What to do if you've forgotten your Screen Time passcode

If you've forgotten your Screen Time passcode on iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you cannot retrieve it directly — Apple does not store it and cannot access it for you. Your options depend on whether you remember your Apple ID password and which device you're using. On iPhone and iPad, you can reset it through Settings if you know your Apple ID credentials. On Mac, the process is different and may require more steps.

The passcode itself is separate from your device password and your Apple ID password. It's a four-digit code you set up specifically to control Screen Time restrictions. If you set it up years ago and haven't used it recently, it's easy to forget — and there's no "forgot passcode" button like there is for other passwords.

Key Takeaways

  • On iPhone and iPad, you can reset a forgotten Screen Time passcode through Settings if you know your Apple ID password.
  • On Mac, you'll need to reset your Apple ID password first, then use that to reset Screen Time through System Settings.
  • If you don't remember your Apple ID password, you'll need to recover that account before you can reset Screen Time.
  • Screen Time passcodes cannot be recovered or viewed — only reset by proving you own the Apple ID linked to the device.

Resetting Screen Time passcode on iPhone or iPad

Open Settings and go to Screen Time. Tap "Change Screen Time Passcode" at the bottom of the screen. You'll be asked to enter your current passcode — but if you've forgotten it, tap "Forgot Passcode?" instead. The system will then ask you to enter your Apple ID password.

Once you've entered your Apple ID password correctly, you can create a new Screen Time passcode. Make it something you can remember this time, or write it down somewhere secure. The new passcode takes effect immediately.

If you don't remember your Apple ID password either, you'll need to recover your Apple ID account first. Go to iforgot.apple.com, enter your Apple ID email address, and follow Apple's account recovery steps. This usually involves answering security questions or confirming your identity through a trusted phone number or email address.

Resetting Screen Time passcode on Mac

On a Mac, the process requires an extra step because you need to reset your Apple ID password through the Mac itself. Open System Settings and click your name at the top of the sidebar. Click "Password" and follow the prompts to change your Apple ID password.

Once you've changed your Apple ID password, go back to System Settings and click "Screen Time" in the sidebar. Click "Change Passcode" and enter your new Apple ID password when prompted. You can then set a new Screen Time passcode.

If you're locked out of your Mac entirely or can't access System Settings, you may need to use macOS Recovery. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R until the Apple logo appears, then use the Utilities menu to reset your password. This is more involved, so only attempt it if you're comfortable with Mac recovery mode.

What happens if you don't have access to the Apple ID

If the device is linked to someone else's Apple ID — for example, a parent's account — you'll need that person to reset the passcode for you. They can do this from their own device or from iforgot.apple.com by resetting their own Apple ID password, then using that to reset Screen Time on the shared device.

If the device was set up with an Apple ID that no longer exists or that you can't access, you have limited options. You may need to erase the device and set it up fresh with your own Apple ID. This erases all data on the device, so only do this if you're certain you want a clean start.

Why you can't just look up your passcode

Apple stores Screen Time passcodes in encrypted form on your device only — not on Apple's servers. This is intentional: it means no one, not even Apple employees, can look up your passcode if you forget it. The trade-off is that you can't recover it the way you can recover other passwords.

This design protects privacy and security. If Apple stored passcodes on their servers, a data breach could expose them. By keeping them local to your device, Apple ensures that only you (or someone with your Apple ID password) can change Screen Time restrictions.

Preventing this from happening again

Write down your Screen Time passcode and store it somewhere secure — a password manager, a locked drawer, or a trusted person's contact information. Many people use the same four digits they use for other things, which makes it easier to remember but less secure.

If you use a password manager like 1Password, Bitwarden, or the built-in iCloud Keychain, you can store your Screen Time passcode there. Just make sure you remember the master password for the password manager itself.

Consider whether you actually need Screen Time passcode protection. If you're the only person using the device and you're not trying to enforce restrictions on yourself, you might not need a passcode at all. You can use Screen Time to track your usage without setting a passcode.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Apple support help me reset my Screen Time passcode?

No. Apple Support cannot reset your Screen Time passcode because they don't have access to it. They can walk you through the reset process using your Apple ID password, but you have to do the actual reset yourself through Settings.

What if I set up Screen Time with a different Apple ID than the one I use now?

You'll need to use the original Apple ID to reset the passcode. If you no longer have access to that account, you may need to erase the device and set it up with your current Apple ID. Contact Apple Support to discuss your specific situation before erasing.

Does resetting my Screen Time passcode erase my app limits or downtime settings?

No. Resetting the passcode only changes the four-digit code. Your app limits, downtime schedules, and all other Screen Time settings stay the same. Only the passcode itself changes.

Can I use Face ID or Touch ID instead of a passcode for Screen Time?

No. Screen Time requires a four-digit passcode. You cannot use biometric authentication. This is by design — it prevents someone from using your fingerprint or face to bypass Screen Time restrictions.