FIXED: No Option for Forgot Screen Time Passcode [2024]
Reviewed by Huzaifa Haroon- The 'Forgot Passcode?' option for Screen Time may not appear due to being in the wrong interface, restrictions from Family Sharing or Mobile Device Management, or using an incompatible iOS version or device.
- To fix this: Update iOS, sign out and back into Apple ID, reset passcode via Mac, use third-party software, ask family organizer, reset all settings, or contact Apple Support.
- To avoid forgetting the Screen Time passcode, set an easy-to-remember passcode, use iCloud Keychain, and utilize a password manager.
If you’ve forgotten your Screen Time passcode on your iPhone, normally, you can reset it if you remember your Apple ID and password. However, some users have reported that the option to reset the forgotten Screen Time passcode isn’t available.
If you’re facing this issue, there’s still a way to reset your Screen Time passcode. Let’s explore the steps to resolve the problem when you find no option for forgot Screen Time passcode.
Table of Contents
Why is there no option for forgot Screen Time passcode?
The absence of the “Forgot Passcode?” option for Screen Time on your iPhone or iPad can be due to three primary reasons:
- Wrong Interface: This option won’t appear if you’re in the process of resetting settings or erasing data. It’s only available when you’re specifically changing the Screen Time passcode.
- Family Sharing or MDM Control: If your device is part of Family Sharing or managed by Mobile Device Management (MDM) and the Screen Time lock is set by the organizer, you won’t see this option. In this case, you need to discuss with the organizer for changes.
- Incompatible iOS Version or Device: The “Forgot Passcode?” option is not available if your device runs on an iOS version older than 13.4, or if your device is too old to support iOS 13.4 or later.
READ MORE: Apple Screen Time Not Working? Try These 19 Easy Fixes ➜
How to resolve the issue?
The issue of not having a “Forgot Passcode?” option for Screen Time can be caused by several factors. Once you understand the reason behind its absence, you can typically resolve it by following these steps.
1. Update iOS version
If you’re not seeing the “Forgot Passcode” option on your iPhone for Screen Time, updating to the latest operating system, might solve the problem. Many users have found that this option becomes available after the update. Here’s how you can update your iPhone
- Open the ‘Settings’ app and navigate to ‘General‘.
Tap General - Tap on ‘Software Update‘.
Tap on Software update - If an update is available, download and install the latest iOS version.
Install the latest iOS update
2. Sign out of Apple ID and back in
Sometimes just signing out and then signing back into your Apple ID can help by refreshing your account settings and resolving the issue. Here’s a simplified way to do it:
- Open your iPhone’s “Settings” app. At the top, you’ll see your name and Apple ID photo. Tap on this.
Tap on your name - Scroll to the bottom and select “Sign Out” to log out of your Apple ID.
Tap Sign Out - Before signing out, make sure to enable the toggles for backing up important data. Then, confirm by tapping “Sign Out” at the top right. You might need to enter your passcode.
Tap Sign Out again
After signing out, simply sign back in with your Apple ID.
READ MORE: [FIX] ‘Sign Out is Not Available Due to Restrictions’ in Apple ID ➜
3. Reset Screen Time passcode via Mac
If you’re facing an issue with the missing forgot Screen Time passcode option on your iPhone and you have the same Apple ID logged in on your Mac, you can reset the Screen Time passcode using your Mac. Here’s how to do it:
- Click on the Apple icon at the top-left corner of your Mac to open the menu. Select “System Preferences” and then choose “Screen Time.”
Click on Screen Time - In the Screen Time settings, click on “Change Passcode.”
Click on Change Passcode - Then select the “Forgot Passcode” option.
Click on Forgot Passcode option - To reset the passcode, you’ll need to enter your Apple ID and its corresponding password.
Provide your Apple ID details - Once verified, you can set a new Screen Time passcode.
Change the Passcode
Note: You can only reset the password for your iPhone from Mac if you have the ‘Share Across Devices‘ feature enabled. The new passcode will automatically be updated on all devices linked through this setting.
4. Use a third-party iOS problem-solving software
If you’re encountering the issue where you can’t change your Screen Time passcode and the ‘forgot passcode’ option isn’t available, you can turn to third-party software solutions. These tools are designed to help you bypass or reset the Screen Time passcode without needing the original passcode.
Some of the best tools for this purpose are:
To reset your Screen Time passcode using third-party software, first install reliable software on your computer. Open it and select the Screen Time passcode removal option. Connect your device to the computer, follow the instructions to remove the passcode, possibly disabling ‘Find My iPhone‘ if prompted.
