How to Reset Screen Time Passcode on iPhone – Step-by-Step Guide

Samuel Spenser Published on October 10, 2026Unlock iOS4-min reading

Screen Time is a useful way to manage how you use your iPhone, whether you're setting app limits for yourself or managing a child's device. But if you forget the Screen Time passcode, you may not be able to change or disable restrictions. Don't worry! You usually don't need to erase your iPhone to fix the problem. In this guide, we'll explain practical ways to reset or remove Screen Time passcode.

Part 1: What is a Screen Time Passcode

A Screen Time passcode is a four-digit code that protects your Screen Time settings on iPhone or iPad. It's useful for managing your own screen time or setting limits for your children, such as restricting app usage, scheduling downtime, and controlling access to certain content. The passcode also helps prevent others from changing these restrictions without permission.

Unlike your iPhone's screen passcode, a Screen Time passcode is used specifically to protect Screen Time settings. If you forget it, you are unable to change or remove the restrictions until you reset it.

Part 2. How to Set a Screen Time Passcode on iPhone

Setting a screen time passcode for your iPhone can effectively manage device usage time and protect privacy. The specific operation steps are as follows:

By following these steps, you can successfully set the iPhone screen time passcode and effectively control your device's use time. If you forget your passcode in the future, you can also follow the prompts to unlock iPhone with or without Apple ID.

Part 3. How to Reset a Forgotten Screen Time Passcode

If you forget your Screen Time passcode, Apple provides a built-in recovery option to help you reset it with Apple Account credentials. But if you can't access your Apple Account, restoring your iPhone may be a last resort.

Via Settings

This is Apple's built-in recovery method for users who set up Screen Time Passcode Recovery with their Apple Account.

This is the most secure method and is suitable for most users. It solves the problem of can't remember screen time passcode without losing data.

Via iTunes

This method is for users who have forgotten their Apple ID password or cannot reset their Screen Time passcode through Settings.

• iPhone 8 and above: Quickly press volume up, then volume down, and the power button until you enter recovery mode.
• iPhone 7 series: Press and hold the power button and volume down keys at the same time until you see the recovery mode screen.
• iPhone 6s and below or iPad: Press and hold the home button and the power button at the same time until you enter recovery mode.

This method removes all content and settings, and sometimes leaves the iPad stuck in recovery mode, in case you forget your password and can't use your Apple ID.

Part 4. How to Reset a Child's Screen Time Passcode

If you manage your child's device through Family Sharing, you can reset their Screen Time passcode from your own iPhone or iPad.

Part 5. Best Tool to Remove Screen Time Passcode

When you forget your screen time password, use a professional tool to quickly and safely resolve the problem. imyPass iPassGo is an efficient unlocking tool that is especially suitable for iPhone and iPad users. It removes the Screen Time passcode in just a few clicks, so you can get rid of all limitations and regain full control of your device. What's more, this tool is also useful for removing screen passcodes, disabling MDM restrictions and unlocking Apple ID.

Conclusion

Forgetting your screen time password doesn't mean you lose control of your device. Once you understand what a Screen Time passcode is and follow the steps in this guide, you can easily reset or remove it. you can easily reset or remove it. For a more hassle-free experience, try imyPass iPassGo, which unlocks your iPhone or iPad in a few steps and quickly restores normal use.