[Solved] Forgot Screen Time Passcode on iPhone or iPad?

User Concern

“I have nine failed attempts for my screen time password because I can’t remember it, how do i reset it? I can’t reset my iPhone without the screen time password so what should I do?”

Screen Time is a useful feature to check how much time you spend on iPhone. It also allows you to restrict access to certain apps or features of the iOS device with a passcode lock. If you forget the Screen Time passcode, you cannot access the locked apps and services on your iPhone. 

The good news is there are multiple ways to reset the passcode of Screen Time. In today's guide, we will introduce you to some of the best ways to reset screen time passcode. 

Part 1. What is Screen Time Passcode?

Screen Time feature is like the Parental Control of your iOS devices. It shows you real-time reports on how much time you or your kids spend on the iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. It also enables you to restrict certain features and apps on the device through a passcode. 

Basically, the goal of the passcode is to prevent others from changing the settings and limits of screen time. It is highly beneficial to restrict kids from overusing the devices. 

Part 2. Remove Screen Time Passcode without Data Loss

2.1 Using Professional Screen Passcode Unlocker

As we said earlier, there are several ways to reset the screen time passcode on your iPhone. If you forgot the Screen Time passcode, you can use third-party tool like iMyFone LockWiper to remove the passcode easily and quickly. It lets you remove the Screen Time passcode in the newer iOS 17/16 versions and the Restriction passcode in the older iOS devices.

Here are some features of iMyFone LockWiper:

• Remove Screen Time and Restriction passcode without losing data.
• Easy and simple steps; don’t require any technical knowledge.
• Compatible with both old and new iOS versions.
• Works efficiently; requires a short time to unlock.

Now let’s see how to use the iMyFone LockWiper to remove the Screen Time Passcode:

Step 1: Download and install iMyFone LockWiper on your Windows/Mac PC. Once the installation is done, launch the LockWiper app and select "Unlock Screen Time Passcode."

Step 2: Now connect your iPhone or iPad to the PC with a USB cable. Press "Start to Unlock." This will begin the removal of the Screen Time Passcode from your device.

Step 3: The Screen Time Passcode should be removed from your device within a while. Once it is done, you can either keep using the device with the passcode or set a new passcode from the Screen Time Settings.

Reset Screen Time Passcode Using Apple ID (For iOS 13.4 and Later)

If you forget the Screen Time password but remember your Apple ID and password, and your device is running on iOS version 13.4 or later, you should be able to reset the Screen Time passcode following the below steps:

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone and go to Screen Time. Then press "Change Screen Time Passcode."

Step 2: From the pop-up message, choose “Turn off Screen Time Passcode” from the popup. Then press “Forget Passcode”.

Step 3: Now enter your Apple ID credentials and click on “OK” to recover the passcode.

It will completely wipe the passcode from the device. You can now set a new passcode later from  settings. If your iPhone is running on older iOS version like 12 or earlier, you can only rely on third-party tool to reset the Screen Time passcode (as provided above).

Part 3. Reset Screen Time Passcode by Restoring iPhone with iTunes (Data Loss)

Another way to reset the Screen Time passcode is restoring iPhone with iTunes. Note that restoring the iPhone will erase all the stored data in it. If you don't mind losing the data, follow the below steps to reset the Screen Time passcode through iTunes.

• Launch iTunes on your computer and connect your iPhone using a USB cable.
• Your iPhone icon will appear in the iTunes interface when detected successfully.
• Click on the icon and select “Restore iPhone…” from the right section.
• Press “Restore” to confirm the operation and follow the on-screen steps to complete the restoration.

Note that if you have a pre-set data backup, it may include the Screen Time Passcode. In such a case, you will require removing the backup to eradicate the passcode.

Way 4. Try All Possible Passcode You May Use

You can consider trying to retrieve the forgotten password by guessing it. Typically, most of us use a common password with minor tweaks for various apps, sites, and devices.

For example, it can be your birth date, name of your mother/father/sibling, car number, or something like that. Chances are very low that you can retrieve the passcode following this way, but there is no harm in trying.

Part 5. How to Avoid Forgetting Screen Time Passcode?

You’d better remember the screen passcode, otherwise, you won’t have access to some features on your iPhone. Here are some helpful tips to you.

• Set a short yet strong passcode that’s easy to remember.
• If you can’t remember any passcodes, iCloud Keychain developed by Apple to store and sync passwords may be a good assistant.

Part 6. FAQs about Screen Time Passcode

Q1. Is there a default passcode for Screen Time?

No. The Screen Time feature doesn't arrive with a default passcode. However, if you have upgraded the iOS from the older version to the latest iOS 16, the password of Restrictions feature will be set as the new Screen Time passcode. Else, you will be asked to select the passcode while browsing the screen time feature for the first time.

Q2. How many times can you incorrectly enter Screen Time passcode?

You will not be able to access the Screen Time feature for a few minutes to hours if you enter incorrect passwords several times. Such as, you will need to wait for one minute if you enter the wrong passcode six times. It will be five minutes for seven incorrect attempts and hours if you keep trying with the wrong passcode.

Q3. How do I turn off Screen Time password?

It is pretty easy to turn off the Screen Time passcode. First, launch the Settings on your iOS device and then browse Screen Time. There you will find the "Turn Off Screen Time" option to turn the feature off.

The Verdict

Screen Time is a beneficial feature of iOS devices, but forgetting its passcode can lead you to several issues. You should be able to reset the Screen Time passcode following the above-mentioned ways. First, try to reset it using the Apple ID. However, if you forget the Apple ID credentials, then iMyFone LockWiper will be the best option. It enables you to quickly remove the screen time passcode without losing any data or settings.