Abstract
- Think about rising your safety by switching over to a 6-digit PIN in your cellphone or pc.
- Most platforms already default to 6-digit PINs, however should you’re utilizing a much less safe 4-digit variant, I would advocate making the change.
- The setup course of varies barely by platform — listed below are the steps for iOS, iPadOS, Android, Home windows, and macOS.
Except for biometric types of authentication, together with
fingerprint
and
facial unlock
techniques, the standard Private Identification Quantity (PIN) stays the go-to technique of preserving delicate information on each cellular and PC. The odd
Android pattern unlock aficionado
however, most of us depend on punching in PINs on not less than a semi-regular foundation.
Again within the day, 4-digit PINs had been the usual. Lately, nonetheless, most working techniques default to asking for a safer 6-digit PIN in the course of the gadget setup course of. The rationale for that is clear: put merely, longer PINs are tougher to crack into, and so they do a greater job at securing the contents of your varied digital devices.

Associated
Welcome to World Password Week 2025: learn how to better secure your accounts
All through the following few days, you will hear find out how Pocket-lint’s specialists hold their accounts safe.
Why ought to I change over to a 6-digit PIN?
It is all within the identify of safety
A 6-digit PIN could solely be 2 numbers longer than the everyday 4-digit PINs that we’re oh-so accustomed to, however the barely longer string of digits makes a world of distinction in relation to the robustness of your safety setup. Mathematically talking, and placing apart different variables, a 6-digit PIN has 100 occasions the variety of potential mixtures than a 4-digit PIN does.
There are conflicting studies on the real-world significance of utilizing a 6-digit PIN over a 4-digit one, with many researchers citing the human tendency to depend on extremely predictable strings of numbers. Regardless, choosing a 6-digit code is at all times going to be a safer wager, and it offers that little bit of additional peace of thoughts as you go about your day.

Associated
If your password is 123456 here are 3 million reasons to change it
NordPass has launched the sixth version of its research revealing essentially the most commons passwords on the planet.
The best way to change to a 6-digit PIN on iPhone and iPad
The method is identical throughout each iOS and iPadOS
To modify your present 4-digit PIN over to a 6-digit PIN on iOS or iPadOS, comply with these steps:
- Launch the Settings app.
- Navigate to Face ID & Passcode or Contact ID & Passcode (relying on iPhone or iPad mannequin).
- Enter your present passcode.
- Faucet on Change Passcode.
- Enter your present passcode as soon as extra, after which faucet on Passcode Choices > 6-Digit Numeric Code.
- From right here, sort in your new 6-digit PIN.

Associated
3 reasons why I still use Android pattern unlock in 2025
In any case these years, I nonetheless choose utilizing Android’s sample unlock function versus a typical PIN — here is why.
The best way to change to a 6-digit PIN on Android
Most Android skins make it simple to modify over
To modify your present 4-digit PIN over to a 6-digit PIN on Android, comply with these steps:
- Launch the Settings app.
- Navigate to Safety & Privateness.
- Faucet on Machine unlock.
- Faucet on Display lock, after which re-enter your present PIN.
- From right here, faucet on PIN > Set a PIN.
Notice that some Android cellphone makers customise the Android interface to at least one diploma or one other. The fundamental course of is comparable throughout manufacturers like Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and OnePlus, however actual verbiage and group of settings varies on a per-brand foundation.

Associated
5 great password managers that make securing my online accounts easy
Password managers are a superb option to streamline and fortify your on-line credentials – listed below are 5 options that excel on the process.
The best way to change to a 6-digit PIN on Home windows
Your PC deserves the identical safety remedy as your cellphone
To modify your present 4-digit PIN over to a 6-digit PIN on a Home windows-based PC, comply with these steps:
- Launch the Settings app.
- Navigate to Accounts > Signal-in choices.
- Scroll all the way down to PIN (Home windows Whats up), and broaden the chevron arrow.
- Click on on Change PIN, after which enter your present PIN adopted by your new 6-digit PIN.

Associated
3 reasons why I’ve already made the switch to passkeys
Passkeys are a modern-day substitute for irritating passwords, and I’ve already made the change – here is why I wasted no time in doing so.
The best way to change to a 6-digit PIN on macOS
The steps for macOS diverge from these of iOS and iPadOS
To modify your present 4-digit PIN over to a 6-digit PIN on macOS, comply with these steps:
- Launch the System Settings app.
- Navigate to Login Password > Change…
- Sort in your outdated code, adopted by your new 6-digit PIN.
- Hit the Change Password button to finish the method.

Associated
4 streaming apps that still let you share passwords for free
The listing is dwindling, however you possibly can nonetheless share these streaming apps with family and friends.
Trending Merchandise

Acer Nitro 31.5″ FHD 1920 x 1080 1500R ...

SAMSUNG FT45 Sequence 24-Inch FHD 1080p Lapto...

TP-Hyperlink AXE5400 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Router ...

NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 Router (RAX43) 5-Str...
