How to Turn Off Restrictions on iPhone: 3 Methods You Can Try

by Maggie Mueller Updated On Sep 10, 2024 Published On Sep 10, 2024 Basic iPhone Tips Ideal for Newbies

iPhones make using smartphones more convenient with their optimized software and brand-new features. However, these feature-packed devices can be a double-edged sword when used by children.

Having so many features easily accessible to children is not only risky but can also expose them to inappropriate content. With most educational and entertainment services now digitized, iPhones have become a necessity, even for kids.

However, it can be challenging to keep track of the type of content the child regularly consumes. To assist parents and guardians in managing app usage and blocking unwanted content on iPhones and iPads, Apple introduced Screen Time, also known as Parental Controls. This feature allows you to set time limits for apps and restrict certain content for yourself or your child.

There may come a time when you want to turn off these restriction settings. In this guide, you'll learn how to disable restrictions on an iPhone, whether or not you have the passcode.

Restrictions on iPhone

How to Turn Off Restrictions on iPhone with a Password

Sometimes, you may need urgent access to a restricted app or website on your iPhone. You might also want to switch phones with your child if yours is no longer working properly. Or perhaps your child has earned good grades and is asking for more access to their iPhone as a reward.

Whatever the reason, if you want to use your iPhone without Parental Control restrictions, you can easily disable them, especially if you remember the Screen Time passcode.

Turning off Downtime Restrictions on iPhone

If some apps on your iPhone appear greyed out on the home screen and show a message like "Time limit. You've reached your limit" when you try to open them, it means Downtime restrictions are enabled on your device.

Downtime is a feature within the "Screen Time" settings that blocks apps like YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok, along with notifications, for specific periods when you or a parent want to limit device usage.

When Downtime is active, only phone calls and apps you've allowed in the Apple limits settings will be accessible. Apps not selected will be greyed out on the home screen, and you'll see the "Time limit" message if you try to open them.

If you'd like to turn off the time limit on your favorite apps, here's how:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap Screen Time, scroll down, and select Downtime.
  3. Enter your Screen Time passcode.
  4. If Downtime is not scheduled, you'll see an option to Turn Off Downtime. If it's scheduled, you'll see Ignore Downtime Until Schedule. Either option will disable Downtime immediately.
  5. To ensure Downtime doesn't activate again, toggle off the Scheduled setting.

Turning off Downtime Restrictions on iPhone

Turning off App Limits on iPhone

With App Limits, you can set daily time limits for groups of apps (like Games or Social Media) or for individual apps. If you want to remove the time limit for specific apps, follow these steps:

Go to Settings > Screen Time > App Limits. Click on the app or app category you want to change, then tap Delete Limit.

Turning off App Limits on iPhone

Turning off Content & Privacy Restrictions on iPhone

In the Screen Time settings, you or a parent can enable Content Restrictions to control access to certain content, apps, and settings. This feature can block websites, prevent app purchases, and restrict changes to privacy settings or app use.

If you're unable to download apps, make purchases, or visit certain websites with messages like "You cannot browse this page because it is restricted," Content & Privacy Restrictions might be turned on. To disable it:

  1. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
  2. Enter your Screen Time passcode and toggle off Content & Privacy Restrictions.

If you'd rather selectively disable specific restrictions, go to Content Restrictions under the same menu, where you can choose to allow or block explicit content, apps, or media.

Turning off Content & Privacy Restrictions on iPhone

Turning off Communication Limits on iPhone

The Communication Limits setting allows you or your parents to control who can contact you through Phone, FaceTime, Messages, or iCloud contacts during allowed Screen Time or Downtime. It also allows for managing contacts or preventing edits to contacts.

To remove the restriction on who can contact you:

  1. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Communication Limits > During Screen Time (or During Downtime).
  2. Select Everyone to allow all contacts to reach you.

Turning off Communication Limits on iPhone

Turning off Restrictions for iOS 11 or Earlier

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Scroll and tap on General.
  3. Tap on Restrictions.
  4. Enter your Parental Control passcode to access the Restrictions menu.
  5. Tap Disable Restrictions.
  6. Enter your passcode again to confirm and disable Restrictions.

Now, exit the Settings menu and check if all apps are accessible without entering the Parental Controls passcode.

Switch off Restrictions on iOS 11

How to Turn Off Restrictions on iPhone Without a Passcode

If you don't have the Screen Time passcode to disable the restrictions on your iPhone to access locked apps or websites, or if you've forgotten the Screen Time passcode, you can still remove Restrictions without a passcode using iPhone unlocking software. We recommend Unlockit.

It is a secure and easy-to-use iPhone screen unlocking tool that removes the Screen Time passcode on your iPhone without affecting the data on your device. After unlocking, there won't be any Screen Time restrictions on your device anymore. You can set a new passcode later. Here's how you can remove your Screen Time passcode using Unlockit iPhone:

Step 1. Download and install the software on your computer or Mac. Launch it after installation.

Step 2. Click on Remove Screen Time Passcode.

 Unlockit iPhone Screen Unlocker

Step 3. Connect your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable. If your iPhone isn't recognized, unplug and reconnect the cable securely.

connect your device to your computer

Step 4. Unlockit will detect your iPhone model. Click Start to begin the Screen Time passcode removal process.

Remove Screen Time Passcode

Step 5. The software will analyze and complete the process. Once done, click Done.

successfully removed the screen time passcode

After that, disconnect the USB cable, restart your iPhone, and try accessing apps that were previously restricted. Double-check that everything works smoothly.

For a step-by-step visual guide, refer to the instructional video:

How to Turn Off Restrictions on iPhone by Resetting the Passcode

Since the Screen Time is protected by a passcode, you'll need to verify the passcode before you make changes to any restrictions settings. If you've forgotten your Screen Time passcode, you can also reset it by following these steps:

  1. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Change Screen Time Passcode > Forgot Passcode.
  2. Enter your Apple ID and password when prompted.
  3. You'll then be able to set a new passcode for Screen Time.

Please note, this only works if you linked your Apple ID when setting up your original Screen Time passcode.

change Screen Time Passcode

Conclusion

Maintaining a healthy screen time balance is important. iPhone's Screen Time Restrictions help manage daily smartphone usage effectively. It is also a convenient tool for parents to control the type of content their child can access.

If you need to quickly unlock an app restricted by Screen Time, you can disable Restrictions using your passcode. And if you've forgotten your passcode, you can use software like Unlockit to remove it without losing any data.

Maggie Mueller
Meet Maggie Mueller, a seasoned technical writer whose passion for technology is matched only by her commitment to helping others navigate the digital landscape. With an infectious enthusiasm for unraveling the complexities of iOS, Android devices, and software, Maggie is your friendly guide in the world of tech, providing clear, concise, and accurate insights.
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