iPad asking for 6-digit login code instead of 4-digit code

Try and restart the iPad to see if the issue persist. If it persists, you might need to erase it in order to reset the passcode

If you forgot your iPad passcode, use your Mac or PC to reset it - Apple Support

As documented by Apple in its Security Guide, for devices with TouchID or FaceID enabled, you device Passcode sill be required in the following circumstances…

A passcode or password is also required if the device is in any of the following states:

• The device has just been turned on or restarted

• The user has logged out of their Mac account (or hasn’t yet logged in).

• The user hasn’t unlocked their device for more than 48 hours.

• The user hasn’t used their passcode or password to unlock their device for 156 hours (six and a half days), and the user hasn’t used a biometric to unlock their device in

4 hours.

• The device has received a remote lock command

• The user exited power off / Emergency SOS by pressing and holding either volume button and the Sleep/Wake button simultaneously for 2 seconds and then pressing Cancel.

• There were five unsuccessful biometric match attempts (though for usability, the device might offer entering a passcode or password instead of using biometrics after a smaller number of failures).

When Face ID with a mask is enabled on an iPhone, it’s available for the next 6.5 hours after one of the following user actions:

• Successful Face ID match attempt (with or without a mask)

• Device passcode validation

• Device unlock with Apple Watch

Any of these actions extends the period by an additional 6.5 hours when performed.

A forgotten or unknown iPhone/iPad passcode cannot be recovered - and neither can it be reset or modified from another device. If you see a waiting period you can wait and try again to input the correct Passcode; otherwise, the iPad must be restored.

You may find this support page to be helpful:

If you see an iPhone or iPad unavailable message or Security Lockout screen - Apple Support

iPadOS 17 or later with a forgotten Passcode

If you have changed your passcode in iOS/iPadOS 17 and later - and have since forgotten the new Passcode - you may be able to recover access using your previous Passcode. Passcode Reset gives you 72 hours to use your old Passcode to access your device; when you access your device in this way, you must change your passcode again immediately:

Temporarily use your old passcode when you forget your new passcode on iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

If you cannot use the new Passcode Reset feature, you must use another method.

iOS/iPadOS 15.2 or later with a forgotten Passcode

Apple has introduced a procedure with which to reset an iPad or iPhone with a forgotten Passcode - allowing you to use your AppleID and associated Password to reset your device.

How to reset your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch when you forgot your passcode - Apple Support

You will be able to restore data from a pre-existing iCloud backup without the use of a computer, but will require a PC/Mac to restore data from an iTunes backup.

iPadOS 15.1 and earlier - and all devices that are Disabled



If your iPhone/iPad indicates that it is disabled/unavailable/locked-out, or you have forgotten your iPad passcode, you have no alternative other than to follow this process:

If you’ve forgotten the passcode on your iPad, or your iPad is disabled – Apple Support

You’ll need access to either a Windows PC (with iTunes for Windows installed -or more recent Apple Device App) or a Mac computer (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of macOS).

Download and use iTunes for Windows – Apple Support

Update to the latest version of iTunes – Apple Support

Apple Devices App (Windows PC):

https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9np83lwlpz9k?hl=en-ms&gl=MS

Use of a PC or Mac is unavoidable. If you don’t have access to a suitable computer of your own, that of a helpful friend or family member will suffice. Alternatively, the technicians at the Genius Bar of your local Apple Store will be delighted to assist:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

What iPad model and what iPadOS version is it running. That sounds like you are trying to log into your Apple ID from an ancient iPad running a long-defunct iOS version.

I found that you can log into Apple ID from an old device that accepts oly 4-digit codes if you do this:

— let's say your Apple Account/Apple ID password is Cant_guess_this_999

—Apple sends antoehr device the six-digit code 123456.

—add the sent code tothe End of your Apple Account/Apple ID password with no spaces:

— in the example, you would enter : Cant_guess_this_999123456

I have an old Apple TV that only accepts 4-digit code and I had to use that method to reconnect it to my Apple Account/Apple ID

NOTE: If the iPad is a really old one, an Apple genius may elect not to touch it. See if your model is shown as "vintage" or obsolete" in this support article:

Obtaining service for your Apple product after an expired warranty - Apple Support

noting that support limitations are subject to consumer protection laws and those vary by country and, sometimes, by state.