iOS 9 New 6-digit Passcode

Apple rolled out its new iOS 9 operating system Wednesday and with that comes a big security upgrade.

The new operating system will now automatically default to a six digit PIN to unlock your device, instead of just a four digit PIN. While this might seem like a small change, it actually makes breaking into your iPhone a lot more difficult.

With a four digit PIN, there are a possible 10,000 combinations. But with a six digit code, there are 1 million possible combos, making it a lot tougher for someone to crack your security code.

If you want to increase the security on your device, or perhaps change back to a four-digit code, this is what you'll need to do.

1. Launch the Settings app.
2. Find and select Touch ID & Passcode.
3. Enter your current PIN code if/when prompted.
4. Find and select Change Passcode.
5. Enter your current code again.
6. Enter a new, six-digit code (twice).

Notice there's a link titled Passcode Options (see image to right) just above the number pad when you're entering the passcode. Tapping on this will allow you to create an alphanumeric code, custom numeric code or toggle between a four-and-six-digit passcode.

You're done. Press the home button to exit the Settings app. The next time you're prompted for a passcode, remember to enter all six numbers.

from Apple Tech Insider / Cnet.com