If your iPhone keeps showing the 'iPhone passcode expired' message, the problem is usually tied to a security policy, a work account, or a temporary iOS issue. This guide walks through the practical fixes that usually clear the prompt, starting with the least disruptive option and moving to full reset methods only when needed.
Why is my iPhone Saying Passcode Expired?
When your iPhone says passcode expired, a mail account, device management profile, Microsoft Exchange policy, or another security-controlled app is often behind the prompt. These policies can force a passcode change on the device, which is why the iPhone Passcode Expired alert appears even when your current passcode still worked a moment earlier.
If you're using a work iPhone, check with your IT team before removing accounts or management settings because the passcode rule may be enforced remotely. A common side effect is that the mail account or managed app that triggered the passcode expired prompt stops loading until the policy is satisfied.
Five Methods To Fix iPhone Shows Your Passcode Expired
In this section, I'll walk through 5 practical methods you can use to fix the passcode expired warning, from changing the passcode to erasing the device if nothing else works.
Method 1: Change/Update the expired iPhone Passcode
The first method I recommend is to change the expired passcode. In many cases, this is enough to satisfy the security policy and let your apps start loading again.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap Touch ID & Passcode or Face ID & Passcode.
- Input your old passcode.
- Scroll down a bit to find the option Change Passcode. Select it.
- You'll be asked to provide your old passcode again to verify your identity.
- Once in, tap on Passcode Options if you want to switch to a 6-digit or custom alphanumeric code before you update it.
Now that you have a new passcode, the expired prompt should clear. If you changed the passcode by mistake on iOS 17 or later, Apple also lets you use the previous passcode for up to 72 hours to set a new one again.
Method 2: Force Restart iPhone
If for any reason, the first method doesn't work on your iOS device, you'll need to consider force restarting your iPhone. In plain terms, this method requires you to forcefully reboot your iPhone to resolve the iPhone Passcode Expired prompt on your screen. This method is pretty straightforward, I'll walk you through the steps based on the different iPhone models.
If you're using a first-generation (iPhone 6 or earlier version), follow these steps:
- Simultaneously press both the home button and the power button at the side of the iPhone.
- Hold down until the Apple logo appears on the screen and release the two buttons.
If it's an iPhone 7, check the steps below:
- Simultaneously press the Power button at the side and the volume down.
- Press down till the Apple logo appears, and then you release.
For iPhone 8 and higher models:
- Press and hold the volume increase button and quickly release.
- Press and hold down the volume decrease button and quickly release it.
- Press and hold down the power button until the Apple logo appears, then release.
Once your iPhone is back on, allow it to restart normally, and then check the affected apps if the prompt is cleared.
Method 3: Update iOS to Latest Version
An outdated or incomplete iOS update can also leave security prompts stuck on screen. Updating iOS is worth trying because Apple often fixes passcode, account, and device-management bugs in system updates. You can update from Settings or by using a computer.
Steps to Updating iOS from Settings
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap on General.
- Select Software Update to check for the latest version. If one appears, tap Download and Install, then keep the iPhone on Wi-Fi and power until the update finishes.
- Restart iPhone normally and check to see if the issue has been resolved.
Steps to Updating iOS Via Finder or iTunes
- Using a USB cable, connect your iPhone to your computer. On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, open Finder. On Windows or macOS Mojave and earlier, open iTunes.
- Select your iPhone in Finder or click the iPhone icon in iTunes.
- Back up the iPhone before you update it. You can choose Back Up Now if you do not already have a recent backup.
- Click Update option. If you see Check for Update instead, use that to continue.
- Click Download and Update, then follow the onscreen steps to install the latest iOS version on your iPhone.
Once the update is complete, open the iPhone again and check whether the passcode expired message has been cleared.
Method 4 Reset the Expired iPhone via iCloud
Another way to get rid of the iPhone passcode expired message on your iPhone is by using iCloud. However, this method works only when you have already enabled Find My iPhone on iCloud. This will erase all data on your iPhone and allow you to reset another passcode. Be sure that you've properly backed up all your data before trying this method. Here are the steps:
- Sign in to your iCloud account and select Find My.
- Click on All Devices to choose the device with the expired passcode.
- Once your iPhone has been selected, click on Erase This Device. All settings and data will be deleted from your iPhone.
When the erase is completed and your iPhone turns back on, set it up again, restore your backup if needed, and create a new passcode.
Method 5 Reset Expired iPhone Via Mobitrix LockAway
Mobitrix LockAway is a professional unlocking tool specializing in resolving passcode issues on iOS devices. If your iPhone passcode has expired and your iPhone is locked, I highly recommend this tool as it is not just effective but also simple and highly time-saving. In just 20 minutes, Mobitrix LockAway can help unlock your disabled iPhone and reset a new passcode.
With over 10 years of experience in iOS cracking, their R&D team is fully equipped and capable of handling common iPhone screen locks like 4/6 digit passcode, Face ID, Touch ID, and Alphanumeric passcode. This method is ideal for non-tech savvy folks because it is user-friendly and easy to use.
You should make use of Mobitrix LockAway if
- You cannot remember your iPhone passcode.
- Your face/touch ID isn't working correctly.
- Your iPhone says the passcode expired.
- The screen of your iPhone is cracked.
- iPhone is disabled try again in X minutes/ connect to iTunes message appears due to many wrong attempts.
If your iPhone issues fall in any of the above categories, here are the steps you can take to resolve the problem.
- Download Download Mobitrix LockAway and install it on your computer.
- Select Unlock Screen Passcode from the main menu.
- Click on Start to remove iPhone Passcode. The Keyfile will be automatically detected.
- Download and extract the Keyfile.
- Once the download is successful, click Start to Extract.
- When the extraction is complete, select Start Unlock.
- The unlock will be completed in about 20 minutes.
Mobitrix LockAway - Unlock Screen Passcode Home Menu
Mobitrix LockAway - Click Start to Remove iPhone Passcode
Mobitrix LockAway - Download and Verify Keyfile
Mobitrix LockAway - Click Start to Extract Firmware
Mobitrix LockAway - Click Start Unlock
Mobitrix LockAway - Unlock is Complete
If you're tired of reading text guide, you can check the following video guide.
Why Do I Recommend Mobitrix LockAway?
- 100% Privacy and Security Protection.
- Extremely fast (resolves issues within 20 minutes) and ideal for emergencies.
- It fully supports iPhone 5s to iPhone 17 and iOS 26 and earlier versions.
- 99% Success rates.
- Does not require iTunes.
- User-friendly for non-tech inclined folks and easy to use.
Former Apple Technican
How To Make My Passcode on my iPhone Longer?
Now that we've fixed the problem of the iPhone passcode expired, I'd like to give you a bonus tip on making your passcode longer on your iPhone. Many of these third-party apps and accounts that use your passcode to gain entry contain sensitive information that you want to protect. To enhance security, it is most advisable that you set an iPhone passcode that's longer and more difficult to guess.
The best way to do this is by choosing the custom alphanumeric code format from the passcode options. This option allows you to set a passcode that's a combination of letters and numbers, which makes it longer and more secure.
Your iPhone passcode is an important aspect of your iPhone security as it helps protect your information, apps, and settings. This is why you should always make it difficult for outsiders to guess but simple enough for you to remember. In the event of any passcode-related issues, I recommend Mobitrix LockAway as the to-go tool for resolving them. It has the biggest advantage of saving you time and energy. Plus, it's easy to navigate and very safe to use.
