iPad tells me I MUST change my "unlock passcode at this time"

Question

Level 1

12 points

iPad tells me I MUST change my "unlock passcode at this time"

my iPad is giving me a pop up message forcing me to change my passcode. It will not let me do anything unless I change my passcode and does not give me an option to do it later. I haven't been able to use my ipad for 3 days because I can't go past it and I refuse to enter my passcode into the pop up message because it looks fishy... I have heard/read about a similar problem with the iPhone with an option to do it later, but haven't seen anyone talk about this with the iPad. Please help. I last updated my iPad about a month ago and have never had any issues with it. It's a personal iPad (not corporate)

iPad Mini, iOS 9.3.1

Posted on Apr 21, 2016 12:25 PM

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Answer 1

Jun 18, 2016 9:36 AM in response to KezCas

Hi

I had this 6 months ago just change passcode to a 6 digit code instead of 4 for better security .

No problems just go to settings passcode and enter new code just add 2 numbers on to your old code.

Cheers

Brian

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Answer 2

Ralph9430

Level 7

21,708 points

Apr 21, 2016 12:56 PM in response to KezCas

IF you were using the Safari browser when you first saw this message do the following:

1. Quit Safari like this: To quit an app double click the Home button to reveal the app switcher. Flick up on the page preview of the app you want to quit. The page preview will fly away and disappear. That quits the app.

2. Use the Settings app to Clear history and Data. Settings > Safari > Clear History and Data.

3. Reset the iPad. Press and hold both the Home button and the Sleep/Wake button continuously until the Apple logo appears. Then release the button and let the device restart. You will not lose data doing this. It's like a computer reboot.

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Answer 3

ember1205

Level 2

189 points

Apr 21, 2016 3:03 PM in response to Ralph9430

Pressing the Home and Lock buttons at the same time should NOT be used as a way to restart iOS devices unless they are "locked up". If the OP is able to navigate their way around the OS like you've outlined in step 2, then step 3 provided zero benefit and will reset all of the network information and require adding things like WiFi passwords again.

Too many times I see this being suggested as a restart mechanism and it is NOT appropriate to do under almost all circumstances. If a reset of network connections is what you're actually suggesting, and the OP can navigate the device, then that should be accomplished using that option under Settings -> General -> Reset

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Answer 4

KezCas Author

Level 1

12 points

Apr 21, 2016 3:19 PM in response to Ralph9430

I was not on any apps when that happened... I just grabbed my ipad and as soon as I entered my 4 digit code the messaged popped up, which prevents me from doing anything at all... I can't even use the camera or the timer from the locked screen unless I "change my passcode"... I took that picture with my phone.... That said, I can't get to my settings or anything period

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Answer 5

deggie

Level 10

167,177 points

Apr 21, 2016 3:19 PM in response to ember1205

A Forced Restart (which is what Apple calls it now) can be used for more things than the phone being "locked up". Why is is "not appropriate"?

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Answer 6

KezCas Author

Level 1

12 points

Apr 21, 2016 3:20 PM in response to deggie

Whether that is appropriate or not, I used it and it didn't solve my problem... I have turned wifi off and put it on airplane mode to see if it still prompts me and it still does

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Answer 7

deggie

Level 10

167,177 points

Apr 21, 2016 3:23 PM in response to KezCas

Since you were obviously not in Safari there are two possibilities here: You received that as a hacked flash message, in which case you should ignore it or you have a work provided exchange email account on your iPhone and they have a profile on your phone that requires you to periodically change your passcode.

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Answer 8

KezCas Author

Level 1

12 points

Apr 21, 2016 3:39 PM in response to deggie

My first instinct was to ignore it, but I cannot get past it. My iPad is literally held hostage to that pop up message. I either can't use it or have to "change passcode", which I refuse to do. This is a personal iPad and I only use it for educational purposes so no work related exchange accounts

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Answer 9

deggie

Level 10

167,177 points

Apr 21, 2016 3:42 PM in response to KezCas

If you press continue does it take you to settings to change the passcode or does it open Safari and take you out to the web? Is this a WiFi+cellular iPad? And when you say educational purposes did you buy it through an educational institution?

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Answer 10

KezCas Author

Level 1

12 points

Apr 21, 2016 3:45 PM in response to deggie

It's my personal iPad and I am in school and I only use it for school, not work related. No, when I press continue, it gives me another pop up window saying "To change your passcode, fist enter your current passcode." so it doesn't take me anywhere, am still practically locked out of my own iPad... SO FRUSTRATING

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Answer 11

ManSinha

Level 6

12,171 points

Apr 21, 2016 3:47 PM in response to KezCas

What some people have done is to change their password

Then use Settings - Passcode and change it again

It does appear to be a random iOS bug unrelated to a profile but that is one way to get around it

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Answer 12

KezCas Author

Level 1

12 points

Apr 21, 2016 3:49 PM in response to ManSinha

That sounds risky to me... don't you think?

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Answer 13

ManSinha

Level 6

12,171 points

Apr 21, 2016 3:56 PM in response to KezCas

No it is not - search the internet

iphone - Is the message "You must change your passcode ...

Strange passcode dialog: feature or malware? | Apple Support ...

iPhone - Passcode must be changed within 60 minutes | MacRumors Forums

My iPhone just said I have to change the password in 58 ...

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Answer 14

KezCas Author

Level 1

12 points

Apr 21, 2016 4:00 PM in response to ManSinha

I have already seen those posts... My concern is that everyone is talking about their phones, not iPad. My iPad is not even cellular equipped... I'm just making sure I do my diligence before I put my passcode... I am just not convinced yet

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Answer 15

ShagCA

Level 5

6,335 points

Apr 21, 2016 4:05 PM in response to KezCas

If this is a personal iPad, never been jailbroken, it should be fine to proceed. If you're really worried about leaking the current passcode info, unplug your WiFi router. Perhaps I'm wrong but if bad guys on the internet does get your passcode, what can they do with it without physical access to your device?

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