Temporarily use your old passcode when you forget your new passcode on iPhone or iPad
If you forget your new device passcode, Passcode Reset helps you regain access using your previous passcode—within a 72-hour window.
About Passcode Reset
When you change your passcode in iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and later, Passcode Reset gives you 72 hours during which you can still access your iPhone or iPad using your previous passcode. If you unlock your device this way, you’ll be prompted to change your passcode again immediately.
How to use Passcode Reset
On your Lock Screen after five incorrect passcode attempts, the "[Device] Unavailable" screen appears. When prompted, tap Forgot Passcode? in the bottom corner of the screen.
Tap Enter Previous Passcode.
Enter your old passcode, then follow the onscreen instructions to set a new passcode.
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On your iPhone or iPad, the Forgot Passcode? option appears when you have a device that uses iOS 17 or iPadOS 17 or later and you are connected to a cellular or Wi-Fi network. An Erase [Device] option appears if you have a device that uses iOS 15.2, iPadOS 15.2, iOS 16, or iPadOS 16 and you are connected to a cellular or Wi-Fi network.
How to expire an old passcode sooner
Open the Settings app.
Tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode).
Enter your current passcode.
Tap Expire Previous Passcode Now.
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