Forgot your iPhone Screen Time passcode? This guide covers what Screen Time passcode is, the risks of forgetting it, how to reset the passcode, tips to avoid forgetting it. Learn how to recover access and manage Screen Time if you lost the passcode.

What is Screen Time Passcode

The Screen Time feature on iPhones allows users to monitor and limit screen usage for different apps and websites. A key component of Screen Time is the Screen Time Passcode, which acts as an additional layer of security and control. 

When you first set up Screen Time, you will be prompted to create a unique 4-digit Screen Time Passcode. This is different from your general device passcode used to unlock your iPhone. The Screen Time Passcode is specifically tied to the Screen Time app and associated parental controls.

Once created, the Screen Time Passcode is required to make changes to existing restrictions and time limits set in Screen Time. For example, if you have limited YouTube to 1 hour per day for your child, you would need to enter the Screen Time Passcode to increase or decrease this time limit. It prevents children or others from easily circumventing the restrictions.

The Screen Time Passcode also allows parents to remotely manage Screen Time settings through Family Sharing. By using their own device and Screen Time Passcode, parents can quickly adjust app limits and content filters on their child's iPhone without needing physical access to the device.

In addition to limiting screen time, the Screen Time Passcode is also necessary for accessing restricted apps and features. If you set time restrictions on apps or blocked certain apps entirely using Screen Time, you will be prompted for the Screen Time Passcode upon launching those apps outside the allowed time parameters. 

This helps prevent kids from accessing apps like social media or games when they are supposed to be sleeping or studying. It enforces digital boundaries and discipline.

Screen Time Passcode is an important secondary passcode specifically for managing Screen Time restrictions and parental controls. It provides an extra layer of protection to prevent unwanted changes. Setting a unique Screen Time Passcode and remembering it is crucial for properly utilizing the screen limiting and app blocking features on iPhones.

Why Forgetting Screen Time Passcode is bad

Forgetting your Screen Time Passcode can have serious negative consequences that essentially defeat the entire purpose of using Screen Time parental controls. Without access to the passcode, you will be unable to change existing restrictions or override blocked apps.

The most immediate impact is that restricted apps will remain inaccessible even during allowed screen time. For example, if you had limited social media to 1 hour per day for your child, they would be completely blocked from accessing any social apps once that hour is up. Even if the next day starts, they will need the Screen Time Passcode to restart the 1 hour allotment.

This can lead to frustration for both parents and children if the passcode is forgotten. Parents may be bombarded with constant requests to override the screen time limits without the ability to enter the passcode. It renders the Screen Time tool useless.

Moreover, forgetting the Screen Time Passcode means you will be unable to adjust or remove existing restrictions as needed. For instance, if your child has an important project due, you may want to temporarily lift the time limit on certain education apps beyond the allotted time to provide more learning access. Without the passcode, this would be impossible.

The second major risk with losing the Screen Time Passcode is that repeated wrong guesses to unlock Screen Time will trigger automatic lockouts. After 6 failed attempts, the device is locked out for 1 minute. At 10 failed attempts, the entire device could be wiped completely, resulting in data loss.

This makes forgetting the passcode very risky, especially for younger children who may randomly guess numbers and inadvertently wipe the device. It becomes an unnecessary security risk on top of the inconvenience of being unable to change Screen Time settings easily.

Forgetting your Screen Time Passcode defeats the purpose of having it in the first place. It prevents any effective parental control and screen limitation, while also introducing device lockout risks if passcode guesses are made carelessly. Having to reset the passcode from scratch can disrupt the Screen Time management plan.

Solutions to Reset Screen Time Passcode

If you have forgotten your Screen Time Passcode, there are a few different solutions to regain access and restore full Control Center functionality.

The simplest method is to reset the passcode directly on your iPhone. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Change Screen Time Passcode. Tap "Change Screen Time Passcode" again, then tap "Forgot Passcode?" You will be prompted to enter the Apple ID and password originally used to set up Screen Time.

After successfully entering your Apple ID credentials, you will be able to create a new 4-digit Screen Time Passcode. Make sure to choose something memorable this time around. The benefit of this approach is convenience since it can be done directly on the iPhone in just a few taps.

However, there is a limitation if you no longer have access to the Apple ID used originally. In that case, you would need to use Family Sharing to reset the passcode from a trusted device. As long as your iPhone is still linked to your account through Family Sharing, you can use a parent/guardian device to submit the Apple ID credentials and reset the passcode remotely.

If Family Sharing is not set up, your only option left would be to completely remove the Screen Time Passcode. To do this, go to Settings > Screen Time and tap "Change Screen Time Passcode." Select "Turn Off Screen Time Passcode" and enter your existing passcode one last time to disable the requirement. This will remove all passcode prompts and restrictions.

