How to Recover Screen Time Passcode on iPhone [iOS 17]

Can You Recover Screen Time Passcode on iPhone?

The Screen Time passcode, a 4-digit PIN, serves to safeguard your Screen Time settings and prolong usage limits post-expiration. It’s a wise practice to establish this passcode, especially when striving to maintain productivity or ensure your children don’t become overly engrossed in their iPhones.

However, when it comes to a forgotten Screen Time passcode, how to recover screen time passcode on iPhone? The recent iOS update has made it challenging to retrieve the passcode, leaving guessing as the primary recourse. But how many attempts do you get? You have the privilege of guessing the passcode 5 consecutive times:

✔ 6 failed passcode attempts, try again in 1 minute.
✔ 7 failed passcode attempts, try again in 5 minutes.
✔ 8 failed passcode attempts, try again in 15 minutes.
✔ 9 failed passcode attempts, try again in 60 minutes.
✔ 10 and more failed passcode attempts, try again in 60 minutes.

In cases where guessing becomes fruitless and you need to regain access to your Screen Time settings, the most effective course of action is to remove the passcode and establish a new one. So, how to recover forgotten screen time passcode on iPhone? Here are the top 3 ways to accomplish this task.

How to Recover Screen Time Password on iPhone - 3 Easy Ways

As mentioned previously, if you’ve forgotten your Screen Time passcode, there’s still a chance of success by attempting various 4-digit combinations that hold personal significance. If none of these prove effective, what to do if you forgot your screen time passcode? Don’t worry! You can explore the following ways.

Way 1. Screen Time Password Recovery Using Apple ID

When you initially set up your Screen Time passcode, you have the option to link it to your Apple ID and password. In the event that you forget your passcode, this linkage makes recovery relatively straightforward.

Step 1: Navigate to Settings > Screen Time, choose Change Screen Time Passcode, and then tap this option once more.

Step 2: If you’ve forgotten your old Screen Time passcode, select Forgot Passcode? > To proceed, provide your Apple ID and password to establish a new passcode.

Way 2. Reset iPhone to Regain Access to Screen Time Passcode

In situations involving iOS 13.3 and prior, where Screen Time isn’t linked to your Apple ID, the conventional method of resetting your Screen Time passcode isn’t available. To access to your Screen Time settings, you can update your iOS to 13.4 (or later) or reset your iPhone to factory settings. 

If you have Find My iPhone enabled, you can employ iCloud to swiftly wipe your iPhone clean. Here is how to recover screen time password on iPhone by resetting iPhone via iCloud:

Step 1: Visit iCloud.com and log in to your account > Navigate to All Devices and select the iPhone you wish to erase.

Step 2: Choose Erase iPhone > Enter your Apple ID password and adhere to the onscreen instructions to erase all data from your iPhone.

Way 3. Remove the Screen Time Passcode Through iTunes Restore

If you’ve forgotten your Screen Time passcode, another viable approach is to restore your device using iTunes. This process essentially resets your device to its factory settings. However, it’s worth noting that restoring from encrypted iTunes backups may also bring back the passcode. Here’s a full guide on how to recover screen time passcode via iTunes:

Step 1: Connect your device to your computer via a USB cable, launch iTunes, and select Restore iPhone.

Step 2: Once the restoration process is complete, your device will reboot. The Screen Time passcode will have been successfully removed. During the device setup, choose to set it up as new.

Bonus: How to Erase Erase iPhone for Screen Time Passcode

iTunes may be one of the best ways to erase iPhone but it relies on a good and stable network connection. As a result, you may easily meet some iTunes errors such as iTunes error 37, iTunes error 3004, and more. In this case, it’s highly recommended to use a free and safe data eraser like FoneTool.

FoneTool not only offers you the convenience of backing up and transferring data on your iOS device but also prioritizes your data privacy and security. It delivers two effective erasing features to cater to your needs. You can choose the Erase All Data option to wipe your entire device clean or opt for the Erase Private Data feature for selective data erasure, ensuring your privacy is well-maintained.

Benefits of Using FoneTool to Erase iPhone for Screen Time Passcode:
Efficient Passcode Removal: FoneTool offers a safe and efficient way to remove a Screen Time Passcode, ensuring you access to your device without hassle.
Data Privacy: During the passcode removal process, FoneTool prioritizes data privacy, ensuring that your personal information remains secure and protected.
Two Erasing Options: FoneTool allows you to Erase All Data for a complete device reset or Erase Private Data for selective data removal.
User-Friendly Interface: The software features a user-friendly interface, making it accessible for users of all levels of technical expertise.

So, how to recover screen time passcode on iPhone via FoneTool? Follow the simple steps below:

Step 1: Download and install FoneTool on your Windows computer > Connect your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable.

Step 2: Launch FoneTool and click the Toolbox button in the left navigation bar > Then, choose the Data Eraser option.

Step 3: Select Erase all data on the right and click the Get Started button.

Step 4: Tick the options as you prefer > Click Erase Data to initiate the process. You will receive a warning message; click Yes to proceed.

★Tip:

If the Find My iPhone function is enabled, you will be prompted to enter your current Apple ID and password to complete the erasure.

The Bottom Line

That’s all about how to recover screen time passcode on iPhone. If you’ve forgotten your Screen Time Passcode on your iPhone or iPad, the above guide offers several ways to help you recover it. It is important to remember that resetting your iPhone will result in the deletion of all data on the device. Therefore, a backup is necessary! In this case, FoneTool is the best option for you, which can help you backup iPhone to iPad or other devices and then assist in wiping your iPhone clean. Try it out!