Question
“My iPhone asks for a 6 digit passcode suddenly. I have never set up a 6 digit passcode on this iPhone. Now I am locked out of the iPhone and don't know what to enter. Please help me.”
Apple always tries to improve the security features of the devices. In iOS 9, Apple has introduced a 6-digit passcode to replace the previous 4-digit passcode, which improves data safety by increasing the total number of possible combinations.
However, like the above user, the weirdest thing happened: iPhone passcode changed from 4 to 6 digits by itself after update. iPhone keeps asking for 6-digit passcode that I never set after iOS update.
Don't know what to do? Don't worry if you are struggling with this problem because we are going to show you exactly how to tackle it. Keep reading.
- Why Is iPhone Asking for Passcode I Never Set After Update?
- Solution 1: Never Set a Passcode? Try Default iPhone Passcode
- Solution 2: Force Restart iPhone
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Solution 3: Remove the 6-Digit Passcode I Never Set Directly - WooTechy iDelock [iOS 17 Supported]
- Solution 4: Restore iPhone with iTunes
- Solution 5: Erase iPhone via iCloud
- How to Change iPhone Passcode from 6-digit to 4-digit?
- Tips for Other iOS Update Issues
- FAQs about iPhone Asking for 6-digit Passcode after Update
Why Is iPhone Asking for Passcode I Never Set After Update?
The transition to a 6-digit passcode by default is a deliberate security measure by Apple. It aims to provide increased protection for devices, given the larger number of possible combinations. This change might catch users off guard, especially after updating to the latest iOS version or performing a factory reset.
Solution 1: Never Set a Passcode? Try Default iPhone Passcode
If you have never set the passcode on your device and the device is asking for a 6-digit passcode, you might be frustrated. This usually happens when you update the iOS version. In this case, you can try the default passcodes.
Is there a default iPhone passcode? Yes, passcodes like 123456 or 000000 are considered as default iPhone passcodes that might work in your case. Keep in mind that you need to try these passcodes only once to prevent your device from being disabled. If the passcode works, you must change it or remove it.
Solution 2: Force Restart iPhone
If your iPhone is asking for 6-digit passcode after update, you can try force resetting your iPhone to bypass iPhone passcode requirement. This method differs from a simple restart since it involves shutting down and reloading the iOS firmware. If your iPhone firmware corrupt, this method may not work. But if not, here are the steps to perform a hard reset on an iPhone:
For newer iPhone models (iPhone 8 and above):
Step 1: Press the
Step 2: Press and hold the Side button until the "Power Off" slider appears.
Step 3: Drag the slider to turn off the device and wait for it to shut down completely.
Step 4: Press and hold the Side button again until the Apple logo appears to restart the device.
For older iPhone models (iPhone 7 and earlier):
Step 1: Press and hold both the Side/Power button and the Home (Volume Down for iPhone 7) button simultaneously.
Step 2: Keep holding both buttons, even when the Power Off slider appears.
Step 3: Release the buttons only when the Apple logo appears on the screen to restart the device.
Solution 3: Remove the 6-Digit Passcode I Never Set Directly - WooTechy iDelock [iOS 17 Supported]
Not only updating your iPhone can cause this iPhone passcode emergency, but also a factory reset can be the reason. Many complaints from Apple users say that their backup iPhone asks for 6-digit passcode after a factory reset, which they are unable to provide.
If you are experiencing the same thing and are eager to remove this 6 digit passcode you never set, another fast and effective way to solve this problem is to use WooTechy iDelock to completely remove it.
It is a third-party iOS unlocking tool that stands out as a robust and user-friendly option. Whether your iPhone is asking for a passcode you never set after update or reset, iDelock provides tailored solutions, which work well on all iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch models.
Reasons to Choose iDelock
- iDelock can remove screen passcodes (4-digit/6-digit passwords, Touch ID, or Face ID), Apple ID password, Screen Time passcode and MDM lock in several minutes.
- iDelock works on different scenarios when you get locked out of iPhone, such as iPhone unavailable, an iPhone security lockout, iPhone disabled. Even when your iPhone is unresponsive, iDelock can remove the passcode for you.
- iDelock is a very easy and simple tool that can help you unlock the device all on your own.
- iDelock can also help reset your iPhone & iPad without restrictions passcode.
- iDelock has the highest success rate among all the competitors.
- iDelock is for all iOS versions including the latest iOS 16/17. You can also check the compatibility of the device using the free version.
How to Use iDelock to Remove Passcode if iPhone Asking for 6-digit Passcode?
Step 1: Open iDelock on your computer. You will have 4 options. Click on Unlock Screen Passcode.
Step 2: Now, connect your device to the computer via a USB cable. From this stage, you need to make sure that the device remains connected to the computer. Then, click on Next.
Step 3: If your device is not recognized, check your USB cable. If the cable is perfect, put your device in the DFU/Recovery mode through the instructions given on iDelock.
Step 4: You will see the download firmware screen. Select the iOS version and click on Download. The file will be downloaded automatically. If the download does not start, click on Copy and download the firmware using any browser. After that, click on Select to open the file.
Step 5: Now, iDelock is ready to bypass the passcode. Click on Unlock. You will see a confirmation box. Enter 000000 to confirm your action.
Step 6: The passcode will be bypassed within a few minutes. After that, you can set up the device.
FAQs About Using iDelock:
How can I know whether my device is supported or not?
Download the free trial version of iDelock on your computer. Connect your device and click on Unlock Screen Passcode. Click on Start. If your device is not supported, you will see the message Your device is not supported.
Will it remove my data?
Yes, your iPhone will be reset if you use iDelock to unlock screen passcode, and the iOS version will be updated to the latest.
