Screen Time Passcode Won't Reset and Not Woking? 100% Working Tips!

by Jenefey Aaron   Updated on 2024-04-19 / Update for  Screen Time

I forgot my screen time passcode and when I try to turn it off I’m prompted to enter my Apple ID and password. I can’t reset all settings because I’m prompted to enter my screen time passcode. Is there anything I can do?

From Reddit

As one frustrated user put the question like What I can do as I can't reset screen time passcode in reddit, the predicament is all too common: you're locked out of managing Screen Time, unable to adjust settings or even disable it entirely. This situation can be particularly troublesome if you're trying to monitor your child's device usage or simply regain control over your own digital habits.

But no worries, we've all been there and have figured out the working methods to solve can't reset screen time passcode issue. Let's check!

What Is Screen Time Passcode?

The Screen Time Passcode is a 4-digit code on Apple devices (iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touches) that acts as a security layer for the Screen Time feature. Screen Time allows users to monitor and manage their device usage, including:

  • Setting time limits for specific apps and categories (e.g., social media, games)
  • Creating downtime schedules where only certain apps are accessible
  • Restricting content purchases and downloads
  • Enforcing content and privacy limitations (especially for child accounts)

Screen time is so helpful for app usage time limitation and schedules downtime periods, and it will be a bit trouble if stuck at can't change screen time passcode error, especially when screen time passcode not working on child's phone. In our case, we all change the screen time passcode in Settings, why you can't reset screen time passcode?

Part 2: Why Reset Screen Time Passcode Not Working and Can't Reset

There are some common reasons why reset screen time passcode not working:

  • Without the old screen time passcode or Apple ID screen time passcode recovery set up, you cannot reset it of course.
  • You do not enter the Apple ID and password while setting up screen time passcode. So Forgot Screen Time Passcode not showing up while you enter the old passcode.
    In this case, you cannot access the Apple ID recovery tool. And you can directly jump to the Part 4 to reset it.
  • If you have an iPhone set with parental controls or family sharing, then you cannot reset screen time passcode easily.
  • You might face this cannot change screen time passcode problem with an iOS version that has not been updated for a while.
  • There could be bugs in the iOS system of your iPhone.

When you find you are unable to change screen time passcode, you may think whether you input the wrong passcode want try again and again. What happens after 10 failed screen time passcode attempts? You will be locked for a long time.

Part 3: 4 Basic Fixes For Screen Time Passcode Not Working and Can't Reset

According to the reasons why you're unable to reset screen time passcode, there are 4 basic check you should do before the advanced fixes.

1. Restart iPhone

Screen time passcode wont reset can still be an issue. And iPhone shows small bugs every now and then. The first thing we will try is to force restart iPhone and then try to change the screen time passcode again. Restart can fix your problems at most times.

2. Sign out and Sign in Apple ID

Apple ID is used for screen time recovery like what we have mentioned above. When it does not work, you can sign out of your Apple ID account and sign in again. This might help us too. Here's a quick guide:

  • iPhone/iPad: Settings > Tap your name > Scroll down > Tap "Sign Out." Enter your password and confirm.
  • Mac (macOS Ventura or later): Apple menu > System Settings > Click your name > "Sign Out." Choose data to keep (optional), then click "Keep a Copy" or "Sign Out.

3. Update iPhone

The screen time passcode won't reset issue happens a lot on iPhone or iPad with an old iOS/iPadOS system. Go to Settings > Software Update to check the latest available iOS update. Install any pending update and see if the problem has been sovled.

4. Reset Passcode on Parents' iPhone

Screen time is used as parental control on child's phone and the screen time settings can be shared with family devices. If the screen time passcode not changing on child's phone, then use your parents' or families' iPhone to do the resetting process.

Part 4: Still Cannot Reset Screen Time Passcode? 100% Working Fixes!

1. Fix Screen Time Passcode Won't Reset And Not Working with Tenorshare 4uKey [No data loss] HOT

The worst situation is that you still cannot reset screen time passcode after the above 4 tips and you do not have access to the old passcode either. You can use Tenorshare 4uKey to reset the screen time passcode from iPhone/iPad. It will remove and bypass the screen time code without inputting any passcode. That's why it works very well even you stuck at you can't change screen time passcode.

The best things? It won't loss any of you data.

  • Download and run 4uKey on your PC or Mac. Click on "Remove Screen Time Passcode" to reset.

    how to reset screen time passcode with 4ukey
  • Connect your iPhone to your computer. Unlock your iPhone and tap on "Trust". Then click on "Start Remove".

    how to reset screen time passcode with 4ukey
  • You have to turn off the Find My iPhone feature to start the process.

    turn off find my iphone
  • After that, your iPhone will restart. While setting up, select Don’t Transfer Apps and Data and then select Set up Later to avoid any data loss.

    removed
  • Screen time passcode reset not working has been solved then. ashe screen time passcode has been removed. Now you can set a new one if needed.

2. Fix Unable To Reset Screen Time Passcode with iTunes [Data loss]

When stuck at screen time passcode not changing on child's phone, you can reset the device to factory reset with iTunes. If you don't want to use a third party tool, iTunes fits you. It will erase all the data on your iPhone even the screen time. And meanwhile, all data on your phone will be erased too. Do remember to backup data in advanced, after screen time passcode not working is fixed successfully, restore your data back. The best thing? It is free!

Before you begin:

  • It's crucial to back up your device before reseting. This allows you to restore your data and settings later.
  • Ensure your device and computer have the latest software updates.
  • Disable Find My on your iPhone or iPad if it's enabled.

The following are the steps on how to bypass screen time passcode with iTunes

  • Open iTunes on your Mac or PC. Make sure you have the latest version then connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer using a USB cable.
  • In iTunes, click the device icon near the top left corner of the window.
  • Select the "Summary" tab. Then click "Restore".
fix can't reset screen time passcode with iTunes

Then all password including screen time passcode will be removed in this way. And you will be able to change screen time passcode

If you are looking for the way for reset screen time passcode not working without losing data, Tenorshare 4uKey will be your best choice.

Conclusion

Facing problems like screen time passcode wont reset is very common. After you know why your iPhone is acting like this, it gets easier to solve the issue. If not, you can try these fixes listed above which will surely work for you. And Tenorshare 4uKey is beneficial to reset screen time passcode, which does not need you to remember old passcode or use Apple ID.

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