While removing the passcode entirely solves the access issue, it means you will lose all existing Screen Time restrictions and settings. It is best used as a last resort if you cannot reset the passcode through other methods.

An alternative solution is to erase the iPhone entirely and set it up fresh with a new Screen Time Passcode.

 Launch Unlockdog

Launch Unlockdog on your computer, and choose the "Remove Screen Passcode" mode.

Click on "Start Removal" to begin the process.

 Put iDevice into Recovery Mode

Follow the instruction and put your device into Recovery mode.

If you still can't enter developer mode, you can click "here" in the lower right corner of the interface to switch to the detailed introduction.

 iPhone 8 & above

 iPhone 7/7 Plus

 Other iDevices (including iPhone 6 and earlier, iPhone se etc.)

 iPad with Face ID

 iPad with a home button

 iPod touch 7

 iPod touch 6 and earlier

 Download Firmware Package

Connect your iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch to your computer via USB cable. The program will auto-detect your device model.

Choose the firmware version provided and click "Download."

If it fails to download, you can "click here" to download the firmware package in a browser.

If you have already downloaded a firmware package on your computer, click "local firmware" to add it in. 

 Unlock Screen Passcode

When the verification succeeds, click "start".

Please read the notice carefully and enter "000000" to double confirm you are agreeing to unlock your device, then click "Unlock." Your device will enter Recovery mode automatically.

Then kindly wait for it to complete. Just in a few minutes, the lock will be removed from your device.

Recommended approach is to try resetting your Screen Time Passcode directly on the iPhone or via Family Sharing first. Turning off the passcode requirement or erasing the device completely are last ditch options only if you have no other way to recover the original. Avoid guessing randomly at the passcode, which could trigger lockouts.

Tips to Avoid Forgetting Screen Time Passcode

While it can be inconvenient if you forget your Screen Time Passcode, there are preventative measures you can take to avoid finding yourself locked out of Screen Time settings and app limits.

The most basic tip is to set an easy-to-remember 4-digit passcode in the first place. When initially setting up the passcode, use a combination of numbers that form a recognizable pattern or date. For example, choosing your birthday or anniversary date as the passcode makes it much easier recall later on.

Avoid setting random digits that have no significance to you. The more complex and random the passcode, the higher likelihood you will eventually forget it after some time passes. Stick to simple and logical numbers connected to something memorable.

Similarly, consider writing down the passcode somewhere secure like in a notebook or on a posted note only you have access to. While this introduces some security risks if the written passcode is discovered, it may be a worthwhile trade-off if you have difficulty remembering multi-digit sequences. Just be sure to store the written passcode somewhere very safe and private.

Another tip is to consider setting the same 4-digit Screen Time Passcode across all family member devices. So choose one universal passcode everyone remembers instead of unique ones for every device. This simplifies passcode management for both parents and kids. Of course, this approach also means lost security if someone's passcode is compromised.

Alternatively, you can use a password manager like iCloud Keychain to store and autofill the Screen Time Passcode whenever needed. The iCloud Keychain is encrypted and synced across Apple devices securely. To set this up, first make sure Keychain is enabled in iCloud settings.

Then when prompted to create a Screen Time Passcode, use the "Suggest Password" option to have Apple generate a complex alphanumeric code. The generated passcode will be automatically saved in Keychain for easy autofill on that device and others linked to your iCloud account. This provides security without the memorization burden.

In addition to these preventative strategies, you should also ensure your iPhone and Screen Time settings are always kept up to date. Maintaining the latest iOS version optimizes performance and fixes bugs that may otherwise corrupt your passcode and restrictions. Regularly updating Screen Time restrictions also requires actively entering the passcode, keeping it fresh in memory.

Finally, avoid waiting months or years before needing to access Screen Time settings again. The longer the gap between passcode uses, the harder it will be to recall. Update settings or override restrictions periodically even if just as a reminder.

In summary, the combination of an easy-to-remember passcode, securely recording it, and regularly accessing Screen Time will help prevent the inconvenience of a forgotten passcode down the line. The key is following good passcode hygiene by design and consistently practicing recall.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Screen Time feature and its passcode, while useful for managing device usage, can pose challenges if the passcode is forgotten. This renders Screen Time ineffective and even risks locking oneself out of the device. Fortunately, there are preventative measures one can take to set an easy-to-remember passcode, record it securely, and reset it if needed. GPS JOYSTICK also provide alternatives to bypass Screen Time restrictions if desired. With some planning and precaution, the benefits of Screen Time can be enjoyed without the hassle of a forgotten passcode.