Passcode Expired on Your iPhone? Here’s How to Keep Your Data Safe

If you’re getting a “Passcode Expired” notification on your iPhone, chances are you have logged into a third-party app that occasionally prompts new passcodes. Other common causes of the problem include issues with Safari security, unsecured passcode, etc.

The issue with passcode expired iPhones has been a common concern for many iOS users. This is surprising because iPhone passcodes are supposed to remain valid for as long as the device is in use.

So, why does an iPhone passcode expire? This article provides more details about the problem and some possible ways to tackle it. Keep reading.

Reasons Behind Your iPhone Showing the Passcode Expired Notification

Several factors can result in a passcode expired iPhone issue, including an Exchange email account, configuration profile, iOS 10 feature, etc. Here’s more detail on the common causes of the issue.

Exchange email Account

An Exchange email account is a tool from Microsoft. This email account runs on Microsoft Exchange Server and can help carry out school or work activities.

If you have this account running on your iOS device, you will likely Receive the passcode expired notification. Exchange email accounts from a workplace usually come with encryption that requires a new device pin.

So, after adding the work email, you need to change your passcode occasionally for security reasons.

Organize rules for changing passcode after a certain amount of time, security issues,

Configuration Profile

This profile allows you to modify the configuration settings on your device. With it, you can set up your desired configurations in different locations. You can also customize and update multiple devices or servers automatically. As such, you won’t have to select them manually one after the other.

If you have a configuration profile installed on your iOS device, you may encounter the passcode expired iPhone issue. To resolve this problem, you must delete the installed configuration from your iPhone.

MDM Enrollment

A mobile device management (MDM) system is a software solution to manage and secure mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. You may also get the passcode expired notification if enrolled in this system.

One of its features is the provision of passcode policies on mobile devices, including iOS devices. When an MDM system enforces a passcode policy on an iOS device, it can set rules for how long the operator can use a passcode before it expires.

iOS 10 Feature

A lot of users may struggle with this reason, given that there are no references, such as MDM enrollment or Exchange email, backing it up. Even after inputting your 6-digit passcode on your iOS 10 device, the notification keeps popping up.

Some people believe that it’s a default setting with iOS 10 devices or a bug.

Inactive Apple ID

Another reason for such an issue is if you’ve stayed too long away from your Apple ID. This is noticeable after the first three months of not signing in. Generally, users would see the passcode expired pop up three months after setting up a new one.

Unsafe Passcode

The Apple standard for a passcode is 6 digits to guarantee better security for the device. So, if your passcode is just a 4-digit pin, you may also see such a notification prompting you to change it.

Issues with Safari Security

The history of some Safari browsers may cause your iOS device to see your current passcode as unsecured. This could be a result of certain links you’ve clicked or sites you’ve visited at some point.

In that case, clear the browser history to resolve the issue.

There may be other possible causes of a passcode expired iPhone issue. But these are the most common ones several users have identified.

Fixing Passcode Expired Issue

You may be wondering what could happen if you don’t change or reset the expired passcode. Well, leaving your passcode unchanged is safe and will not cause further issues. However, the constant pop-up could be annoying, and resolving this challenge is a must for some users.

Furthermore, the approach to resolving the occurrence lies in the cause. So, you should determine where the fault is coming from before tackling it.

Here are some tips that will help you.

1st approach – Update your passcode via the Settings app

Here is a step-by-step process to change the passcode on the Settings app.

Step 1: Go to Settings.

Step 2: Tap the “Touch ID & Passcode” or “Face ID & Passcode,” following your iPhone model’s settings.

Step 3: A prompt to enter the current passcode will pop up. Enter it and tap on “Change Passcode”

Step 4: Enter your new six-digit passcode. Avoid using a 4-digit code, as it could cause the problem to reoccur.

Step 5: Re-enter your new passcode to confirm it.

2nd Approach – Clearing Safari Browser History

Deleting the history on the Safari browser app is straightforward, beginning and ending in the Settings app.

Follow these quick steps to do this:

• First, save your important sessions by adding them to your Favorites or bookmarking them.
• Scroll down and tap Safari on the Settings app.

• Swipe up to find Clear History and Website Data and tap it.

• In the pop-up window, tap Clear History and Data to confirm your choice.

3rd Approach – Passcode Reset through iCloud

Resetting your passcode through iCloud is another approach that could resolve a passcode expired iPhone problem. If changing your passcode through the Settings app doesn’t work, you can opt for a password reset via iCloud.

