You can change your Screen Time passcode directly in Settings without needing your old one

Your Screen Time passcode is a four-digit code that locks your device restrictions on iPhone and iPad. If you have forgotten it, set it up for the first time, or want to change it to something new, you can do this through the Settings app. Apple does not have a way to recover a forgotten Screen Time passcode through your Apple ID, so if you lose track of it, you will need to erase and set up your device again — but changing an existing passcode you remember is straightforward.

The process takes about two minutes and requires only access to your device and the Settings app. You do not need a computer, a recovery code, or to contact Apple Support.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, tap Screen Time, then tap Change Screen Time Passcode to update your code.
  • You must enter your current passcode before you can set a new one.
  • If you have forgotten your passcode entirely, you will need to erase your device and set it up again — there is no recovery method.
  • Screen Time passcodes are separate from your device passcode and Apple ID password.
  • After you change your passcode, write it down somewhere safe or store it in a password manager.

Steps to change your Screen Time passcode

Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap Screen Time near the top of the list — it usually appears after Notifications and before General.

Tap Change Screen Time Passcode (or Turn On Screen Time Passcode if you have not set one yet). You will see a prompt asking for your current passcode. Enter the four-digit code you use now.

After you enter your current passcode correctly, you will be asked to enter a new four-digit passcode. Type the code you want to use. You will then be asked to enter it again to confirm. Make sure both entries match exactly — if they do not, you will see an error and have to start over.

Once you confirm the new passcode, the change takes effect immediately. You will see a confirmation message. Your old passcode no longer works, and you must use the new one the next time you need to adjust Screen Time settings or restrictions.

What to do if you have forgotten your passcode

If you cannot remember your Screen Time passcode, you cannot reset it through Settings or recover it through your Apple ID. Apple does not store a backup of this code, and there is no "forgot passcode" option in the Settings app.

Your only option is to erase your device and set it up again. This will remove all data, apps, and settings unless you have a backup. You can erase your device by going to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings, then set up your device from scratch using a backup or as a new device.

After you set up your device again, you can create a new Screen Time passcode that you will remember. To avoid this situation in the future, write down your passcode in a secure location or store it in a password manager.

The difference between Screen Time passcode and device passcode

Your Screen Time passcode protects only your Screen Time settings and app restrictions. Your device passcode (or Face ID or Touch ID) locks your entire phone or tablet. They are completely separate codes, and changing one does not affect the other.

If you forget your device passcode, you can recover it using your Apple ID. If you forget your Screen Time passcode, you cannot — you must erase your device. This is why Screen Time passcodes are often used by parents to prevent children from changing their own restrictions, while device passcodes protect the whole device.

Why you might want to change your Screen Time passcode

You may want to change your Screen Time passcode if you shared it with someone who no longer needs it, if you suspect someone has guessed it, or if you want to use a code that is easier for you to remember. Some people change it regularly as a security practice.

If a child knows your Screen Time passcode, they can disable app limits or change restrictions you have set. Changing your passcode regularly and keeping it private helps prevent this. If you are the parent and you have forgotten your own passcode, erasing and setting up your device again is the only way forward.

How to set a strong Screen Time passcode

A Screen Time passcode is always four digits, so you cannot make it longer or add letters. Choose a code that is not your birth year, your child's birth year, or a sequence like 1234 or 0000. These are easy to guess.

Pick a four-digit number that is meaningful to you but not obvious to others — for example, a number from a significant date that is not public. After you set it, store it somewhere secure. Many people keep it in a password manager like Apple Keychain, 1Password, or Bitwarden so they do not have to memorize it but can retrieve it if they need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Screen Time passcode without entering the old one?

No. You must enter your current passcode before you can set a new one. If you have forgotten it, you cannot change it — you must erase your device and set it up again.

Is Screen Time passcode the same as my Apple ID password?

No. Your Screen Time passcode is a separate four-digit code that only controls Screen Time settings. Your Apple ID password is different and controls your account across Apple services. Changing one does not affect the other.

What happens if I enter the wrong passcode too many times?

The Settings app will not lock you out after multiple wrong attempts. You can keep trying to enter your passcode. However, if you have genuinely forgotten it, you will need to erase your device instead of guessing.

Can I use the same passcode for Screen Time and my device lock?

Yes, you can use the same four-digit code for both, but it is not required. They are independent codes. Many people use different codes for security, so if someone learns one, the other remains private.

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

No. Changing your passcode does not change any of your Screen Time settings, app limits, or downtime schedules. It only changes the code you use to access and modify those settings.