How to remove your phone's passcode

Updated: 04/09/2024 by Computer Hope
Remove phone password

On an Android or iOS smartphone or tablet, there are many options for protecting your device from unwanted use. Using the security options usually requires a password, code or passcode, pattern, or biometric input by the device's owner to unlock the device. To stop using a passcode and remove these security precautions, select your type of mobile device from the list below and follow the steps.

Important

If you forgot the passcode for your phone and cannot unlock it, the instructions below won't help you. As there is no option to reset the passcode only, contact your service provider or reset the phone back to factory settings. See: How to reset a smartphone to factory settings.

Note

Biometric security methods, like Face ID or fingerprint scanners, generally require a passcode as an alternative method of unlocking your device. You cannot disable the passcode while keeping biometric security measures in place as the only option.

Removing a passcode from an iPhone or iPad

Apple logo

To disable the passcode on an Apple iPhone or iPad, follow these steps.

  1. On iPhone X and later, or iPad with Face ID, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
    On earlier iPhone models with Touch ID, go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode.
    On iOS devices without Face ID or Touch ID, go to Settings > Passcode.
  2. Enter your current passcode, if prompted for it.
  3. Select Turn Passcode Off.
Note

If the Turn Passcode Off option is grayed out, biometric security, like Face ID, is enabled. You must disable biometric security before turning off the passcode option.

Removing a passcode from an Android device

Android logo

Android devices may be unlocked by swiping, drawing a pattern, entering a PIN (Personal Identification Number), typing a full-length password, or with biometrics, like fingerprint or facial recognition.

For Android devices with biometric locking methods, follow these steps to disable them.

  1. Unlock your mobile device.
  2. Open Settings.
  3. Tap the Lock Screen or Lock Screen and Security option.
  4. Tap Screen Lock Type.
  5. Under the Biometrics section, disable all options.

For Android devices without biometric locking methods, follow these steps to disable them.

  1. Unlock your mobile device.
  2. Open Settings by swiping down from the top of the screen and tapping the gear icon.
  3. Tap Security.
  4. Tap the Screen Lock option.
  5. Perform your current unlock method to access the settings.
  6. Under Choose screen lock, select None.