This program lets you delete all content, including your pin, from your iOS device.

Simply follow these steps:

• Locate Find iPhone on your iOS device and click it.
• Choose All Devices to see the devices linked to your iCloud account. Tap your device among the list of connected devices.
• Then select Erase iPhone in the following options.

You can then set up a new passcode once the data is cleared.

4th Approach – Upgrade to a New iOS

You can also update your iOS to get rid of the recurring notification. This is possible through iTunes or the Settings app (for devices with the update notification).

Follow these steps to update your current iOS –

• Scroll down to Display & Brightness on the Settings app.

• On the following page, click Auto-Lock and select Never to keep the screen awake.
• Go back to the main page of the Settings app and select General.
• On the following page, click Software Update.

• If it finds one, tap Download and Install and input your device password.

• Wait for the download process to complete. Your device may restart a few times during this session.

5th Approach – Removing Configuration Profile

As stated earlier, installing a configuration profile on your iPhone can also result in an expired passcode notification on your screen. Fortunately, removing this setup from an iOS device is simple.

Step 1: Launch the Settings app on your device.

Step 2: Select General and scroll down to find Profile.

Step 3: Tap the Profile settings to see all the profiles installed on your Apple device.

Step 4: Choose the profile you wish to uninstall from the list and scroll down to find Delete Profile.

Step 5: Tap the Delete Profile button and input your passcode as prompted on the next window.

Step 6: After inputting your passcode, the device will take you back to the delete page, where you’ll find the Delete or Cancel option. Select the Delete option to remove the profile from your iOS device.

Making Your Passcode Longer

The idea of making your passcode longer comes when it has to do with increased security. Having known the ways to tackle the passcode expired iPhone challenge, you want to make sure it doesn’t repeat itself.

To do this, you need to use a Custom Alphanumeric Code, a combination of letters and numbers, such as “5AbG9kL2“. This will make your passcode longer and make it difficult to guess as you access sensitive apps and accounts. You can find this function in the Settings app on your iOS device.

Here’s how you can set it up.

• Navigate to Settings.
• Tap “Touch ID & Passcode” / “Face ID & Passcode” as your iOS device model features.
• Input your present passcode on the next page.
• Locate “Change Passcode” on the following page and tap it.
• Input your old passcode again as prompted.
• On the next page requesting a new passcode, select Passcode Options.
• You’ll find Custom Alphanumeric Code among the options on the list. Tap it and input your new passcode, including numbers and alphabets.
• Repeat the action to confirm your new passcode.

Frequently Asked Question

My iPhone keeps telling me that my passcode has expired, but why?

Your iPhone passcode should be OK for your device, As long as you don’t change it.

You should explore and investigate third-party apps or email sign-ins because they are likely to blame if your iPhone alerts you that the passcode has expired.

For security reasons, you will frequently receive reminders from applications or email accounts to change your password.

How many times can your iPhone passcode be entered incorrectly?

Six incorrect passcode entries in a row will lock you out of your smartphone and display a warning stating that your iPhone is deactivated.

 If you have forgotten your passcode, you can reset a new passcode after wiping your iPhone clean with a computer or in recovery mode.

Why, after too many failed passcode attempts, is my iPhone not accessible?

Your iPhone will be permanently locked after ten consecutive failed passcode tries.

Making sure you don’t repeatedly enter the wrong passcode is the most effective way to prevent future iPhone availability concerns. Thus, putting up Face ID or Touch ID for your iPhone is the right course of action.

What is the iPhone’s preset six-digit passcode?

You might be frustrated if you’ve not created a passcode on your iPhone and it prompts you for a 6-digit number.

The iOS version update that happens frequently causes this.

You can attempt the preset passcodes in a situation like this. You have two options: 123456 and 000000.

How much does it cost to unlock an iPhone with a passcode?

Regardless of the location of the Apple service store, unlocking your iPhone is free.

However, you may complete the process on your own because it is so simple.

Due to repeated incorrect attempts to enter the screen-lock passcode, iPhones frequently get disabled.

Conclusion

If you receive a passcode expired iPhone notification on your iOS device, your device’s passcode has likely been set to expire after a certain period as a security measure. This is particularly common in corporate or organizational settings, where employees must change passcodes periodically to maintain higher security.

Besides the steps mentioned above to resolve a passcode expired iPhone, users can also use a Passcode Unlocking Tool to change their password. In any case, it’s vital to follow the instructions in the notification to update your passcode and ensure your device remains secure.