iOS 18 on iPad suddenly asks for passcode once per day

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Level 1

55 points

iOS 18 on iPad suddenly asks for passcode once per day

I already seeked for help regarding this annoying topic under a slightly different topic which seemed misunderstood. I hope this one is clearer.

I cannot be the only one affected!

What happened: my iPad Pro has no unlocking protection. Means, no FaceID, no passcode used. Worked fine for years, until I updated from iOS 17.x to iOS 18. Since then it would ask to enter the passcode once per day, though not set up for the iPad. Bug?

iPad Pro (4th generation)

Posted on Oct 30, 2024 9:21 AM

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Answer 1

Oct 31, 2024 9:10 AM in response to infiniter

It is what it is.

If you were not or are not getting the prompt when and as described, contact Apple Support.

Why? Probably in part because some people forget their passcodes, if not periodically reminded.

As for “why” more generally, that’s likely best left for Apple: Product Feedback - Apple

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Answer 2

sberman

Level 10

267,963 points

Oct 30, 2024 3:08 PM in response to infiniter

infiniter wrote:

By the way, you cannot not set up 2FA any[ ]more.

That is incorrect. From the article I linked above:

”On your iPhone or iPad: Go to Settings > [your name] > Sign-In & Security. Tap Turn On Two-Factor Authentication. Then tap Continue and follow the onscreen instructions.”

It’s only used by Apple devices when connected to iTunes on Windows.

That is also incorrect. Among other times, two-factor authentication is used when a new Apple device attempts to sign in to your Apple Account.

iOS 17 didn’t ask for the passcode once per day, but iOS 18 does.

Two-factor authentication was introduced by Apple with the release of iOS 9 in 2015. As time progresses, Apple becomes more and more strict regarding security.

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Answer 3

infiniter Author

Level 1

55 points

Oct 30, 2024 2:47 PM in response to sberman

I‘m confused. The point is: iOS 17 didn‘t ask for the passcode once per day, but iOS 18 does. What‘s the difference? A change regarding passcode use in iOS 18 that nobody knows of or is it a bug? This mere fact that it happens can drive you nuts. There is no purpose.

By the way, you cannot not set up 2FA anymore. Set up since long. It‘s only used by Apple devices when connected to iTunes on Windows.

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Answer 4

infiniter Author

Level 1

55 points

Oct 31, 2024 6:09 AM in response to MrHoffman

It‘s all nice, but still: the code wasn‘t requested in any iOS 17 version. Why now?

So this must have been changed on purpose, by Apple. Or it was buggy all the time in iOS 17 and was suddenly fixed. The reason „user hasn‘t unlocked for more than 48 hrs“ wasn‘t also valid, until now. But I use it every day and it still keeps asking the passcode once per day.

Of course, everybody might think „what‘s so hard on entering the code once per day?“ and they would be right, but that‘s not my point. My point is that this exact topic was changed with the update to iOS 18 and I don‘t see the purpose. Why should I lock my iPad with anything if I don‘t want to? Why can‘t I decide myself? If I deactivate the code, it‘s not just for the iPad, it‘s account-wide.

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Answer 5

sberman

Level 10

267,963 points

Oct 31, 2024 10:26 AM in response to infiniter

In addition to MrHoffman’s comments, with which I agree, consider this scenario which sounds just like your “Why now?” question.

An intersection you drive through every day has a four-way stop sign. For years you have done a “rolling stop” there slowing to 5MPH instead of a full stop. Today a policeman pulls you over and writes you a citation. You ask “Why now?”

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Answer 6

sberman

Level 10

267,963 points

Oct 30, 2024 12:53 PM in response to infiniter

Might you not have set up two-factor authentication for your Apple Account?

Set that up. It will likely help.

Two-factor authentication for Apple Account - Apple Support

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Answer 7

Oct 30, 2024 3:13 PM in response to infiniter

Every other day would be normal…

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