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Passcode

The Passcode settings section controls device passcode requirements and related security rules (for example, minimum length and complexity). On a Mac (macOS 13 or later, not with User Enrollment) the rules apply to the login password of the users.

Options

In the Apple Policy Editor, passcode options are configured using a mix of toggles and numeric fields. Many fields include tooltips that indicate supported OS versions and supervision requirements.

Passcode toggles

  • Change at next authentication: force a passcode reset the next time the user authenticates.
  • Require alphanumeric passcode: require at least one alphabetic character and one number.
  • Require complex passcode: require a “complex” passcode (no repeating/sequential patterns and at least one non-alphanumeric character).
  • Require passcode: require a passcode without additional length/quality requirements. Note: setting other passcode keys implicitly requires a passcode.

Numeric fields

  • Failed attempts reset (minutes): minutes before the failed-attempts counter resets (requires Maximum failed attempts).
  • Maximum failed attempts: failed attempts allowed before an iPhone or iPad is erased, or a Mac is locked (range: 2–11).
  • Maximum grace period (minutes): how long the device can be unlocked without requiring the passcode (0 = none).
  • Maximum inactivity (minutes): idle time before the device locks (range: 0–15).
  • Maximum passcode age (days): max passcode age before a forced change (range: 0–730).
  • Minimum complex characters: minimum number of “complex” characters (range: 0–4).
  • Minimum length: minimum passcode length (range: 0–16).
  • Passcode reuse limit: passcode history length to prevent reusing old passcodes (range: 1–50).