[2023 Updated] How to Fix Screen Time Passcode Not Working

If the Screen Time password is not working, it means that the Screen Time passcode you have set to limit device usage time or restrict your child's access to the iPhone or iPad is not being accepted or recognized by the device. This issue prevents you from accessing or modifying the settings associated with Screen Time, including application limits, feature restrictions, or downtime schedules. How do I fix this issue? Read this article for 8 effective ways to fix your Screen Time password not working on iPhone/iPad.

• Part 1: Why is my Screen Time Password Not Working
• Part 2: What is the Default Screen Time Passcode
• Part 3: How to Fix Screen Time Password Not Working

Part 1: Why is my Screen Time Password Not Working

When the Screen Time passcode is not working, it typically indicates one of the following scenarios:

1. You may have entered the wrong passcode, either due to a typo or forgetting the correct digits.

2. After updating the device's software or due to other software-related factors, software bugs or glitches within the iOS operating system can affect the functionality of the Screen Time passcode.

3. Your device is not upgraded to the latest iOS version.

4. If your device is under Parental Controls, only the Supervisor's Apple ID can manage Screen Time.

5. Someone has changed your password without your knowledge or permission.

6. The device is experiencing lag and delays in recognizing the password, causing it to take an extended period to authenticate.

Part 2: What is the Default Screen Time Passcode

Unfortunately, iPhone/iPad does not come with a default Screen Time passcode. The first time you set up Screen Time on device, you will be prompted to create a new passcode. This passcode is separate from your device's lock screen passcode and is used to restrict or manage certain features and uses on your device.

Part 3: How to Fix Screen Time Password Not Working

• Way 1: Force restart iPhone/iPad
• Way 2: Sign out of your Apple ID and Sign in again
• Way 3: Set Time & Data automatically
• Way 4: Update iOS to the latest version
• Way 5: Reset Screen Time password
• Way 6: Reset all settings
• Way 7: Erase all content and settings (data loss)
• Way 8: Fix Screen Time password with removal tool (no data loss)

Way 1: Force restart iPhone/iPad

The first thing that comes to mind for most iPhone/iPad issues, such as being stuck on Apple logo, remaining in an "Update Requested" state, or iOS 17 StandBy mode not working, is to force restart the device. Similarly, you can also fix Screen Time passcode not working by force restarting the device.

For iPhone

• iPhone 8 and later: Press and release the Volume Up button and then do the same for the Volume Down button. Finally, press and hold the Side button and wait for the Apple logo to appear.
• iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold the Side and Volume Down buttons simultaneously. Wait until the Apple logo appears.
• iPhone 6s and earlier: Press and hold the Home and the Top (or Side) buttons together. Wait till the Apple logo appears.

For iPad

• iPad without Home button Press and release the Volume Up button, press and release the Volume Down button, and then press and hold the Top button until you see the Apple logo appear.
• iPad with Home button: Press and hold both the Home button and the Top button at the same time until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

Way 2: Sign out of your Apple ID and Sign in again

By signing out and signing back in Apple ID, you effectively refresh the software connections and settings, the synchronization of data like Screen Time passcode. Follow these steps:

Step 1: From Settings, tap Apple ID profile, then scroll down and tap Sign out.

Step 2: You are required to enter the Apple ID password and then tap Turn off, then tap Sign out again.

Step 3: After signing out successfully, reboot your device and sign in to the previous account again.

Way 3: Set Time & Data automatically

This method may only work for some users, so you can experiment with it. Go to Settings > General > Data & Time, then toggle on Set Automatically.

Way 4: Update iOS to the latest version

Screen Time passcode is not working may be fixed by upgrading your iOS to the latest version. If your iOS version is outdated or too low, it may have security vulnerabilities, lack of bug fixes and patches, limited support and troubleshooting, and reduced performance and functionality.

Tap Settings > General > Software Update. Your iPhone will check for the update.

Way 5: Reset Screen Time password

There is a chance that you may get the wrong password or the password was changed without your knowledge, resulting in Screen Time passcode not working. Try to reset the passcode.

Note: Option Forgot Password is only available on iOS 13.4 or later. Learn No Option for Forgot Screen Time Passcode.

Step 1: Tap Settings > Screen Time > Change Screen Time Passcode on your iPhone.

Step 2: Tap Change Screen Time Passcode > Forgot Passcode, then enter your Apple ID and create a new password.

Way 6: Reset all settings

With Reset all Settings, you can return settings to their defaults without erasing your content, including network settings, privacy settings and personal settings, as well as Screen Time settings.

Step 1: Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.

Step 2: Tap Reset > Reset all Settings, then enter the Screen Lock passcode, and your iPhone will restart.

Way 7: Erase all content and settings (data loss)

If the previous method doesn't work, you can choose to erase all content and settings. Go to Settings> General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. Then enter Apple ID and passcode to reset it.

Way 8: Fix Screen Time password with removal tool (no data loss)

If none of the previously mentioned solutions have resolved the issue of the Screen Time passcode not working, you can consider using a tool like iSumsoft iPhone Passcode Refixer as an alternative solution. This software is designed to help you address passcode-related problems on iPhones and provide the assistance you need to resolve the Screen Time passcode issue. Learn how to use the software.

Step 1: Connect your device to the computer, and tap Trust if a pop-up window appears on your iPhone.

Step 2: Download and install iSumsoft iPhone Passcode Refixer. Then launch the software and select Remove Screen Time Passcode.

Step 3: Before clicking on Start to remove Screen Time passcode, you need to disable "Find My iPhone" by tapping Settings > Apple ID > Find My on your phone.

Step 4: Wait for the removal to complete. when "Remove Screen Time Passcode Successfully" appears on the interface, click Done.