How to Delay Your iPhone Passcode

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: June 6, 2022 Tested

This wikiHow teaches you how to allow an amount of time - between one minute and four hours - to pass after locking your phone before you are required to re-enter your passcode.

1

Open your iPhone's Settings.

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If you don't see it, look for a folder labelled Utilities in your App Library—it will be in there.

2

Tap "Tap Touch ID & Passcode."

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It's in the third section of menu options. On older devices, this will just say Passcode.
- If prompted, confirm your current password to continue.

3

Delete your Touch ID fingerprints, if necessary.

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If you have fingerprints active on your phone, you'll need to delete them before you proceed. To do this:
- Tap on a fingerprint under the Fingerprints section.
- Tap Delete Fingerprint.
- Repeat this process with every fingerprint you have saved.

4

Tap "Require Passcode."

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5

Choose how long to delay entering your password.

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You can select a number of delay times that range from 1 minute to 4 hours.

6

Lock your phone.

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Now that you've made this change, it will take effect instantly. The amount of time you selected will be able to pass until you are required to re-enter your passcode to unlock it.
- For example, if you select 1 Minute, you won't be asked for the passcode again if you turn the screen back on before a minute has passed.^{[1]
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