The Screen Time passcode is the four digits standing between your child and unlimited TikTok — or between you and your own app limits. Forget it, and you’re locked out of changing any of those settings. The good news is that Apple lets you reset it with your Apple Account, no wipe required. We at GetMyPassword show you how, including the slightly different path when you manage a child’s device through Family Sharing.
Reset your Screen Time passcode with your Apple Account
As long as you added your Apple Account when first setting up Screen Time, this takes under a minute:
- Open Settings → Screen Time.
- Tap Change Screen Time Passcode, then tap it again to confirm.
- Choose Forgot Passcode? and enter the Apple Account email and password you used when setting it up.
- Enter a new Screen Time passcode and confirm it.
If Share Across Devices is switched on, the new passcode automatically updates on your other Apple devices too.
Don’t remember your Apple Account password?
The reset depends on your Apple Account, so if that password is also a blank, sort it out first at iforgot.apple.com. We cover the full process in our guide to resetting your Apple ID password. Once you can sign in to your Apple Account again, come back and follow the steps above.
Resetting a child’s passcode with Family Sharing
If you manage your child’s Screen Time through Family Sharing, you reset it from your device, not theirs:
- On the family organiser’s device, open Settings → Screen Time.
- Scroll down and tap your child’s name under Family.
- Tap Change Screen Time Passcode twice.
- Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID or your device passcode, then set the new code.
One catch trips people up: you must use the same Apple Account that was signed in when the passcode was first created. A different account, even your own newer one, won’t unlock it.
Choose a passcode you’ll actually remember
Avoid making the Screen Time code the same as your phone’s unlock passcode — a curious child who watches you unlock the phone will know both. Pick a separate, non-obvious set of digits; you can generate a random one with our password tools, and our guide on what makes a strong code explains why birthdays and 1234 are a bad idea.
Frequently asked questions
How do I reset my Screen Time passcode if I forgot it?
Go to Settings → Screen Time → Change Screen Time Passcode, tap Forgot Passcode?, and enter the Apple Account email and password you used to set it up. Then choose a new passcode.
Can I reset Screen Time without losing data?
Yes. Resetting the Screen Time passcode through your Apple Account changes only that code and erases nothing else on the device.
How do I reset my child’s Screen Time passcode?
If you use Family Sharing, do it from the organiser’s device: Settings → Screen Time → your child’s name → Change Screen Time Passcode, then authenticate and set a new code.