No Option for Forgot Screen Time Passcode: Why and Fixes

by Maggie Mueller Updated On Dec 14, 2023 Published On Dec 14, 2023 Basic iPhone Tips Ideal for Newbies

Have you forgotten your iPhone or iPad's screen time passcode? Usually, it is easy to recover it, but if you find yourself with no option for 'Forgot Screen Time Passcode' on screen, then that might be an issue. Whatever the reason may be, we're here to help you to fix the issue so you can easily access your device.

Let's get right to it!

No Option for Forgot Screen Time Passcode

Why There Is No Option for Forgot Screen Time Passcode

If you're unable to find the 'forgot screen time passcode' option on your screen, chances are that you're either looking in the wrong place or something isn't right. Here's a few reasons why this is happening and the fixes to this issue:

1. Wrong Place

Make sure you're looking in the right spot to reset your Screen Time Passcode on your device. We'll discuss where to find it below.

For Your Own Device

Here's how you can find the right place on your own device for forgot Screen Time Passcode:

For iPhone and iPad:

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Find "Screen Time" and select "Change Screen Time Passcode."
  3. Tap "Change Screen Time Passcode" when prompted.
  4. If you forget your passcode, tap "Forgot Passcode," enter your Apple ID and password, and set a new passcode.
  5. Your new passcode will sync to other devices with the same Apple ID if "Share Across Devices" is enabled.

forgot Screen Time Passcode

For Mac:

  1. Click on the Apple logo and go to System Preferences.
  2. Access "Screen Time" and click "Change Passcode."
  3. Click "Forgot Passcode," enter your Apple ID credentials, wait for verification, and set a new passcode.

For Mac

For Your Child's Device

When you need to reset the Screen Time on someone else's device, like your child's, follow these steps:

For iPhone and iPad:

  1. Open Settings and go to Screen Time.
  2. Choose your child's profile.
  3. Tap "Change Screen Time Passcode" and follow the prompts.
  4. Enter your Apple ID and password.
  5. After successful verification, set a new passcode for Screen Time on your child's device.

For Your Child's Device

For Mac:

  1. Click the Apple logo and open System Preferences.
  2. Access Screen Time and choose your child's profile from the Family Member drop-down.
  3. Click "Change Passcode" and enter your Apple ID credentials.
  4. Let the authentication complete and change the passcode.
  5. Verify the new passcode to save the changes.

These steps will help you recover a lost Screen Time password on your child's device, ensuring that you can manage and set new passcodes as needed.

2. Apple ID Recovery Method Not Set Up

If you didn't set up your Apple ID as the recovery method when you initially set the screen time passcode, you won't see an option to reset it.

To set up Screen Time with Apple ID recovery method as the option for forgot Screen Time passcode, follow these steps:

  1. Go to Settings > Screen Time and tap Turn On Screen Time.
  2. Read the info on the Screen Time screen and tap Continue.
  3. Choose if the device is for you or your child. If it's yours, tap This is My iPhone.
  4. Now, Screen Time will track how much time you spend on different apps and features.
  5. You can also add a passcode to secure your Screen Time settings and ask for more time on an app if needed.
  6. Swipe down the screen and tap Use Screen Time Passcode.
  7. Enter and confirm your passcode.
  8. Next, it will ask you to enter your Apple ID and password as the Screen Time Recovery method. This helps you recover your Screen Time passcode if you forget it.

Apple ID Recovery Method Not Set Up

Moreover, make sure you're using the same Apple ID that you used to set up the Screen Time passcode. Using a different one might be causing a problem.

If you haven't set up a screen time passcode recovery method before, then the best solution is to use the screen time bypass tool to turn off screen time without the passcode.

Unlockit iPhone is the finest solution in this case. It supports bypassing screen time passcodes without losing data and unlocking Apple ID, MDM locks, and screen passcodes. This user-friendly software makes the process easy, requiring just a few clicks and no advanced skills.

Here's a simple guide on how to use Unlockit iPhone to bypass your Screen Time passcode:

Step 1: Download and Install Unlockit iPhone

Start by downloading Unlockit iPhone on your computer (it works with both Windows and Mac). Open the program and choose "Remove Screen Time Passcode."

Select Remove Screen Time Passcode

Step 2: Connect Your iPhone

Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to the computer.

connect your iOS device to the computer

Step 3: Bypass Screen Time Passcode on iPhone

Click "Start" and wait for the unlocking process to complete.

Remove Screen Time Passcode

Step 4: Set Up Your iPhone

Once you see the Hello screen on your iPhone, go ahead and set it up by following the on-screen instructions. That's it! You've successfully bypassed your Screen Time passcode without losing any data.

successfully removed the screen time passcode

3. Family Sharing or MDM Control

If your iPhone or iPad is part of Family Sharing, you might not see the "Forgot Screen Time Passcode" option. If someone else controls Screen Time, like a family organizer, you may need their permission to make changes.

If your device is managed by Mobile Device Management (MDM), you might not find the option to reset the screen time passcode either.

Imagine a boss giving employees phones but wanting to make sure they're only used for work. MDM is that tool which lets a company control its Apple devices from a distance.

To check if MDM is active on your device, follow these steps:

  1. Open Settings and go to the General menu.
  2. Tap on VPN and Device Management.
  3. If your device has an MDM profile, you'll see it listed here.
If there is an MDM profle, you can also use Unlockit iPhone to remove the MDM profile from your iPhone.

MDM Control

4. Outdated Software

If your iPhone or iPad has an iOS version earlier than 13.4, you won't find the "Forgot Screen Time Passcode" option. Update your iOS, or explore other solutions if your device doesn't support the required version.

Go to Settings > General > Software Update to update your iOS. Then, change your Screen Time passcode with fogort passcode option:

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Tap on Screen Time.
  3. Select "Change Screen Time Passcode."
  4. Enter your old passcode.
  5. Set a new passcode.
  6. Voila! Your Screen Time passcode is now updated!

Make sure your iPhone or iPad is running on iOS 13.4 or later. If your device can't support this version, give a third-party app like Unlockit iPhone a shot to reset your Screen Time passcode.

Outdated Software

To Conclude

Now that you know all the different ways to find the 'Forgot Screen Time Passcode' option, you should be able to get into your phone without much hassle. If the issue persists, you can take the phone to the Apple Center or choose a third-party unlocking app for your device. One of the best apps for the task is Unlockit iPhone, since it is safe and reliable and it ensures you do not lose up on personal information.

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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