Change Your Screen Time Passcode in Settings

To change your Screen Time passcode on iPhone, open Settings, tap Screen Time, then Change Screen Time Passcode. You'll be asked to enter your current passcode, then create a new one. The new passcode must be six digits and different from your device passcode.

If you've forgotten your current Screen Time passcode, you cannot retrieve it through Settings alone. Apple does not store this passcode and cannot recover it for you. Your only option is to erase your iPhone and set it up as new, which will clear all Screen Time restrictions and passcodes. This is a significant step, so make sure you have a backup of your data before proceeding.

Key Takeaways

  • Screen Time passcode changes happen in Settings > Screen Time > Change Screen Time Passcode, and require your current passcode to set a new one.
  • Your Screen Time passcode is separate from your device passcode and cannot be recovered by Apple if you forget it.
  • If you forget your Screen Time passcode, the only way forward is to erase your iPhone and restore from backup or set it up as new.
  • A new Screen Time passcode must be six digits and cannot be the same as your device passcode.

Step-by-Step: Changing Your Passcode

Start by opening Settings on your home screen. Scroll down and tap Screen Time. On the Screen Time page, tap Change Screen Time Passcode near the bottom of the screen.

You will see a prompt asking you to enter your current Screen Time passcode. Type it in. After you confirm the current passcode, you'll be asked to enter a new six-digit passcode. Type your new code, then confirm it by typing it again. The system will show you a confirmation message when the change is complete.

Your new passcode takes effect when ready. If you have family members with their own accounts on your device, their Screen Time settings remain unchanged—only your passcode is updated.

What Happens If You Forget Your Current Passcode

If you cannot remember your current Screen Time passcode, you cannot change it through Settings. The passcode is encrypted and stored only on your device; Apple has no way to look it up or reset it for you, even if you provide your Apple ID credentials.

Your only path forward is to erase your iPhone. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. This will remove all data, apps, and restrictions from your device, including Screen Time and its passcode. After erasing, you can restore from an iCloud backup or set up your iPhone as new. If you restore from a backup made before you set the forgotten passcode, Screen Time will be restored with that older passcode—which may or may not help depending on when the backup was created.

Screen Time Passcode vs. Device Passcode

Your Screen Time passcode and your device passcode (or Face ID/Touch ID) are completely separate. Your device passcode unlocks your iPhone; your Screen Time passcode protects your Screen Time settings and app limits. You can have a Screen Time passcode even if you don't have a device passcode, though Apple recommends securing both.

The two passcodes cannot be the same number. If you try to set your new Screen Time passcode to match your device passcode, the system will reject it and ask you to choose a different code. This separation exists so that someone who knows your device passcode cannot automatically change your Screen Time restrictions.

Why You Might Want to Change Your Screen Time Passcode

You may need to change your Screen Time passcode if someone else has learned it, if you want to update it to something more memorable, or if you're handing off device management to another family member. Parents often change the passcode when a child reaches an age where they should have more control over their own restrictions.

If you suspect someone has accessed your Screen Time settings without permission, changing the passcode when ready will prevent further unauthorized changes. You can also review your Screen Time history to see which apps have been used and when, which may help you spot unusual activity.

Setting Up Screen Time Passcode for the First Time

If you don't yet have a Screen Time passcode, you can create one by going to Settings > Screen Time and tapping Use Screen Time Passcode. You'll be asked to enter a six-digit code twice to confirm it. Once set, this passcode will protect any app limits, downtime schedules, or content restrictions you create.

Without a Screen Time passcode, anyone with access to your iPhone can change or disable your restrictions. Setting one is especially important if you share your device or if you're a parent managing a child's device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a four-digit passcode instead of six digits?

No. Screen Time passcodes must be exactly six digits. You cannot use a shorter code or a code that includes letters or symbols.

Will changing my Screen Time passcode affect my app limits or downtime?

No. Changing the passcode only changes the code itself. All your existing app limits, downtime schedules, and content restrictions remain exactly as they were.

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

No. Apple ID cannot be used to reset a forgotten Screen Time passcode. The only way to clear a forgotten passcode is to erase your iPhone.

What if I'm managing Screen Time for a family member's device?

If you're the organizer on a family account, you can change Screen Time settings on a child's device through Family Sharing in your own Settings. The child cannot change these settings without your passcode, even if they know their own device passcode.

Is my Screen Time passcode the same on all my Apple devices?

No. Each device has its own separate Screen Time passcode. If you use Screen Time on an iPad, Mac, and iPhone, you must set and manage a passcode on each device independently.