How to Change the Screen Time Passcode on a Child's Phone [4 Methods]

Penny Warren Published on June 17, 2025Unlock iOS3-min reading

It happens more often than you think: you set up Screen Time on your child's phone, add all the right limits, and then... forget the passcode. Suddenly, you can't change app restrictions, adjust downtime, or update content settings. It feels like getting locked out of your own rules. If you're stuck in this situation, you're not alone. Many parents find themselves searching for a way to change the Screen Time passcode on their child's phone, hoping for a quick solution. The good news? There is a way to regain control.

In this article:

Method 1: Reset Using Apple ID (iOS 13+)
Method 2: Reset Through Family Sharing (If Enabled)
Method 3: Full Reset via Settings (If You Can Access the Phone)
Method 4: Ultimate Way to Reset Screen Time Passcode

Method 1: Reset Using Apple ID (iOS 13+)

If you forgot the Screen Time passcode for a child on a device running iOS 13 or later, Apple gives you a built-in way to reset it using your Apple ID. You need to have the Screen Time Passcode and set up your Apple ID for this to work. Instead of being unable to enter your account, you can utilize your Apple ID to check who you are and make a new passcode. This way, you can go back into parental controls, and your data will not be lost.

Step 1

Go to the Settings on your child's device and scroll down to select Screen Time. This is where all parental control features are managed.

Step 2

Tap Change Screen Time Passcode, then choose the Forgot Passcode? Choosing this option will prompt you to recover the passcode using your Apple ID.

Step 3

Re-enter your Apple ID and password that were used when Screen Time was first set up. This verifies that you are the authorized parent or guardian making the changes.

Step 4

After your identity is confirmed, you will be asked to create a new Screen Time passcode. Choose something secure but easy to remember this time. Re-enter the new passcode to confirm your changes. Once done, Screen Time settings will unlock, and you'll have full control again.

Method 2: Reset Through Family Sharing (If Enabled)

If you are part of a Family Sharing group and can't remember your child's screen time passcode, you can change it directly from your device. The idea works if your Child's device is linked to your Apple ID using Family Sharing, and Screen Time appears under their profile. You can now reset the iPhone passcode, even if you don't have physical access to the phone or the Apple ID.

Step 1

On your own iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app. This method works from the organizer's device in the Family Sharing group.

Step 2

Tap your Apple ID name at the top, then choose Family Sharing. Here, you will see a list of family members linked to your account.

Step 3

Select your child's name from the list. This will open their shared settings, including Screen Time.

Step 4

Tap Screen Time, then select Change Screen Time Passcode. You should see the option to reset or change the passcode from here. Follow the prompts to make and confirm a new Screen Time passcode. Once complete, you will have full access to update restrictions, limits, and more on your child's device.

Even if you are using an iPhone, you can easily change the Parental Controls using these steps.

Method 3: Full Reset via Settings (If You Can Access the Phone)

If everything else fails and you still have the device, you can also do a full reset to remove the Screen Time passcode. It will erase all information from your phone, including the passcode, and allow you to start over. This is a good choice if you are starting from scratch with your phone or if you don't mind restoring it afterward. Always back up your device before doing anything else; that way, you won't accidentally lose your data. This is also a reliable method to change the Screen Time passcode on a child's phone when you're completely locked out of parental control settings.

Step 1

Unlock the iPhone or iPad and go to the Settings app. Confirm the device is connected to Wi-Fi, and has sufficient battery.

Step 2

Scroll down and tap General. Then scroll until you find the Transfer or Reset iPhone. Tap Erase All Content and Settings. This initiates the reset process, which erases all data from the device, including your Screen Time passcode.

Step 3

When prompted, enter the device unlock passcode, not the Screen Time passcode. You may also need to enter the Apple account and turn off Find My iPhone and confirm the reset. Wait for the device to erase and restart.

Method 4: Ultimate Way to Reset Screen Time Passcode

If built-in iOS solutions are not sufficient, consider imyPass iPassGo as a stronger alternative. The purpose of using this app is to help you erase or restore the Screen Time passcode on any iOS device, no matter if you're unable to recall it. No matter if your device has exceeded its limits, is missing parental controls, or has become locked, with iPassGo, you have full control again without an Apple ID. This is great for parents who don't have time to deal with details.

Step 1

Download imyPass iPassGo to your Windows PC or Mac using the appropriate download button below. Once the file is downloaded, open it and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Free Download Free Download

Step 2

On the home screen, choose the Screen Time option. Connect your child's iPhone or iPad to the computer from which you will download the app using a USB cable. To do this, turn off Find My iPhone under the iCloud settings on the phone, as this is required for the passcode to be removed.

Step 3

Once your device is detected, iPassGo will automatically detect the iOS version and follow the correct method based on that:

For iOS 12 and newer versions:

iPassGo will remove the Screen Time passcode, and you will be asked to reset your device to factory settings. Obey the setup instructions on your iPhone or iPad. When you reach the Apps & Data screen during setup, select Don't Transfer Apps & Data to avoid losing your information. If prompted for Screen Time settings, simply choose Set Up Later in Settings to skip that section.

For iOS versions below 12:

iPassGo can retrieve the original Restrictions passcode instead of removing it. To do this, it will scan your most recent iTunes backup. If the backup is encrypted, you will have to enter the password to access it. After the scan is complete, the software will show the current passcode, allowing you to unlock restrictions directly.

Conclusion

If you forget the Screen Time passcode for your child, you will need to understand how to use the solutions mentioned here. However, if the problem persists, you can use the imyPass method or contact Apple Support about it.

Penny Warren

Penny Warren, a senior editor from imyPass, is specialized in MS Office software. You can find professional tutorials and solutions of MS Office software from her posts.