Once the process completes and your device restarts, you can set a new Screen Time passcode. Remember, while these steps are general and apply to most third-party unlocking software, it’s crucial to follow the specific instructions provided by the software you choose to use. Always ensure that the software is from a reliable and trustworthy source to avoid any security risks.
READ MORE: Forgot iPhone Passcode? Here Is How To Reset ➜
5. Ask the family organizer
If your Apple ID is linked as a child account within an Apple Family group, you won’t have access to the “Forgot Passcode” option for Screen Time on your iPhone. This is because the ability to remove or change the passcode is reserved for the family organizer.
For family organizers looking to remove or modify the Screen Time passcode for a child account, the process is straightforward. Here’s what you need to do:
- Launch the ‘Settings‘ app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap on your profile picture and name at the top of the menu to enter the Apple ID screen.
Tap on your profile picture - Tap on ‘Family Sharing‘ to view the Family Sharing settings.
Tap Family Sharing - In the Family Sharing settings, select ‘Screen Time‘.
Tap Screen Time - Tap on the name of the child for whom you want to change the Screen Time passcode.
Tap the Name of the child - Scroll down to the bottom and tap ‘Change Screen Time Passcode.’ You’ll see a note about needing your device’s passcode for further actions.
Tap Change Screen Time Passcode - Tap ‘Change Screen Time Passcode‘ again and authenticate using your Face ID or device passcode.
Tap Change Screen Time Passcode again - Enter the new Screen Time passcode for your child as prompted on the following screens. This new code will be required to override Screen Time settings for that child in the future.
Set new passcode
READ MORE: How to Delete Hidden Apps on Any iPhone [4 Easy Methods] ➜
6. Reset All Settings on the iPhone
If none of the previous solutions work, your last option is to reset all settings on your iPhone. Unlike a factory reset, this process won’t lead to any loss of your data. It simply reverts all settings to their default state. Here’s how to reset all settings on your iPhone:
- Open the ‘Settings‘ app on your iPhone and tap on ‘General‘.
Tap General - Choose the ‘Transfer or Reset iPhone‘ option.
Tap on Transfer or Reset iPhone - Select ‘Reset All Settings‘ from the menu.
Tap Reset All Settings - Enter the passcode to proceed. Your iPhone will take sometime and restart.
Enter the passcode
7. Contact Apple Support
If none of the above solutions work, your final step is to contact Apple Support. They possess extensive knowledge of iOS devices and can guide you in recovering or resetting your Screen Time passcode. Be prepared to provide details about your device, such as model and operating system version, to assist them better.
READ MORE: How to Reset an iPhone without Password? ➜
How to avoid Forgetting your Screen Time passcode?
To prevent forgetting your Screen Time passcode, which is essential for accessing certain features on your device, consider these helpful strategies:
1. Set an easy-to-remember Passcode
Choose a passcode that’s simple enough for you to recall but still secure. When changing or setting your Screen Time passcode, opt for something straightforward yet strong, so it’s easier to remember.
2. Use iCloud Keychain
Consider utilizing iCloud Keychain, Apple’s service designed to synchronize your passwords across different devices, which can help alleviate the burden of having to remember them.
3. Utilize a password manager
If remembering passcodes isn’t your strong suit, using a password manager can be extremely beneficial. These tools are designed to securely create, store, and manage your passwords. By using a password manager, you can have your passcodes securely saved and easily accessible across various devices, alleviating the burden of having to remember them.
READ MORE: How to Sign Out of iCloud Without Password? ➜
Final thoughts
If you’re struggling with a forgotten or inaccessible Screen Time passcode on your iPhone or iPad, there are several effective solutions available. These include updating your iOS, adjusting Apple ID settings, using Family Sharing, leveraging a connected Mac, utilizing third-party tools, or resetting your iPhone’s settings. For extreme cases, reaching out to Apple Support is advisable.
To prevent future issues, setting a memorable passcode or using tools like iCloud Keychain or a password manager can be helpful. Remember, there’s always a way to regain control of your Screen Time settings.
FAQs
Fortunately, Apple doesn’t set a limit on the number of attempts to enter the Screen Time passcode on an iPhone. However, it’s wise to avoid repeatedly entering the wrong passcode, as it could potentially lock your device.
iPhones don’t have a pre-set default passcode for Screen Time. Instead, when you activate Screen Time, you are prompted to create a unique passcode to secure its settings. If your iPhone is asking for a Screen Time passcode and you don’t recall setting one, it might be the Restrictions passcode you set in an earlier iOS version.
Yes, if you’re using Family Sharing. As the family organizer, you can manage Screen Time settings for your child’s iPhone from your own device. Simply access ‘Family Sharing’ in your device’s ‘Settings’, select your child’s name, and adjust their Screen Time settings as needed.
Reviewed by Huzaifa Haroon
