iPhone Passcode: In iOS 17, should you change your iPhone’s passcode and happen to forget it shortly afterward, Apple provides a 72-hour grace period for you to rectify the situation without the risk of getting locked out of your device. Here’s an explanation of how this functionality works.
Within the iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 systems, there is now the capability to reset the passcode of your iPhone or iPad using the previous passcode for up to three days after the change. Essentially, Apple allows you to revert to your old passcode within this 72-hour timeframe, proving to be a helpful feature for those prone to forgetting recently established passcodes.
If you enter an incorrect passcode on a device running iOS 17 immediately after making a change, you can simply tap on the “Forgot Passcode?” option at the bottom of the display. This action triggers the “Try Passcode Reset” option, enabling you to use your old passcode to generate yet another new passcode.
For additional security against potential passcode compromise, there’s an “Expire Previous Passcode Now” setting at your disposal. It’s important to note that opting for this feature means forfeiting the ability to use your old passcode to access your device in case you forget the new one. To utilize this new option in iOS 17, follow the provided steps:
- Open Settings.
- Scroll down and select Face ID/Touch ID & Passcode.
- Under “Temporary Passcode Reset,” tap Expire Previous Passcode Now.
- Tap Expire Now to confirm.
Despite a Wall Street Journal report in February highlighting instances of thieves spying on iPhone users entering their passcodes in public, Apple still allows the changing of an Apple ID account’s password using an iPhone’s passcode. Apple’s software engineering chief, Craig Federighi, mentioned in June 2023 that the company is exploring alternative solutions, but as of now, no changes have been implemented. To enhance theft prevention, Apple recommends users switch from a four-digit passcode to an alphanumeric one, a modification achievable in Settings under Face ID & Passcode -> Change Passcode.
