Forgot Screen Time Passcode? How to Reset It Without Data Loss

We’ve all been there. You set a Screen Time passcode months ago to keep yourself (or your kids) off certain apps, and now it’s long forgotten. Every attempt to guess feels like playing a dangerous game because too many wrong tries lock you out for longer.

The good news? You don’t need to wipe your iPhone clean. Apple has built-in methods to reset your Screen Time passcode without losing any data. Let’s go step by step.

What Is the Screen Time Passcode and Why It’s Important

Screen Time is a feature on iPhones and iPads that tracks your device usage. It shows app activity, pickups, and allows you to set limits using tools like App Limits and Downtime.

To secure these settings, Apple uses a separate Screen Time passcode. This passcode prevents anyone from disabling limits or modifying restrictions without authorization. Parents commonly use it to prevent kids from bypassing content and app limits.

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You can change or remove it anytime in Settings > Screen Time > Change Screen Time Passcode. But since it’s different from your primary unlock code, it’s easy to forget, especially if it was set a long time ago or on another device.

Important

Avoid guessing repeatedly. Too many incorrect attempts will increase the lockout duration. That’s why Apple’s recovery methods are the safest way to reset the passcode.

Also Read: 15 Ways to Fix Screen Time on iPhone When It’s Not Working

Things to Know Before You Begin

Before attempting to reset the passcode, keep the following in mind:

• Apple ID and password: You’ll need the same Apple ID that was used when Screen Time was initially set up.
• Latest iOS version: Update your iPhone or iPad to the latest iOS version for compatibility.
• Backup your device: While these steps typically don’t erase data, backing up is always a smart precaution.

Method 1: Reset Screen Time Passcode Using Apple ID

This is the easiest and most reliable option if your device runs iOS 13.4 or later.

1. Open Settings > Screen Time.
2. Tap Change Screen Time Passcode → Tap again to confirm.
3. Select Forgot Passcode?.
4. Enter your Apple ID and password used to set up Screen Time. (This is different from your device Apple ID)
5. Create a new Screen Time passcode and confirm it.
   

If Share Across Devices is enabled, the new passcode will automatically sync across all your Apple devices.

Change Screen Time Passcode on a Child’s Device

If you’re using Family Sharing and manage your child’s Screen Time:

1. On the family organiser’s device, open Settings > Screen Time.
2. Scroll to the child’s name under Family.
3. Tap Change Screen Time Passcode and then confirm.
4. Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode.
5. Enter and confirm the new Screen Time passcode.

Method 2: Restore from a Backup (Advanced Users)

If you can’t use your Apple ID, your only option is to restore from a backup.

Important

If the backup includes the Screen Time passcode, restoring it will bring the passcode back. Use a backup created before setting the passcode, if available.

Here’s how:

1. Connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC and open Finder (macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (macOS Mojave or Windows).
2. Make an Encrypted Backup to keep your app data, Wi-Fi settings, and health data safe.
3. Once the backup is complete, choose Restore iPhone in Finder or iTunes to erase the device and remove the passcode.
4. When the device restarts, follow the setup steps and choose Restore from Backup.
5. Select a backup made before the Screen Time passcode was set. Restoring a backup created afterward will keep the passcode in place.
   

Once restored, your device will reboot with all your data. You can now create a new Screen Time passcode or leave it off entirely.

Method 3: Contact Apple Support for Assistance

If neither method works, perhaps you don’t have access to the Apple ID, or all backups include the passcode. Apple Support is your next best option.

Be prepared to provide proof of ownership or purchase.

They will guide you through the official recovery process step-by-step.

Alternatively, you can choose to factory reset your iPhone and start fresh. Just remember: this will erase all data, so back up important files to another device first.

Tips to Avoid Screen Time Passcode Issues in the Future

Once you’ve reset the passcode, here are a few tips to avoid forgetting it again:

• Enable Apple ID Recovery so you can reset the passcode easily in the future.
• Save it in a secure password manager like iCloud Keychain.
• Avoid reusing your device PIN as your Screen Time passcode; it’s less secure and more predictable.

Forgetting your Screen Time passcode is frustrating, but you don’t have to lose everything. In most cases, your Apple ID can help you reset it with ease. And if that doesn’t work, Finder/iTunes or Apple Support will help you recover access, without any data loss.

Don’t miss these related reads:

• How to setup and use Screen Distance on iPhone and iPad
• How to use Screen Time on Mac: A detailed guide
• How to reset your iPhone passcode if your forgot it