How to Fix No Option for Forgot Screen Time Passcode? Fix it with Ease Solutions!
Robiul Hossain
Smartphone Technology Expert with 5+ Years of Experience in Innovation and Problem-Solving.
Screen Time is an incredibly useful feature introduced by Apple in iOS 12 that helps users monitor and manage the time they spend on their iPhones and iPads. It provides detailed reports about app usage, allows setting time limits for specific apps, and lets parents restrict and monitor their children's device usage.
However, one common issue people face is forgetting their Screen Time passcode. This can be frustrating, especially if the "Forgot Passcode" option is missing, preventing you from easily resetting it. Don't worry though - there are several ways to fix this problem and regain control over your Screen Time settings.
Key Takeaways
Can't Fix Any Options for I Forgot Screen Time passcode?
If you can't find the "Forgot Passcode?" option for Screen Time, try updating your iOS to 13.4 or later, use the family organizer's device in Family Sharing, or sign out and back into the correct Apple ID. As a last resort, consider a factory reset (after backing up your data) or use third-party software with caution.
Why is There No "Forgot Passcode" Option?
If you find yourself locked out of your Screen Time settings with no way to reset your forgotten passcode, it's likely due to one of the following reasons:
1. Your Device is Running an Older iOS Version
Prior to iOS 13.4, released in March 2020, the Screen Time feature did not include a "Forgot Passcode" option. So if your iPhone or iPad is running an earlier version of iOS, that explains the absence of this handy feature. Apple added the option in iOS 13.4 and iPadOS 13.4 to make it easier for users to reset forgotten Screen Time passcodes.
2. You're Not Signed In with the Right Apple ID
Screen Time data is tied to the specific Apple ID used to set up the feature. In order to access or reset your passcode, you need to be signed in with the same Apple ID used during the setup process. If you try to reset the code while signed in under a different Apple account, you won't see the "Forgot Passcode" option.
3. Your Device is Managed by Someone Else
If your device is part of Apple's Family Sharing system and you are not the family organizer, the option to recover your Screen Time passcode won't be available. In this case, you'll need to ask the organizer to reset the code using their own device. The same applies if your device is enrolled in a school or organization's mobile device management (MDM) system.
4. It's Simply a Glitch
In rare cases, a software glitch could be the culprit behind the missing "Forgot Passcode" option. If none of the above scenarios apply to your situation, try restarting your device. If the problem persists, moving on to the troubleshooting steps outlined below should help resolve the issue.
Fixing "No Option for Forgot Screen Time Passcode"
Now that we understand some of the reasons behind this issue, let's walk through the steps to get your Screen Time passcode reset and the "Forgot Passcode" option back.
Step 1: Update Your iPhone or iPad
Since the "Forgot Passcode" feature was introduced in iOS/iPadOS 13.4, updating your device to the latest version of iOS (or iPadOS for iPads) may resolve the issue. Here's how:
Even if your device is already running iOS 13.4 or later, it's worthwhile to install the most recent update to ensure you have the latest bug fixes and security enhancements Apple puts out regularly.
Step 2: Sign Out and Back In with the Correct Apple ID
As mentioned earlier, Screen Time data and settings are linked to your Apple ID. If you're not seeing the "Forgot Passcode" option, double check that you're logged in with the same Apple account used to originally set up Screen Time. Follow these steps:
If you can't remember which Apple ID you used, you may need to try signing in with any other accounts you have. If all else fails, move on to the next troubleshooting step.
Step 3: Have the Family Organizer Reset the Passcode
For iPhone and iPad devices that are part of Family Sharing, Screen Time management falls under the responsibility of the family organizer. If you're not the organizer, you won't have the option to reset the Screen Time passcode on your own device. You'll need to ask the family organizer to do it for you using these steps on their device:
If your device is managed by an organization's MDM system, you'll need to contact your IT administrator to have them reset your Screen Time passcode.
Step 4: Use an iPhone Unlocker Tool
If you've tried all the above steps and still can't reset your Screen Time passcode, your last resort is using a third-party iPhone unlocker tool. These are desktop applications that can remove various types of passcodes and locks from iPhones and iPads, including Screen Time passcodes.
There are several reputable iPhone unlocker tools available, such as EaseUS MobiUnlock, iMobie AnyUnlock, and iSumsoft iPhone Passcode Refixer. While the specific steps may vary slightly between tools, the general process works like this:
Using an unlocker tool should be a last resort, as there are a couple downsides. One is that your device will be wiped and reset in order to remove the passcode, so you'll need to restore your data from a backup after unlocking it. Another is that you'll need to pay for most reputable unlocker software. However, in situations where nothing else works, it may be your only option.
Preventing Future Lockouts
Once you've got your Screen Time passcode reset and the "Forgot Passcode" option back, it's important to take a few precautions to avoid running into the same problem again in the future. Here are some tips:
Keep Your Device Updated
Now that you're running a newer version of iOS that includes the "Forgot Passcode" feature, make an effort to keep your iPhone or iPad updated as new versions are released. In addition to potentially fixing Screen Time related glitches, updating regularly ensures you get important security patches and new features.
To make staying up to date effortless, turn on automatic updates. Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Customize Automatic Updates. From here you can choose to have iOS updates download and install automatically overnight when your device is charging.
Set a Memorable But Secure Passcode
When setting a new Screen Time passcode, strike a balance between making it complex enough that others can't easily guess it, but not so complicated that you'll likely forget it. Consider a memorable phrase or acronym rather than a random series of numbers.
Also keep in mind that your Screen Time passcode doesn't have to be the same as your iPhone or iPad's lockscreen passcode. Using a different code for Screen Time provides an extra layer of security, as someone would need to figure out both to access your Screen Time settings.
