.

There has been confusion with this change. While iOS 9 will ask new users to create a six-digit passcode when changing a passcode, it is not a requirement. For folks that updated their devices, your old four-digit code will still remain. Only now you have the option to add those extra digits; the choice is yours.

If you would like to change to a six-digit passcode, return to a four-digit passcode, create your own multi-digit passcode or create an alphanumeric passcode, you can do so via Settings.

Step 1.

Open the Settings app and go to Touch ID & Passcode and enter your current passcode.

Step 2.

Next, tap on Change Passcode, followed by entering in your current password again. The next screen will ask you to, “Enter your new passcode.” By default there will be six digits. This does not mean you must create a six digit password. Right below the digit placeholders is the Passcode Options button. Tap on this and select the passcode option you prefer from the pop-up menu.

Once you select your option, create your passcode accordingly. I am sticking with the 6-digit passcode since I can easily remember it, and it’s more secure than my previous four-digit passcode. There is also the Touch ID route for those with compatible phones (5s and above). You’ll still need a passcode, but you won’t have to enter as much with Touch ID enabled.

Let us know which passcode option is your favorite in the comment section.