Forgot Screen Time Passcode? How to Reset It

If you forgot your Screen Time passcode, you can reset it using the Apple ID associated with your device, or by erasing the device if the Apple ID method fails. This article explains both methods, how to avoid common pitfalls, and answers related questions.

What the Screen Time Passcode Does

Screen Time is a feature in iOS and iPadOS that tracks device usage and lets you set limits on apps, websites, and notifications. The Screen Time passcode is a separate 4-digit code that prevents changes to these settings and extends time limits when they are reached. It is not the same as your device passcode or Apple ID password, though you can use the same digits if you choose.

This passcode is stored locally on your device, not on Apple’s servers, which is why resetting it requires either your Apple ID or a full device erase.

How the Reset Process Works

Apple provides two official ways to reset a forgotten Screen Time passcode:

• Using your Apple ID: If you enabled “Use Screen Time Passcode to Approve Additional Timeâ€� or set up Screen Time with a passcode, you can reset it by going to Settings > Screen Time > Change Screen Time Passcode > Forgot Passcode? and entering your Apple ID credentials.
• Erasing the device: If you don’t have the Apple ID or the option isn’t available, you must erase the device and restore from a backup. This removes the passcode, but also deletes all data unless you have a recent backup.

Note that the Apple ID method only works if you have enabled the “Allow Apple ID to reset passcode� option (which is on by default). If you turned it off, you’ll need to erase the device.

Step-by-Step: Reset with Apple ID

1. Open the Settings app on the device.
2. Tap Screen Time.
3. Tap Change Screen Time Passcode (or Use Screen Time Passcode if not set).
4. Tap Forgot Passcode?.
5. Enter your Apple ID and password.
6. Follow the prompts to set a new 4-digit passcode.

If you don’t see the “Forgot Passcode?� option, you likely have the “Allow Apple ID to reset passcode� setting disabled. In that case, you’ll need to erase the device.

Step-by-Step: Erase Device (Last Resort)

1. Back up your device if possible (iCloud or computer).
2. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone/iPad.
3. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
4. Follow the on-screen steps to erase the device.
5. Set up the device as new or restore from your backup.
6. After setup, you can set a new Screen Time passcode if needed.

Erasing the device will remove the Screen Time passcode, but it also removes all data. Only use this method if you have a backup or don’t need the data.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

Many people confuse the Screen Time passcode with the device passcode or Apple ID password. They are separate. Also, the “Forgot Passcode?� option only appears if you have an Apple ID signed in on the device and the reset feature is enabled. If you see “Forgot Passcode?� but it fails, double-check that you’re entering the correct Apple ID and password, and that you have an internet connection.

Another misconception: you cannot bypass the Screen Time passcode by simply restarting the device or using a third-party tool. Apple’s security measures prevent this, and using unofficial methods may void your warranty or compromise your data.

How to Avoid Forgetting It Again

To prevent this issue in the future:

• Use a passcode you don’t use elsewhere but can remember, or write it down in a secure place.
• Keep “Allow Apple ID to reset passcodeâ€� enabled.
• Set up a recovery contact or use a password manager to store the passcode.
• Regularly back up your device so that an erase is less painful.

If you’re managing a child’s device, consider using Family Sharing to manage Screen Time from your own device, which can also help reset the passcode.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I reset Screen Time passcode without Apple ID?
No, the only official way to reset it without erasing is using the Apple ID you used to set it up. If you don’t have that Apple ID, you must erase the device.

Q: Will erasing the device remove Screen Time passcode?
Yes, erasing the device removes all settings, including the Screen Time passcode. After setting up the device, you can set a new one or leave it off.

Q: Why is “Forgot Passcode?� not showing?
This option only appears if you have an Apple ID signed in and the “Allow Apple ID to reset passcode� setting is enabled. If you disabled it, you won’t see the option.

Q: Can I use my device passcode to reset Screen Time?
No, the device passcode is separate. You must use the Apple ID method or erase the device.

Q: Does restoring from a backup bring back the Screen Time passcode?
Yes, if you restore from a backup that had the passcode set, the passcode will be restored as well. To remove it, you need to reset it after restoration or erase without restoring.

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