Write Down Your Passcode
It may seem counterintuitive from a digital security standpoint, but jotting down your Screen Time passcode and keeping it in a safe place at home can save you a lot of headaches if you ever forget it. Put it in a locked drawer or cabinet rather than out in the open. You could also store it digitally in a password manager that you can access from another device.
Avoid storing your passcode on the device it's used to protect. If you must make a digital note, save it on a separate password-protected device or in a secure cloud account.
Enable Face ID or Touch ID
When resetting your Screen Time passcode, you have the option to require Face ID or Touch ID authentication as an extra security measure. This allows you to use your face or fingerprint in addition to a passcode to access Screen Time settings.
If your device supports these biometric authentication features, it's highly recommended to enable them. Not only does it make accessing Screen Time more convenient, it prevents unauthorized changes should someone discover your passcode.
What Happens After 10 Failed Screen Time Passcode Attempts
After 10 consecutive failed Screen Time passcode attempts, your iPhone will be temporarily disabled from the Screen Time feature for 1 hour. During this time, you will not be able to reset the screen time settings or any data usage settings until the time ends.The disabling duration increases with more consecutive incorrect attempts:
Your device will not be completely locked out during this period, and you can still use it for other activities. After the 60 minute lockout period, your device will again allow you to use the correct screen time passcode.
To reset the Screen Time passcode, you can:
If you're part of a Family Sharing group, the family organizer can reset the passcode for a child's device using similar steps.
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How to Reset Screen Time Passcode without Apple ID
To reset your Screen Time passcode without an Apple ID, you have a few options, primarily involving third-party software tools. Here’s a summary of the methods you can use:
Using Third-Party Software
1. MagFone iPhone Unlocker:
2. EaseUS MobiUnlock:
3. iMyFone LockWiper:
Important Considerations
These methods provide a way to regain access to your device's settings without needing the original Apple ID, but they do involve using external software, which should be approached with caution.
No Forgot Passcode Option on iPhone
If you are unable to find the "Forgot Passcode?" option on your iPhone, it may be due to several factors, particularly related to your device's iOS version and settings.
Reasons for No "Forgot Passcode?" Option
Steps to Reset Your iPhone Passcode
If you cannot access the "Forgot Passcode?" option, you will need to reset your iPhone using Recovery Mode:
4. Restore Your iPhone: Connect your iPhone to the computer and open iTunes or Finder. When prompted, choose "Restore" to erase your device and its passcode. After the process, you can set up your iPhone as new or restore from a backup.
5. Re-setup: After erasing, follow the on-screen instructions to set up your device again, including creating a new passcode.
If you are still facing issues, consider visiting an Apple Store or contacting Apple Support for further assistance.
How to Bypass Screen Time Passcode
There are several methods to bypass the Screen Time passcode on iOS devices, depending on whether you have access to your Apple ID or not. Here are the primary approaches:
Resetting the Passcode
Workarounds and Hacks
While there are methods to bypass the Screen Time passcode, it's essential to consider the implications of doing so, especially if the restrictions are in place for safety or parental control reasons.
No Option for Forgot Screen Time Passcode iOS 16
If you're not seeing the "Forgot Screen Time Passcode" option on iOS 16, consider these points:
Solutions:
No Option for Forgot Screen Time Passcode iOS 17
Reasons for Missing the "Forgot Screen Time Passcode" Option on iOS 17:
Solutions:
For further assistance, contact Apple Support.
Conclusion
Forgetting your iPhone or iPad's Screen Time passcode and not seeing the "Forgot Passcode" option is an issue that's understandably confusing and frustrating for users. However, there are several steps you can take to resolve the problem and regain access to the Screen Time management tools.
Start with the simplest solutions like updating your device's iOS version and making sure you're signed in with the correct Apple ID. If your iPhone or iPad is part of Family Sharing or a business's device management system, enlist the help of the organizer or IT admin. And for those seemingly intractable cases, using an iPhone unlocker program should do the trick.
Alongside troubleshooting this immediate issue, prevention is key. Enable automatic iOS updates, set strong yet memorable passcodes, write them down in a safe place, and turn on Face ID or Touch ID authentication when available. By implementing these security-focused habits, you'll significantly reduce the chances of encountering the "no option for forgot screen time passcode" error in the future.
FAQs
How can I reset my phone without Screen Time passcode?
How to remove Screen Time without passcode?
Go back to the main screen of your Settings app and select Screen Time. Scroll down and tap Turn Off Screen Time. Screen Time will turn off without the need for the passcode.
What to do if forgotten Screen Time passcode?
Why is there no option to reset Screen Time password?
If you can't reset your Screen Time passcode, this might be a different Apple ID than the one that you're signed in to on your device. If you're part of a Family Sharing group, it might be a family member's Apple ID or your child's Apple ID.
How do I turn off Screen Time for my child?
How do I delete Screen Time?
There is an Uninstall option in the menu of the Screen Time app. You will need to uninstall Screen Time from within the app and not through the normal method of uninstalling Android apps.
How do I get my PIN on my iPhone if I forgot it?
From your device's Lock Screen, try to enter your passcode until the "[Device] Unavailable" screen appears and your device asks you to try again later. When you're able to, tap the Forgot Passcode? option in the bottom corner of the screen. On the Security Lockout screen, tap Start [Device] Reset to confirm.
What happens after 10 failed Screen Time passcode attempts?
As you can see that the situation is getting problematic and after 10 times failure, your device will be either locked out completely or it will wipe all your data, depending on your device's settings.