Forgot Screen Time Passcode for Child? 5 Ways to Fix It

As parents, we juggle countless responsibilities every day, and it's easy to forget the screen time passcode for your child now and then. Don't worry—you're not alone in this! Losing access to your child's Screen Time settings might seem like a nightmare, but there's no need to panic.

This guide will walk you through all the steps to regain control of the Screen Time settings and reset or remove the passcode for your child. Let's dive in without wasting any time!

Reset a Child's Screen Time Passcode Using Your Device

If you manage your family's devices through Family Sharing, you can reset your child's Screen Time passcode from your own device. Here's how you can do it:

1. Open the Settings app and tap Screen Time.
2. Scroll to the Family section and select your child's name.
3. Tap Change Screen Time Passcode, and then confirm by tapping the option again.
4. Verify your identity using Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode.
5. Follow the prompts to set a new Screen Time passcode for your child's device.

Reset a Child's Screen Time Passcode from Their Device

If Screen Time was set up directly on your child's iPhone or iPad without Family Sharing, you can reset the passcode using the associated Apple ID. Here's what to do:

1. Open Settings on your child's device and tap Screen Time.
2. Select Change Screen Time Passcode, and confirm by tapping it again.
3. Tap Forgot Passcode? and enter the Apple ID and password used during the Screen Time setup.
4. Once verified, create a new Screen Time passcode.

What If You Can't Reset the Screen Time Passcode?

Sometimes, resetting the Screen Time passcode doesn't go as planned. Here are potential roadblocks and how to handle them:

No Apple ID Linked to Screen Time Recovery: If you didn't enable Apple ID recovery when setting up Screen Time and have "Share Across Devices" turned off, you won't be able to reset the passcode.

Using iOS 13.3 or Earlier: Screen Time in older iOS versions isn't tied to your Apple ID, so passcode recovery won't be possible through the Apple ID.

Wrong Apple ID: Ensure you're using the same Apple ID that was used during the initial setup. Sometimes, switching between multiple Apple IDs can cause confusion.

Family Sharing Restrictions: In Family Sharing, only the family organizer can reset the passcode. Child accounts or other family members can't modify these settings.

Remove Screen Time Passcode Using Unlockit for iOS

If you've exhausted all other options or the Forgot Passcode? option doesn't appear, a third-party tool like Unlockit for iOS can help. This tool removes the Screen Time passcode for your child without damaging the device or deleting its data. It's quick, easy, and doesn't require technical expertise.

Here're the steps to use Unlockit:

Step 1. Download and Install Unlockit on your PC or Mac.

Step 2. Open the software on your computer and select Remove Screen Time Passcode.

Step 3. Use a USB cable to connect the device to your computer and click Start.

Step 4. If you have enabled Find My on the divce, turn off it before proceeding.

The program will remove the Screen Time passcode and restart the device.

That's it! The passcode is gone, and the device is ready to use.

Remove Screen Time Passcode via iCloud

If you prefer not to use third-party tools, you can reset the iPhone, including the Screen Time passcode, through iCloud. Note that this process erases all data on the device, so it's crucial to have a backup. Here's how you can do it:

1. Visit iCloud.com and log in with your Apple ID.
2. Go to All Devices and select the device you want to reset.
3. Click Erase iPhone.
4. Enter your Apple ID password and follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.

Remove Screen Time Passcode via Finder or iTunes

If you're using a Mac or PC, you can reset the Screen Time passcode using Finder (Mac) or iTunes (PC). This method also erases all data on the device. Here's how you can do it:

1. Turn off Find My iPhone on the device.
2. Use a USB cable to connect the device to your computer.
3. Launch Finder on a Mac or iTunes on a PC.
4. Create an encrypted backup to save your data locally.
5. Select Restore iPhone to erase all data and settings.
6. After the reset, use the encrypted backup to restore your data.

Final Thoughts

Forgetting your child's Screen Time passcode isn't the end of the world. With the methods outlined here, you can regain control of their device and Screen Time settings. Whether you use Apple's built-in tools or a reliable third-party program like Unlockit, there's a solution for every scenario.

Remember, enabling recovery options during the initial setup makes it easier to resolve these issues later. But if you didn't, tools like Unlockit for iOS provide a safe, user-friendly alternative to bypass Screen Time restrictions without erasing the data.

Would you give Unlockit a try? It's a lifesaver for moments like these!