Solved! How to Fix iPhone Asking for 6-digit Passcode (2024)

"Can anyone help me? I have an iPhone and I have set up a 4-digit passcode. However, my iPhone keeps asking for 6-digit passcode after updating the iOS version to 16. I don’t know the true passcode to unlock my iPhone, so I can do nothing now. How can I get rid of this annoying problem?"?

Recently, some iPhone users encounter a knotty bug, which stops them from entering their iPhone with the correct screen passcode. This iPhone asking for 6-digit passcode instead of 4 problem usually appears after updating the iOS system. Because of the restricted security of iOS, it is difficult job for users to unlock their iOS device without knowing the passcode. Therefore, how can users unlock their iOS devices when encountering such an annoying problem? Don’t worry. In this post, you will learn the best solutions to fix it.

Part 1: Why is my iPhone asking for 6-digit passcode?
Part 2: Top solutions to fix iPhone asking for 6-digit passcode instead of 4
- Fix 1. Force restart your iPhoner
- Fix 2. Try entering the default passcode
- Fix 3. Fix iPhone asking for 6-digit passcode instead of 4 via iTunes
- Fix 4. Fix iPhone asking for 6-digit passcode after update via iCloud
- Fix 5. Fix iPhone asking for 6-digit passcode via TunesKit iPhone Unlocker
Bonus Tip: How to Change a 6-digit Passcode to 4-digit
Conclusion

Part 1: Why is my iPhone asking for 6-digit passcode?

There are many different reasons behind this iOS lock screen issue. If you have set up a 6-digit passcode before, iPhone may ask you to enter the previous passcode to unlock your iPhone after updating the iOS system. This can be deemed as a software bug. If you are now encountering this software issue, this post will be the right place to fix it.

Part 2: Top solutions to fix iPhone asking for 6-digit passcode instead of 4

Fix 1. Force restart your iPhone

If this knotty problem occurs on your iPhone after updating the iOS software version or factory resetting, you can first try to force restart your iPhone to get rid of this problem. Generally, doing a force restart on your iPhone can fix most minor iPhone glitches including this iPhone asking for 6-digit passcode instead of 4. In the following, we will show you how to force restart your iPhone based on different iPhone models.

For iPhone 8 or later: Click and release the Volume Up button quickly, and do the same to the Volume Down button. Then, keep holding the Side button until your iPhone screen goes black.
For iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold the Volume Down and Side buttons. When your iPhone screen goes black, release both buttons.
For iPhone 6 or earlier: Press and hold the Home and Side buttons. Release both buttons when your iPhone screen goes black.

Fix 2. Try entering the default passcode

If your iPhone still asking you to enter a passcode after force restarting it, try entering the default passcode to unlock it. According to many iPhone users who have encountered the same iPhone asking for 6-digit passcode after update or factory reset, entering the default passcode 000000 or 123456 can unlock the iOS device successfully.

Fix 3. Fix iPhone asking for 6-digit passcode via iTunes

You can also unlock your iPhone without knowing the passcode by using iTunes. iTunes is an official iOS tool that helps unlock, update, and backup iOS device. However, your iPhone should have synced with iTunes before. Otherwise, you will need to put your iPhone into Recovery mode to restore it via iTunes. Let's see how to fix this iPhone problem by using iTunes.

Step 1. Launch iTunes on your computer or Mac. Then, connect your iPhone to iTunes. If your iPhone does not appears on iTunes, please update the iTunes version.
Step 2. Click on the little device icon. Then, select the Summary option.
Step 3. Click on the Restore iPhone option to fix the iPhone asking for 6-digit passcode instead 4.

Fix 4. Fix iPhone asking for 6-digit passcode after update via iCloud

You can erase your iPhone remotely via iCloud to get rid of this annoying problem. You can back up your iPhone before erasing it to prevent losing data. It is worth noting that the Find My iPhone feature should be enabled on your iPhone. Now, let’s see how to fix iPhone asking for 6-digit passcode instead of 4 by using iCloud.

Step 1. Launch a browser on your computer or iPhone, and navigate to the icloud.com website.
Step 2. Select the Find My iPhone option.
Step 3. Click on the All Devices option, and select the iPhone that you want to erase.
Step 4. Click on the Erase iPhone option to wipe the iPhone.

Fix 5. Fix iPhone via TunesKit iPhone Unlocker

If the above solutions are not able to fix the iPhone asking for 6-digit passcode, try using a professional iOS unlock tool like TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will be the best choice for you. TunesKit iPhone Unlocker is a dedicated iOS unlocking tool that helps unlock iOS screen, remove Apple ID, bypass MDM restriction, and remove Screen Time restriction. When your iPhone is disabled, iPhone passcode is forgotten, etc., TunesKit iPhone Unlocker can always unlock your iPhone with ease.

Why Choose TunesKit iPhone Unlocker?

TunesKit iPhone Unlocker is compatible with every iPhone model
It helps you to fix iPhone keeps asking for 6-digit
You can also factory reset your iOS device without Apple ID
Supports the latest iOS version up to iOS 16
Offers concise and user-firendly interface

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600,000+ Downloads

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Let’s see how to fix iPhone asking for 6-digit passcode via TunesKit iPhone Unlocker.

Step 1Connect iPhone to Computer

To begin with, please connect your iPhone to the computer. Select the Unlock iOS Screen option. When your iPhone is detected, click on the Start button.

Step 2Put iPhone into Recovery Mode

Before removing the screen lock from your iPhone, you will need to put your iPhone into Recovery mode first. When your iPhone is in Recovery mode, click on the Next button.

Step 3Download Firmware Package

Here, you will need to download the firmware package to fix the iPhone asking for 6-digit passcode instead of 4. Before downloading, you will need to check the onscreen information and ensure that there is nothing wrong.

