Screen Time Passcode Won’t Reset? Fix It
If your Screen Time passcode won’t reset, the most direct fix is to erase all device content and settings, then restore from a backup that was made before the passcode was set. For most users, this is the only official way to remove a forgotten Screen Time passcode on an iPhone or iPad, because Apple intentionally provides no recovery method through the Settings app.
Why the Passcode Is So Hard to Reset
Screen Time passcodes are designed to be unbreakable by design. Unlike a device passcode, which you can reset with your Apple ID, the Screen Time passcode is stored locally on the device and is not sent to Apple. This means Apple cannot look it up or reset it for you. The only exception is if you enabled “Allow Account Changes” and used a different Apple ID for Screen Time, but that still doesn’t give you a way to see or change the passcode without the original code.
This strict approach exists to prevent children from circumventing parental controls. If a child could reset the passcode by answering a security question or using a recovery email, the restriction would be pointless. So Apple chose security over convenience, and that leaves parents and users with few options.
What Actually Works: The Erase and Restore Method
The only reliable way to reset a forgotten Screen Time passcode is to erase the device and restore it from a backup that predates the passcode. Here are the steps:
- Back up your device to iCloud or a computer (but note: the backup must be from before the passcode was set, or the passcode will be in the backup).
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
- Set up the device as new or restore from the old backup that doesn’t contain the passcode.
- If you restore from a backup that has the passcode, you’ll be stuck again. So if you don’t have a pre-passcode backup, you’ll have to set up as new and lose data since that backup.
This method works because erasing the device removes the local passcode storage. Restoring from a backup that was made before the passcode was created brings back your data without the restriction.
When the “Forgot Passcode?” Option Appears
In some cases, after entering the wrong Screen Time passcode multiple times, you may see a “Forgot Passcode?” link. Tapping it might let you enter your Apple ID to reset the passcode—but only if you originally set up Screen Time with that Apple ID and enabled the “Use Screen Time Passcode to Reset” option. If you don’t see that option, or if it fails, it means the feature wasn’t enabled when the passcode was set.
To check if you have this option, go to Settings > Screen Time > Change Screen Time Passcode > Forgot Passcode? If you see a prompt for your Apple ID, you can reset it. If it just says “Passcode required,” you’re out of luck without erasing.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
Many people try these things, which do not work:
- Using a third-party tool that claims to unlock Screen Time. These are unreliable, often require paid subscriptions, and may not work on current iOS versions.
- Deleting and reinstalling an app that is limited—the passcode is device-wide, not per-app.
- Resetting network settings or other settings—this does not touch the passcode.
- Restoring from a backup that includes the passcode—this brings the passcode right back.
A common misconception is that the Screen Time passcode is stored in your iCloud Keychain or can be viewed in your Apple ID account. It is not. It’s only on the device itself.
How to Avoid This Problem in the Future
Once you’ve reset your device, take steps to prevent getting locked out again:
- Use a passcode you’ll remember or store it in a password manager.
- Enable the “Forgot Passcode?” option during setup, which allows Apple ID reset.
- Keep a backup that is older than the passcode, so you can restore it in an emergency.
- Consider using a different restriction method like Family Sharing with parental controls, which can be managed from your own device.
Alternatives to Erasing: What About Family Sharing?
If the device is part of a Family Sharing group and the Screen Time passcode was set by a parent, the parent can change it from their own device. Go to Settings > Screen Time > [Child’s Name] > Change Screen Time Passcode. This works because the parent has the ability to manage the child’s restrictions remotely. But if the passcode was set directly on the device and not through Family Sharing, this won’t help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reset Screen Time passcode with my Apple ID?
Only if you enabled the “Use Screen Time Passcode to Reset” option when setting the passcode. If you didn’t, the Apple ID won’t help.
Will erasing my iPhone remove the Screen Time passcode?
Yes, erasing all content and settings removes the passcode, because it’s stored locally. But you’ll lose data unless you have a backup from before the passcode was set.
Does restoring from an iCloud backup bring back the Screen Time passcode?
Yes, if the backup was made after the passcode was set, the passcode will be restored with it. You need a backup from before the passcode was created.
Can I use a third-party tool to unlock Screen Time?
Some tools claim to do this, but they are not reliable and may not work on current iOS. The only guaranteed method is erasing the device.
Why doesn’t Apple provide a reset option?
To keep parental controls effective. If a child could reset the passcode, they could bypass restrictions. So Apple made it intentionally difficult.
What if I set up Screen Time with a different Apple ID?
You can try using that Apple ID in the “Forgot Passcode?” flow. If it doesn’t work, you’ll need to erase the device.
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