Is iDelock safe?
iDelock is 100% safe. There are over 2 million customers of WooTechy, and iDelock is its commendable tool. It will safely remove iPhone passcode, and you will be able to use your device again.
Solution 4: Restore iPhone with iTunes
When faced with the perplexing scenario of your iPhone asking for a 6-digit passcode instead of 4, using iTunes is a viable solution. This method allows you to remove the passcode and restore your device, but at the potential risk of data loss. Also, it may not work well on all devices. Here are some requirements.
Prerequisites:
- iTunes should be up to date.
- Your device should be synced with iTunes before, or you need to put your device into recovery mode.
Steps to Use iTunes for Removing Passcode
Step 1: Open iTunes on your computer. Update it to the latest version.
Step 2: Connect the device to a computer. And Open iTunes. If your device can be detected normally, then you can see a device icon in the top-left corner. click on it and choose Restore iPhone on the next interface.
Step 3: If your device is not detected, then you need to put your iPhone into recovery mode. Follow the instructions below to do it.
- For iPhone 8 or later models: Press and release the Volume Up button, and then the Volume Down button. Finally press the hold the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen.
- For iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold the Volume Down and Side buttons together. Don't release it until you see the recovery mode screen.
- For iPhone 6 or older versions: Press and hold the Home and Side buttons together. Release it when you see the recovery mode screen.
Step 4: Then you can see a pop-up window. Click Restore on it. After that, follow the on-screen prompts to finish the whole process.
Solution 5: Erase iPhone via iCloud
iCloud can erase the iPhone or iPad remotely. It is an easy and quick way to get rid of the passcode. This process involves erasing all content and settings from your iPhone, ultimately removing the passcode you've set. It also has some prerequisites. You can either use this method on your computer or any other mobile device.
Prerequisites:
- 1. You need an Apple ID and password to log in to your account.
- 2. Find My iPhone should be enabled on the device.
Steps to Erase iPhone Using iCloud
Step 1: Open any browsers on your computer or mobile phone. Go to iCloud.com.
Step 2: Log in to your account by entering the credentials.
Step 3: On the next screen, choose Find iPhone > All Devices. You will see the list of devices registered with your ID.
Step 4: Click on the device you want to erase and select Erase iPhone option. You need to enter the credentials on the device again to confirm the erase.
Then, you need to wait for a few minutes, and your device will be erased. After that, you can set up your iPhone like a new device.
How to Change iPhone Passcode from 6-digit to 4-digit?
If you're using iOS 14.5 or later, you can follow these steps to change iPhone passcode from a 6-digit code to a 4-digit code:
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap on "Face ID & Passcode" or "Touch ID & Passcode" depending on your device.
Step 3: Enter your current 6-digit passcode.
Step 4: Scroll down to "Change Passcode" and tap on it.
Step 5: Enter your current passcode again.
Step 6: When prompted to enter a new passcode, tap on "Passcode Options."
Step 7: Select "4-Digit Numeric Code" from the list of options.
Step 8: Enter your new 4-digit passcode.
Step 9: Re-enter your new 4-digit passcode to confirm.
Your iPhone passcode has now been changed from a 6-digit code to a 4-digit code. It's important to note that a 4-digit passcode is less secure than a 6-digit passcode, so be sure to choose a code that is not easy to guess. Also, if you want to change iPhone Passcode from 4-digit to 6-digit, just follow the same instructions above.
Tips for Other iOS Update Issues
Wi-Fi Disconnection
This problem was noticed by many users when they updated their system version to iOS 16/17. While using the device, the Wi-Fi is disconnected automatically. The connection also drops on the lock screen and sleep mode.
This problem has been fixed in the later versions of iOS. If you are facing this problem, you just need to update your device again.
iPhone Gets Stuck on Slide to Upgrade Screen
This happens to you when you try to update to iOS 16/17. Many people have encountered this problem. If this is the problem with your device, you should force restart the device. If it works well, there is nothing to worry about. If not, you need to restore your device using iTunes. You can also use iDelock if iTunes does not work in your case.
Restart Loop
People have noticed that their phone restarts again and again after updating to iOS 16/17. It enters the restart loop that does not end, and your device restarts again and again. It is better to force restart the iPhone, but if it does not work, you need to restore the device through iTunes.
iPhone Gets Stuck at Apple Logo
If the device is stuck at the Apple logo after the update, you need to restore the device. Again, you can use iTunes or iDelock in this case.
FAQs about iPhone Asking for 6-digit Passcode after Update
Q1. Why is my iPhone asking for passcode after update?
Your iPhone might be asking for passcode after update due to security reasons. Updates can sometimes reset certain settings, including the passcode, to ensure the device remains secure.
Q2. Why did my iPhone passcode change from 4 to 6 digits by itself?
Your iPhone passcode might have changed from 4 to 6 digits by itself due to an iOS update or a security feature. Some iOS updates require a more secure passcode, which is a 6-digit code.
Also, if you recently enabled Touch ID or Face ID, the passcode will automatically switch to a 6-digit code for additional security.
Q3. Why is my iPhone not recognizing my passcode?
Your iPhone may not recognize your passcode due to a variety of reasons. This could be due to multiple failed passcode attempts, a software glitch, a hardware issue, or a forgotten passcode.
Final Words
If your iPhone keeps asking for 6-digit passcode after iOS 16/17 update, you can use any of the above methods to get rid of the problem. All methods work well, and they have distinct prerequisites, features, pros, and cons. Among them, we recommend WooTechy iDelock because it has everything you need.
You will be able to unlock your device on your own. It will take a few minutes only, and your passcode will be permanently removed. Just download it and give it a try!