Screen Time is an innovative feature introduced in iOS 12 that lets you monitor how much time you spend on your iPhone or iPad and certain apps. It can also be used to control access to specific apps or limit screen time. However, what if you forget your Screen Time password and are unable to disable or change Screen Time settings? Don’t fret because there are still ways around it. This blog post will show you different methods to turn Screen Time off without the password and answer some FAQs that may arise.
This blog post is for anyone who may forget their Screen Time password or those who acquire a used device that has Screen Time enabled and they do not know the password. It is also for parents who want to remove Screen Time restrictions on their child’s device but do not have the password.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To turn Screen Time off without the password, you will need a computer, a USB cable, and iTunes or Finder(if using macOS 10.15 Catalina).
What Requires Your Focus?
To follow the different methods outlined in this article, you will need to pay close attention to the details provided. Each step must be followed correctly to ensure success. Be patient and do not rush through the process.
Different Methods to Turn Screen Time off Without The Password
Method 1: Via Recovery Mode
Connecting your device to a computer in recovery mode enables you to restore it without needing a password. This method will help you bypass Screen Time without the password. Here’s how to do it:
- Plug your iOS device into the computer and open iTunes or Finder.
- Press and hold the Side (Power) button and Volume Down button on the device until the Apple logo appears.
- Release the Side (Power) button, but keep holding the Volume Down button until the device enters recovery mode.
- Click on ‘Restore’ in iTunes or Finder to restore the device to its factory settings.
Pros:
– You do not need a password to restore the device.
– It removes Screen Time and any set password.
Cons:
– You will lose all data on your device during the restore.
– It is time-consuming and can take up to an hour or more, depending on the device’s storage capacity.
Method 2: With A Third-Party Program
Using a third-party program like Tenorshare 4uKey-iTunes Backup removes Screen Time without needing a password. The program lets you disable Screen Time restrictions or remove the passcode associated with Screen Time. Here are the steps to follow:
- Download and install Tenorshare 4uKey-iTunes Backup to your computer.
- Connect your iOS device to the computer and open the program.
- Click on ‘Screen Time’ in the program and select ‘Unlock Screen Time Passcode.’
- Follow the on-screen instructions to turn off Screen Time or recover the passcode.
Pros:
– You can recover the Screen Time passcode.
– You do not lose any data on your device.
Cons:
– You have to pay for the program to use it.
– It may not work for all devices.
Method 3: Using iCloud Backup
Restoring your device from an iCloud backup removes all restrictions, including Screen Time. This method will work if you have a recent iCloud backup that doesn’t include Screen Time. Here are the steps to follow:
- Go to ‘Settings’ on your iOS device and navigate to ‘General.’
- Select ‘Reset’ and then click on ‘Erase All Content and Settings.’
- Set up your device and then choose ‘Restore from iCloud Backup’ on the ‘Apps & Data’ screen.
- Select the backup that was created before you enabled Screen Time.
Pros:
– You do not lose any data on your device.
– The process is easy to follow.
Cons:
– You will lose any data created after your last backup.
– It may not work if you enabled Screen Time a long time ago.
Method 4: By Asking the Previous User
If you acquired a used iOS device, you can ask the previous user for the Screen Time password. This method may not always work, but it is worth a try before considering the other methods. Contact the previous user and request they provide you with the Screen Time password.
Pros:
– You may not lose any data on your device.
– You can retain any device settings previously configured.
Cons:
– The previous user may not be reachable or may not know the password.
– They may not be willing to assist.
Why Can’t I Turn Screen Time off Without The Password?
If you do not have the Screen Time password, you may encounter the following errors:
1. Screen Time Passcode Incorrect
You will be prompted to enter the Screen Time passcode you set before you can disable or change Screen Time settings. If you don’t know the password, you can’t complete the task.
2. “Change Screen Time Passcode” is Grayed Out
If you cannot select the “Change Screen Time Passcode” option in the Screen Time settings menu, it is because there is already a passcode enabled.
3. “Forgot Passcode” Does Not Work
If you tap on the ‘Forgot Passcode’ option, you will be prompted to authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID or input your Apple ID credentials. If these methods fail, you won’t be able to reset the password.
There are several reasons why you may not be able to turn Screen Time off without the password. These include:
1. You Forgot the Screen Time Password
Just like any other password, you can forget your Screen Time password. This happens frequently, and that’s why Apple provides a way to recover it. However, if you cannot reset it using the designated methods, you may have to try other ways.
2. Parental Controls Enabled
If your Screen Time settings are managed by parental controls, you won’t be able to turn them off without the password. This is for security reasons to ensure children cannot circumvent the settings without parents’ knowledge.
3. The Previous Owner Enabled It
If you acquire a used device, the previous owner may have enabled Screen Time and set a passcode. If you do not know the password, you cannot turn Screen Time off.
Despite these reasons, several ways can circumvent Screen Time password protection, as outlined above.
Implications and Recommendations
Screen Time is an essential feature to monitor and limit time spent on devices. However, forgetting the password or acquiring a used device with password protection can be frustrating. It may cause you to lose personal data, which can be a significant inconvenience. It is essential to keep passwords in a secure location or use password managers that can store Screen Time passwords.
For parents, you can avoid such situations by setting a memorable password or using Family Sharing, which lets you manage Screen Time for your children from your device. If you experience any issues with Screen Time, contact Apple Support for assistance.
5 FAQs about Turning Screen Time off Without The Password
Q: Will restoring my device remove Screen Time if it forgot the password?
A: Yes, restoring the device in recovery mode removes Screen Time and disables the passcode associated with it.
Q: Can I recover the Screen Time password with iTunes?
A: No, you cannot recover the password with iTunes. You must use a third-party program that specializes in unlocking Screen Time.
Q: Can I still use my device after restoring it in recovery mode?
A: Yes, you can still use your device after restoring it in recovery mode. You will have to set it up as new or restore from a backup.
Q: Are third-party programs safe to use?
A: Yes, trusted third-party programs are safe to use and can help you disable Screen Time or recover the Screen Time passcode.
Q: Can I reset my Screen Time password if I don’t remember the answers to my security questions?
A: Yes, you can reset your Screen Time password by resetting your Apple ID password.
In Conclusion
Forgetting your Screen Time password or acquiring a used device with Screen Time protection can be distressing. However, there are available methods to bypass Screen Time without the password. Using recovery mode, third-party programs, iCloud backups, or contacting the previous owner are all viable options. It is essential to keep passwords safe or use trusted password managers to avoid such situations. Parents can manage Screen Time using Family Sharing or create a memorable Screen Time password. If you experience any issues, seeking help from Apple Support is recommended.