iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
You can reset a forgotten Screen Time passcode through Apple’s recovery option; you do not need to erase your iPhone or iPad. For your own settings, use the recovery Apple Account configured for Screen Time. For a child’s settings managed with Family Sharing, a parent, guardian, or organizer changes the code from their own device.
Reset your own Screen Time passcode
A Screen Time passcode protects Screen Time settings. It is different from the passcode you use to unlock your device. Apple’s instructions are for resetting the Screen Time code using the account associated with its recovery setup.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
iRecovery Stick - iPhone Recovery Stick for Data Extraction Tool | $149.00 | Buy on Amazon |
-
On the iPhone or iPad where you use Screen Time, open Settings > Screen Time.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteSpecial offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
Tap Manage Screen Time, then tap Change Screen Time Passcode twice.
#1 Best Overall
iRecovery Stick - iPhone Recovery Stick for Data Extraction Tool- The iRecovery Stick extracts messages, call history, contacts, web history, calendar appointments, photos, voice memos, email accounts, and map history directly from iPhone and iPad devices. Running entirely from the USB stick with no software installed on the device or computer, it leaves no trace that an extraction was performed.
- Uncover images concealed using photo-hiding apps and use the iSearch keyword function to search for specific words, names, phone numbers, or symbols across the entire device at once, eliminating the need to manually browse through individual apps and folders. Bookmark important findings and export content for reporting and analysis.
- The iRecovery Stick processes phone backup files stored on your Windows PC or copied from a Mac computer. If a device was backed up to a computer before items were deleted, those items may still be recoverable from the backup. Photos sent in text message conversations but deleted from the photo library may also be recovered if the conversation was not deleted.
- The iRecovery Stick requires physical access to the target device. The user must be able to disable the passcode, Touch ID, or Face ID before extraction begins. If the device was previously backed up to a computer using a password, that password will also be required to process the backup data.
- Use the iRecovery Stick on as many iPhone and iPad devices as needed with no per-device fees. Free lifetime updates ensure ongoing compatibility with future iOS versions, backed by 25+ years of data software expertise from Paraben Consumer Software.
-
If prompted, enter the Apple Account email address and password used when Screen Time passcode recovery was configured.
-
Follow the prompts to enter and confirm a new Screen Time passcode.
Apple notes that Settings labels may vary slightly by software version. See Apple’s instructions for changing a Screen Time passcode.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Reset a child’s passcode through Family Sharing
If the child’s Screen Time settings are managed with Family Sharing, the organizer or a parent or guardian resets the code on their own iPhone or iPad—not on the child’s device.
-
On the parent’s or organizer’s device, open Settings > Screen Time.
-
Under Family, tap the child’s name.
-
Open Manage Screen Time and tap Change Screen Time Passcode twice.
-
Follow the prompts to enter and confirm a new code.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
For Apple’s full steps, see Change your Screen Time passcode on an iPhone or iPad.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If Apple Account recovery does not work
Check that you are entering the Apple Account used when Screen Time passcode recovery was set up. It may not be the account currently signed in on the device; in a family group, it could be another family member’s account or the child’s account. Apple says it cannot provide a forgotten Screen Time passcode. Its guidance on setting up Screen Time explains the recovery account and the distinction between Screen Time and device-unlock passcodes: How to set a Screen Time passcode on an iPhone or iPad.
Do not erase the device to reset Screen Time
Erasing a device is Apple’s separate process for a forgotten device-unlock passcode, not its documented way to reset Screen Time. Erasing permanently deletes data and settings. Apple’s erase procedure has specific prerequisites, including a supported operating-system version, Find My enabled beforehand, network access, and Apple Account credentials; use it only when you need to regain access to a locked device and understand the data-loss consequence. See Apple’s device-passcode reset instructions.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
