Security for accessing iPad is gone

I updated to iOS 26.2 on my ipad. I used to have to put my pin in to access my iPad. It kept anyone else from accessing the iPad who didn’t know the pin. After the upgrade that is gone. It doesn’t even give me the option so I can log in. But if there is any notification I or anyone else can tap on that and finally access my iPad…….this is insane how can I get this horrible update off my iPad?

iPad Pro, iPadOS 26

Posted on Jan 29, 2026 1:11 PM

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Posted on Jan 29, 2026 1:51 PM

If Face ID was set up, it will always use that first. Only if the face is not recognized or you force that passcode option swiping up before it's done scanning, will it offer the Passcode entry screen.


Again, you can check in Settings ➜ Face ID & Passcode for what is set up.

If you ever set up Face ID, then it's always active. The only indication Face ID is being used is a small green icon at the top of the screen.


If you have an older iPad Pro, it. may be using Touch ID, but the general function is the same. When turning on the iPad using the sleep button / Touch ID sensor it will automatically scan the finger and if recognized unlock the device automatically. Again, you can force the passcode if you swipe up faster or are not pressing the power button to turn it on or are using a different finger than the one that was set up.


This has not changed in many years. What probably happened is you forgot you actually did set up Face ID or Touch ID and the system is now scanning your face or finger faster than before so there is no time to get the Passcode option, or it simply recognizes you better than the previous iPadOS version.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 29, 2026 1:51 PM in response to Gsz25

If Face ID was set up, it will always use that first. Only if the face is not recognized or you force that passcode option swiping up before it's done scanning, will it offer the Passcode entry screen.


Again, you can check in Settings ➜ Face ID & Passcode for what is set up.

If you ever set up Face ID, then it's always active. The only indication Face ID is being used is a small green icon at the top of the screen.


If you have an older iPad Pro, it. may be using Touch ID, but the general function is the same. When turning on the iPad using the sleep button / Touch ID sensor it will automatically scan the finger and if recognized unlock the device automatically. Again, you can force the passcode if you swipe up faster or are not pressing the power button to turn it on or are using a different finger than the one that was set up.


This has not changed in many years. What probably happened is you forgot you actually did set up Face ID or Touch ID and the system is now scanning your face or finger faster than before so there is no time to get the Passcode option, or it simply recognizes you better than the previous iPadOS version.

Jan 29, 2026 1:18 PM in response to Gsz25

If you had Face ID active it will scan your face and unlock for you only.


Otherwise it may ask for a passcode if the face is not recognized.


The update itself would not and does not remove passcode requirements set in place on a previous version.


You can always go to Settings ➜ Face ID & Passcode and make sure Passcode is set up correctly.


click here ➜ Set a passcode on iPad - Apple Support


Jan 29, 2026 1:43 PM in response to Gsz25

Gsz25 wrote:

But if there is any notification I or anyone else can tap on that and finally access my iPad

Ah, I think you’re trying to say this:


“While my iPad is locked, if a notification arrives, anybody can access that notification on my iPad without even entering a passcode.”


If that’s what you mean, then you intentionally allowed it. You may disallow it at Settings > Face ID & Passcode > [Allow Access When Locked] Notification Center = “off”.

Jan 29, 2026 2:08 PM in response to sberman

only change I made was to upgrade

now the keypad for me to access no longer appears nor the the ability to use my face. In fighting to access my iPad without the other options i found out I can access through notifications. If I block that I will no longer be able to access. After the upgrade

the screens for passcode or face entry no longer appear

Jan 29, 2026 4:12 PM in response to Gsz25

I have both passcode and face set up and both stopped working after update. Checked setting and nothing has changed everything is set up but simply don’t come up so I can use them to log in

the screen that comes up is just the background. Tapping swiping nothing works to let me in . I can only get in to my iPad if there is a notification.

Security for accessing iPad is gone

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