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

Geez... you worry too much.

2 things:

- it is almost impossible to install anything (drive-by malware installation) on a non jailbroken device. You can only install apps from iTunes store.

- if your internet connection is off, how can you install anything?

You could always put the iPad in airplane mode, change the passcode, then do a full reset of the iPad and restore from the last known good backup where you're certain there were no issues or "risks" of malware. I think that might be a full reset and set up as new, though. 🙂

Using the force restart methods causes the device to restart prior to performing a proper shutdown (like pulling the power plug out of a desktop PC). While the OS on the device will correct most issues as it restarts, you run the risk of corrupting files.

That is incorrect, there is no such thing as a proper shutdown on iOS and thanks to sandboxing and the fact there is no user file management access there is no chance you will corrupt a file.

Better tell Apple, then.

From Restart your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

"You should force restart your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch as a last resort, and only if it's not responding."

Actually Apple should tell themselves and all of their Geniuses since in other knowledgeable articles they recommend trying a forced restart that have nothing to do with the iPhone being locked up and if you call AppleCare or go to the Genius Bar the first thing they will suggest for a variety of symptoms is to try a forced restart (which used to be called a reset). That article says nothing about corrupting files or any harm and Apple will tell you if you ask that a Forced Restart is nondestructive.

ember1205 wrote:

Pressing the Home and Lock buttons at the same time.... will reset all of the network information and require adding things like WiFi passwords again.

You are not very experienced, are you? A forced restart never resets your network information and does not require adding Wi-Fi passwords again. Try it and see.

ember1205 wrote:

You could always put the iPad in airplane mode, change the passcode, 🙂

That (or switching off iPad WiFi) would work too but I was thinking that OP couldn't get anywhere (that includes pulling up control center) without responding (touching) the Continue button. That's why I suggested pulling the plug on the WiFi router.

Good point about not being able to access the Control Center. Pulling the plug on the router makes much more sense in that situation.

have you found a solution to this? i have an iphone 6 and got the same message you did on the ipad not the other one that wants it done in 60 minutes, i turned it on and off normally and did the forced restart and it still there. i also took out the sim card and put it on a iphone 5s and it works fine, even without the sim card the iphone 6 still shows the pop up. any help would be appreciated.

Hi

Got this message about 6 months ago changed passcode from 4 digits to 6 digits no problems.

Cheers

Brian

Kez, this now appears to be a bug with iOS. Many are reporting the same. Please see this thread for more details.

Re: I was just prompted to change my passcode within the next 60 minutes on my iPhone 6?? Ive never had this occur, please help!