Step 4Fix iPhone Keeps Asking for 6-digit Passcode

After downloading the firmware package, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will start to remove the screen lock from your iPhone. Just wait and you can access your iPhone again within several minutes.

Bonus Tip: How to Change 6-digit Passcode to 4-digit

If you want to change your 6-digit passcode to 4-digit, you can do the following steps:

Step 1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
Step 2. Select the Face ID & Passcode option.
Step 3. Choose the Change Passcode option. Enter your passcode, then select the Passcode Option.
Step 4. Set up your new 4-digit passcode.

Conclusion

Hope that you can get rid of the iPhone asking for 6-digit passcode after update/factory reset after reading this post. If you have other iOS questions, you can try using TunesKit iPhone Unlocker, or leave us a comment below.

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FAQs

Solved! How to Fix iPhone Asking for 6-digit Passcode? ›

By default, ‌iPhone‌ passcodes are six digits, but Apple includes options to create a four-digit passcode, or a longer numeric or alphanumeric passcode. The default six-digit passcode is obviously more secure than any four-digit one, while the strongest passcodes use a combination of letters and numbers.

Read On ›

How do I find my 6 digit authentication code on my iPhone? ›

Get a text or phone call

Select Didn't Get a Code? on the sign in screen.
Choose to have the code sent to your trusted phone number.
You'll get a text message or phone call from Apple with your verification code. ...
Enter the code on your other device to complete sign in.

Apr 19, 2024

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Does the iPhone password have to be 6 digits? ›

Why is my iPhone asking for passcode so much? ›

I've found a solution that's worked for me. Sign out of Apple ID and sign back in again. in Apple ID, Media & Purchases select Always Require Password and require password for free downloads.

See Details ›

How to recover 6 digit passcode on iPhone? ›

If you can't remember your passcode when you try again, use a computer to put your iPhone in recovery mode. Recovery mode allows you to erase the iPhone, giving you access to set it up again. You will need your Apple ID and password to set your iPhone up again.

Find Out More ›

Why is my iPhone 6 asking for a 6 digit passcode? ›

This iPhone asking for 6-digit passcode instead of 4 problem usually appears after updating the iOS system. Because of the restricted security of iOS, it is difficult job for users to unlock their iOS device without knowing the passcode.

Tell Me More ›

How do I find my 6 digit auth code? ›

When the QR code or manual code has processed, Google Authenticator will generate a six-digit verification code and display it. a. Type the six-digit code you see in the app into the ACF website below the QR code. Then select verify and save.

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How do I get a 6 digit code? ›

How Can You Get a Six-Digit Number?

Decide on the Type of Short Code You Need. The first step in getting a short code is deciding if you want to use a random six-digit code or a dedicated vanity code. ...
Submit Your Application to The Carriers. ...
Activate and Test Number. ...
Start Sending Short Code Messages.

Jun 11, 2024

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Why did my iPhone passcode change from 4 to 6 digits by itself? ›

Since iOS 9, Apple has changed the default 4-digit iPhone passcode to 6 digits in order to improve security. Therefore, if you have a device model older than iPhone 6, you will see the iPhone passcode changed from 4 to 6 digits by itself after performing a system update.

How to unlock iPhone passcode? ›

From your device's Lock Screen, try to enter your passcode until the "[Device] Unavailable" screen appears and your device asks you to try again later. When you're able to, tap the Forgot Passcode? option in the bottom corner of the screen. Tap Try Passcode Reset.

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How do I get my iPhone to stop asking for a passcode? ›

Turn Passcode Off

From a Home screen, tap. Settings. .
Do one of the following: If your iPhone is Face ID capable, tap. Face ID & Passcode. . If your iPhone is Touch ID capable, tap. ...
Enter your passcode then tap. Turn Passcode Off. .
Review the message, then tap. Turn Off. .
If prompted, enter your Apple ID password.

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Why is my iPhone asking for a passcode requirement? ›

If you are using a simple passcode combination for your iPhone, such a prompt will appear on your device. Apple will detect the simple usage of the passcode, and its robust security protocols will alert the user to change the passcode.

See Details ›

What is the default passcode for iPhone? ›

No, there is no default passcode on the iPhone. It is setup by the user. If you are using Two-factor authentication however it will want a six-digit code.

Get More Info Here ›

What is the common 6 digit passcode? ›

Most Common 6 Digit iPhone Passwords

Password	Security Level
123456	Low
000000	Low
111111	Low
123123	Low

2 more rows

What is the hardest 6 digit passcode? ›

Q: What Is The Hardest Six Digit Password? A: To create the toughest six digit password possible, it should contain a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. For example, a password such as “$9x^L@D” is much more secure than one like “123456”. A longer, more complex password is almost impossible to crack.

How do I remove passcode requirement from iPhone? ›

On earlier iPhone models, go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode. On devices without Touch ID, go to Settings > Passcode. You'll find several settings and options: Turn Passcode Off: Tap this option to turn off your passcode.

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Why does my iPhone keep asking me to confirm my passcode? ›

First, it's important to understand that this prompt is a security feature designed to protect your privacy. If you've recently changed your Apple ID password or turned on two-factor authentication, you may see this prompt more frequently.

How do I fix my iPhone after too many passcode attempts? ›

If you enter the wrong passcode six times in a row, you'll be locked out of your device, and you'll receive a message that says iPhone is disabled. If you can't remember your passcode, you can erase your iPhone with a computer or with recovery mode, then set a new passcode.

Learn More ›

Can I go back to 4 digit passcode on iPhone? ›

On devices without Touch ID, go to Settings > Passcode. Tap Turn Passcode On. Enter a six-digit passcode. Or tap Passcode Options to switch to a four-digit numeric code, a custom numeric code, or a custom alphanumeric code.

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