- When you forget your screen time passcode, you can usually reset it with the Apple Account email address and password that were used to set it up.
- Passcode reset options will not appear on a child's device when Screen Time is managed through Family Sharing, so the organizer has to do the reset.
- This article walks through Apple's reset steps first and then covers the options that still work when you no longer have those account details.
Did you set a Screen Time passcode for your child and then forget it? Or did an older device start asking for a Screen Time code that nobody now remembers after an iOS update or account change?
This is a common issue, especially on family devices and second-hand iPhones.
The good news is that Apple still gives you a built-in reset path if you have the right Apple Account details, and there are fallback options when you do not.
Part 1 About Screen Time Lock
Are you new to a screen time lock and haven’t set it before? Well! In that case, let’s first begin with what screen time lock is (Part 2 explains ways to unlock it).
1. What is Screen Time?
Screen Time helps you limit device use and review daily or weekly reports for apps, pickups, and notifications. It is useful for your own habits, and it is also one of Apple's main parental control tools for a child's iPhone or iPad.
2. How many failed screen time passcode attempts can you have on an iPhone?
Apple does not list a fixed maximum number of Screen Time passcode attempts, but repeated wrong entries trigger longer delays. Keep guessing and you can end up waiting much longer before the device lets you try again: Your devices will be locked.
| 6 failed passcode attempts | try again in 1 minute |
| 7 failed passcode attempts | try again in 5 minutes |
| 8 failed passcode attempts | try again in 15 minutes |
| 9 failed passcode attempts or more | try again in 60 minutes |
Is There A default Screen Time Passcode?
No, there is no default screen time passcode for iPhones. You create a four-digit code yourself, and Apple can usually reset it only when you can still verify the account that was originally linked to that passcode.
Part 2 How to Remove Screen Passcode?
Ok! Let's start with the Settings app because that is Apple's supported route. In most cases, you will need the same Apple Account details that were used when the Screen Time passcode was first created.
Otherwise, jump to Method 3 because the passcode requirement of Method 1 and Method 2 is mandatory.
Method 1: Remove Screen Passcode For Your Own Devices Via Settings
Read the "Requirements" before you move forward with Method 1 so the reset has the best chance of working.
Steps for an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch:
- Open Settings > Screen Time.
- Click Change Screen Time Passcode, then tap Change Screen Time Passcode again.
- Tap Forgot Passcode?
- Type the Apple Account email address and password that you used to set up the Screen Time passcode.
- Enter a new Screen Time passcode and confirm it by entering it again. If Share Across Devices is on, Apple updates the new code on your other signed-in devices too.
Steps for a Mac:
- Go to Apple menu > System Preferences, and then click Screen Time.
- In the lower-left corner, click Options.
- Tap Change Passcode, and then tap Forgot Passcode.
- Enter the Apple ID and password you used when setting up the Screen Time passcode.
- Enter a new Screen Time passcode, and then confirm it by entering it again.
The second method is about Family Sharing. If the Family Organizer enables the screen time passcode, you will need the Family Organizer's device to turn off the restriction passcode.
Method 2 Reset the Screen Time Passcode For Your Child's Device
This method also requires your Apple ID and password or your device passcode. I suggest you try Method 3 if you're like me and you don't know who set the screen time lock on your device, don't have access to an Apple ID or password, or don't know the device passcode.
Steps On an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch:
- Open Settings > Screen Time on your family organizer.
- Click the name of the child under Family.
- Click Change Screen Time Passcode. Tap it one more time. On current iPhone versions you may also see Manage Screen Time before the reset, and Face ID or a device passcode might be required for authentication.
- Enter a new Screen Time passcode, then confirm it. If the child uses Share Across Devices, the new passcode should carry over to those signed-in devices as well.
Steps On a Mac:
- Select Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Screen Time.
- Choose a child's name from the drop-down menu on the left side.
- In the lower-left corner, click Options.
- Select Change Passcode, then tap Forgot Passcode.
- Enter the Apple ID and password that you used while setting up the Screen Time passcode.
- Enter a new Screen Time passcode, then confirm it.
