Home: » Passcode Unlocking Guides » How to Change Screen Time Passcode on iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, or Mac

How to Change Screen Time Passcode on iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, or Mac

As a parent and avid Apple user, I’ve found Screen Time to be an essential feature for managing how my family and I use our devices. It helps me keep an eye on my children’s screen habits, set restrictions to block inappropriate content, and schedule downtime to encourage healthier tech habits.

For my own use, it’s been great for limiting distractions and staying productive.

But I’ll admit, forgetting the Screen Time passcode can be incredibly frustrating—something I’ve experienced firsthand. Without it, you’re locked out of critical settings and unable to make necessary changes.

That’s why I’ve put together this guide: to share the exact steps I’ve used to reset, recover, and manage the Screen Time passcode effectively.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this guide:

  • How to recover a forgotten Screen Time passcode.
  • Steps to reset your Screen Time passcode quickly and securely.
  • Tips for bypassing the passcode in urgent situations.
  • How to set up and manage Screen Time on iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

This guide is based on my personal experience and designed to provide clear, practical solutions for anyone struggling with Screen Time passcode issues.

Whether you’re troubleshooting your own device or helping your child, you’ll find the answers here.

How To Change Screen Time Passcode

What is the Screen Time Passcode?

Screen Time helps limit how long you or your children use Apple devices. It provides insights into device activity and allows restrictions on usage, apps, communication, and content.

Key features include:

  • Schedule screen-free periods using Downtime.
  • Set app usage limits via App Limits.
  • Control who can communicate and when with Communication Limits.
  • Restrict mature content using Content & Privacy Restrictions.

To override these restrictions, you’ll need the Screen Time passcode. It is separate from the iPhone passcode.

If you rarely use the Screen Time passcode, it’s easy to forget. Resetting it becomes essential if you want to make changes or lift restrictions temporarily.

Reset a Forgotten Screen Time Passcode on Your Device

On iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch

  1. Open Settings on your device.
    tap settings
  2. Tap Screen Time.
    Screen Time
  3. Select Change Screen Time Passcode.
    Change Screen Time passcode
  4. In the pop-up window, choose Forgot Passcode.
    forgot Screen Time passcode
  5. Enter your Apple ID and Password. If you forgot these, see How to recover and reset your Apple ID credentials.
    Screen Time passcode recovery
  6. Create a new passcode and confirm it.
    new Screen Time passcode

On Your Mac

Screen Time restrictions apply to macOS devices similarly. To reset a forgotten passcode:

  1. Go to Apple Menu  > System Preferences.
    Mac system preferences
  2. Select Screen Time.
    Mac screen time
  3. Click Options in the bottom-left corner.
    Mac screen time options
  4. Choose Change Passcode.
    Mac screen time change passcode
  5. In the pop-up window, click Forgot Passcode.
    Mac screen time forgot passcode
  6. Enter your Apple ID and Password. For help, refer to this guide.
  7. Create and confirm a new passcode.

Change Screen Time Passcode on a Child’s Device

If Family Sharing is enabled, you must use the family organizer’s device to reset the passcode.

On iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch

  1. Open Settings on the organizer’s device.
  2. Tap Screen Time.
  3. Select the child’s name under Family.
  4. Tap Screen Time Passcode.
  5. Choose Forgot Passcode if prompted.
  6. Enter a new passcode and confirm it.

On Mac

  1. Open System Preferences  > Screen Time.
  2. Select the child’s name from the sidebar.
  3. Click Options and then Change Passcode.
  4. Follow prompts to reset the passcode.

Set Up Screen Time

  1. Go to Settings on your device.
    tap settings
  2. Tap Screen Time.
    Screen Time
  3. Enable Screen Time by following the prompts and set restrictions as needed.
    turn on Screen Time

For Mac setup, follow this guide.

Wrap-Up

Managing and resetting your Screen Time passcode is essential for maintaining control over your Apple devices and ensuring proper usage for both personal and family needs. By following the steps in this guide, you can recover a forgotten passcode, reset it on multiple devices, and even manage restrictions for family members with ease.

Whether you’re setting up Screen Time for the first time or troubleshooting access issues, this guide provides reliable and straightforward solutions. Remember, keeping your passcode secure and memorable is crucial to prevent future inconvenience.

If you encounter any difficulties, Apple’s support resources or third-party tools mentioned can provide additional assistance. Stay in control of your device usage and enjoy a more balanced digital experience.

Scroll to Top