Change Your Parental Controls Passcode in Settings

To change the passcode for parental controls on your iPhone, open Settings, tap Screen Time, then tap Change Screen Time Passcode. You will be asked to enter your current passcode, then create a new one. The new passcode takes effect when ready.

If you have forgotten your current passcode, you cannot reset it through Settings alone. Apple does not provide a way to recover a lost Screen Time passcode without erasing the device or contacting Apple Support. This is intentional—the passcode is designed to prevent someone else from changing parental restrictions without permission.

The process is the same whether you set up Screen Time for yourself or for a child's device. The person who knows the current passcode is the only one who can change it.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, tap Screen Time, then tap Change Screen Time Passcode to update your current passcode.
  • You must enter your current passcode correctly before you can create a new one.
  • If you forget your passcode, you will need to erase the device or contact Apple Support to regain access.
  • Screen Time passcodes are separate from your Apple ID password and cannot be reset through iCloud.
  • A new passcode is four digits by default, but you can choose a longer custom passcode if you prefer.

What Happens If You Forget Your Current Passcode

If you cannot remember your Screen Time passcode, Settings will not let you change it. After three incorrect attempts, the interface will lock you out temporarily. You have two options: erase the device and set it up again, or contact Apple Support.

Erasing the device removes all data and settings, including the forgotten passcode. You can restore from a backup afterward, but the Screen Time passcode will be gone. This is the fastest route if you have a recent backup stored in iCloud or on a computer.

If you do not want to erase the device, Apple Support can help you regain access. They will verify your identity and may ask for proof of purchase. This process takes longer but preserves your data.

The Difference Between Screen Time and Restrictions Passcode

Older iPhones used a separate Restrictions passcode to lock down app and content settings. Apple replaced this with Screen Time starting with iOS 12. If your device is running an older version of iOS, you may still see Restrictions in Settings instead of Screen Time.

The process for changing a Restrictions passcode is similar: go to Settings, tap Restrictions, tap Change Restrictions Passcode, enter the old one, and create a new one. If you are unsure which system your device uses, open Settings and look for either "Screen Time" or "Restrictions" in the main menu.

Creating a Strong New Passcode

By default, iPhone asks for a four-digit passcode for Screen Time. This is the same format as a PIN. You can make it longer and more complex if you want—tap Passcode Options during setup to choose a custom alphanumeric passcode instead.

A longer passcode is harder to guess, especially if someone has physical access to the device. If you are setting up parental controls for a child, a four-digit code is usually sufficient because the child is unlikely to have access to your Apple ID or other recovery methods. If you are protecting your own device from someone else, consider a longer passcode.

Setting Up Screen Time for the First Time

If you have never set a Screen Time passcode and want to start now, open Settings, tap Screen Time, then tap Turn On Screen Time. Choose whether you are setting it up for yourself or a child. If you choose "This is My iPhone," you will create a passcode to protect your own usage limits. If you choose "This is My Child's iPhone," you will set up a separate passcode for managing their restrictions.

The passcode you create during setup is the one you will use to change Screen Time settings later. Write it down or store it in a password manager so you do not forget it.

Changing Passcode on a Child's Device

If you set up Screen Time on your child's iPhone, you are the account holder and you control the passcode. To change it, use your own device or ask the child to hand you theirs, then follow the same steps: Settings > Screen Time > Change Screen Time Passcode.

Your child cannot change the passcode without knowing the current one. This is the point of the system—it prevents them from disabling app limits or content restrictions on their own. If your child knows the passcode and you want to change it, do so when ready and do not share the new one with them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset my Screen Time passcode using my Apple ID?

No. Screen Time passcodes are not tied to your Apple ID and cannot be reset through iCloud or any Apple online service. You must enter the current passcode to change it, or erase the device if you have forgotten it.

What if my child changed the Screen Time passcode without my permission?

If your child knows the passcode, they can change it. You will need to erase the device and set it up again, or contact Apple Support. To prevent this, do not share the passcode with your child and change it regularly if you suspect they have seen it.

Is the Screen Time passcode the same as my iPhone lock screen passcode?

No. Your lock screen passcode (or Face ID/Touch ID) is separate from your Screen Time passcode. You can have different codes for each. Losing one does not affect the other.

Can I use the same passcode for Screen Time on multiple devices?

Yes. Each device has its own Screen Time passcode, but you can set them all to the same number if you want. This makes them easier to remember, though it is less find if someone learns the code.

How often should I change my Screen Time passcode?

There is no requirement to change it regularly. Change it if you suspect someone else knows it, or if you want to update it for security reasons. If you are managing a child's device, changing it occasionally makes it harder for them to guess or remember if they have seen it before.