I have provided you with two ways to turn off the screen time lock. But getting rid of the annoying screen time lock is not easy if you don't know the all-important Apple ID and password or can't access the Family Organizer's device, even if it's your device.
I will now share how I removed the screen time lock without a passcode or even knowing where the "family device" is.
Method 3 How to Remove Screen Time Passcode Without Apple ID
What can Mobitrix LockAway do?
Using Mobitrix Lockaway, you do not have to erase all the data to be able to remove Screen Time Passcode, and you need not enter your device passcode as well.
Steps:
- Download Download and Install Mobitrix LockAway.
- Connect your iPhone/iPad to the computer.
- Choose Screen Time Removal, and then set up your device.
Mobitrix LockAway Screen Time Removal Function
Why Do I Recommend Mobitrix LockAway?
- It requires only about 20 minutes to erase the screen time passcode.
- The tool is easy to operate with just a few steps.
- It has a 99% removal success rate.
- It fully supports iPhone 5s to iPhone 17 and iOS 26 and earlier versions.
Former Apple Technican
I had a great experience using this tool because in just 30 minutes or so, LockAway helped me escape the dreaded time screen lock! I could now enjoy my iPhone without any restrictions: watching TV, youtube, Twitter, etc., no annoying pop-ups any more!
Still confused about “forgot screen time passcode”? I have prepared some FAQs about the screen time lock to clear up any confusion.
Can I Remove Screen Time Passcode via Restore iPhone With iTunes?
It is not recommended. Restoring an iPhone with iTunes, Finder, or the Apple Devices app erases the device instead of simply clearing the Screen Time passcode. If you still want to use this route, make sure you have a backup, or you will lose your data and need to set the phone up again.
Steps
- Launch iTunes on your Mac or PC.
- Use a USB cord to connect your device to your computer.
- When your iPhone symbol shows in iTunes, click on it.
- From the right panel, select the Restore iPhone... option.
- Tap Restore to confirm and follow the steps to complete the process.
Part 3 FAQs About “Forgot Screen Time Passcode”
- Tap Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap the Screen Time option.
- Scroll to the bottom of the list and select Turn Off Screen Time. On some iOS versions, this appears as Turn Off App & Website Activity.
- Once your phone asks for the passcode, enter it.
- You can confirm by tapping Turn Off Screen Time again.
Can I remove screen time passcode via restore iPhone with iTunes?
Having experimented in this area, I would not recommend using iTunes or iCloud to reset the screen time passcode. This is because when I searched Google I found many tutorials recommending using these to reset the devices in order to remove the lock.
But when I applied these methods I discovered that they do not remove screen time lock but end up deleting data. If you still wish to use these methods, ensure a backup, or else all your data will be lost.
How do I turn off screen time?
When you still know the current Screen Time passcode, you can turn Screen Time off directly from Settings.
Steps:
How to Avoid Forgetting Screen Time Passcode?
Set an Easy-to-Remember Passcode
If you often forget the screen time passcode, choose a passcode that you can easily remember. You should create a strong, yet simple, passcode when changing or resetting Screen Time.
Use iCloud Keychain
If you have trouble remembering passwords, iCloud Keychain can still help by keeping the Apple Account password available across your devices. That matters because the Apple reset method depends on the same account details used when Screen Time was set up.
Use Password Manage Tools
Screen time passcodes help prevent unauthorized access to devices, but they can be frustrating to remember if you manage several of them. If you keep forgetting your screen time password, a password manager may help.
A password management tool can help you to keep track of all your passwords in one place. This feature can be helpful if you have a lot of different devices with different passcodes. These tools can also help you generate new, strong passwords for each device. It’s conducive if you have trouble finding new passwords you can remember.
Now you know which option is safest first: Apple Account reset, Family Sharing organizer reset, then a restore or tool only when the built-in path is unavailable.
If you don't have the appropriate password, like me, use LockAway now! I was blessed when I used Mobitrix Lockaway to remove the screen time passcode of the used iPhone because of the extraordinary features it provides to us.
Match the method to your situation, and back up the iPhone before you choose any erase-based workaround.
