2026 How to Turn Off Screen Time Without Passcode
"Hello, I have an iPhone 8 with Screen Time restrictions. I want to turn off the restrictions on the iPhone but fail as I cannot remember the passcode. Does anyone know how to turn off Screen Time without passcode? All the given suggestions will be greatly appreciated."
The Screen Time feature on iOS devices is a handy tool that helps users monitor and limit app usage or overall screen time. It's especially useful for parents who want to manage how long their children spend on their iPhones or iPads.
However, what if you forgot the Screen Time passcode? Occasionally, this situation may happen. If you're currently stuck and searching for how to turn off Screen Time without passcode, you've come to the right place. In this guide, we'll walk you through 6 proven methods to disable Screen Time without needing the passcode.

How to Turn Off Screen Time Passcode via Passcode Recovery
If you've forgotten your Screen Time passcode, there's a built-in way to reset it using your Apple Account and password - the same credentials you used when setting up Screen Time. This method allows you to recover or reset the Screen Time passcode directly from your device, making it one of the easiest options to try before using third-party tools.
However, keep in mind that this only works if you linked an Apple Account to your Screen Time settings when the passcode was first created. If you didn't enable this option, or if you can't remember which Apple Account was used, this method may not work for you. Here's how to turn off screen time passcode via recovering passcode through Apple Account:
- Step 1. On your iPhone or iPad, go to the Settings app.
- Step 2. Scroll down and tap on Screen Time.
- Step 3. Tap on Change Screen Time Passcode then select Forgot Passcode?

- Step 4. Enter your Apple Account and password that you used to set up Screen Time.
- Step 5. After authentication, you can set a new passcode and simply turn off Screen Time completely using the new code.
Note
If your device is part of a Family Sharing group and the Screen Time passcode was set by a parent or organizer, you won't be able to reset it from the child's device. In this case, you'll need to perform the steps above on the parent's or organizer's iPhone or iPad instead.
How to Turn Off Screen Time Without Password [No Data Loss]
There are many situations where the official Apple Account recovery method simply is not viable for a user. You might have purchased a second-hand device with an unknown passcode, or perhaps you cannot remember the Apple Account associated with the account. In these challenging scenarios, utilizing a dedicated unlocking software becomes the most practical and efficient solution available.
Here, we highly recommend TunesKit iPhone Unlocker to you. It is a dedicated and multifunctional iOS unlocking tool that allows users to unlock various locks like iPhone Screen Time, iPhone screen lock, Apple Account, and MDM restriction within several minutes without entering any passcodes. In cases like iPhone is disabled, iPhone screen is broken, or forget iPhone passcode, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker can always perform perfectly.
Why Choose TunesKit iPhone Unlocker?
Bypass Screen Time on iPhone/iPad without passcode. Unlock screen lock, Apple Account, MDM, and Activation Lock with a few clicks.
Now, let's see how to turn off Screen Time on iPhone without passcode using TunesKit iPhone Unlocker, which will not cause any data loss.
Step 1Connect Your iPhone to a Computer
To begin with, you should download and install TunesKit iPhone Unlocker on your computer. This program is available on both Win and Mac platforms. Then, connect your iPhone to TunesKit iPhone Unlocker. Select the Unlock Screen Time Passcode on the main interface.

Step 2Turn Off Screen Time
When TunesKit iPhone Unlocker detects your iPhone, click on the Start button and TunesKit will start to turn off the Screen Time passcode.

Step 3Set Up Your iPhone
Here you will need to set up your iPhone again after unlocking it. Please select the Don't Transfer Apps & Data option when your iPhone asks you to restore or transfer your data. And select the Set Up Later in Settings when your iPhone asks to set up the Screen Time passcode.

How to Turn Off Screen Time Without Passcode via Factory Reset
Another way to turn off the Screen Time passcode is by performing a factory reset on your iPhone. This method removes all settings, including Screen Time restrictions. However, keep in mind that a factory reset will erase all data and content on your device, so it’s crucial to back up important files beforehand.
The following will show you how to factory reset your iPhone.
- Step 1. Back to the Home screen. Tap the Settings app.
- Step 2. Tap the General option when the Settings app is launched. Scroll down until you can see Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Step 3. Click on the Erase All Contents and Settings option, then tap Continue to confirm your choice.

- Step 4. You'll be asked to enter your device's screen lock passcode or Apple Account password to start the reset process.
Once the reset is complete, your iPhone will restart and prompt you to set it up as new. During setup, avoid restoring from a backup if your previous backup still contains a Screen Time limitation - otherwise, the restriction might return. Besides, if your Apple Account is controlled by Family Sharing Screen Time, Screen Time will appear again once you sign in to the Apple Account on your device.
Note
In some iOS versions, you may still be required to enter your Screen Time passcode to perform a factory reset. If that happens, it's better to use a professional unlocking tool like TunesKit iPhone Unlocker to disable Screen Time without passcode or data loss, rather than resetting your iPhone completely.
How to Turn Off Screen Time Without Passcode via Erasing iPhone
If the previous methods didn't work for you, another effective way to turn off the Screen Time passcode is by erasing your iPhone. This process will completely remove all settings and data, including Screen Time restrictions. If you are a member of Family Sharing, remember not to sign in to your device with previous Apple Account becuase Screen Time will go back.
Here're 3 ways to erase your iPhone - whether or not you have access to a computer or the Find My iPhone feature.
1. Erase iPhone with iCloud
If you don't have a computer but you've turned on Find My iPhone and remember your Apple Account and password, you can erase your device remotely via iCloud's Find My feature.
- Step 1. On another device (a computer, tablet, or smartphone), open a web browser and go to icloud.com/find.
- Step 2. Sign in using the Apple Account and password associated with the Screen Time locked device.
- Step 3. At the top, click All Devices and select the iPhone or iPad you want to erase.
- Step 4. Click Erase and follow the on-screen instructions. Once connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data, your device will start erasing itself automatically.

2. Erase iPhone on Disabled Screen
Don't have access to another device or computer? No problem - you can still erase your iPhone directly from the disabled screen, as long as you know your Apple Account and password.
- Step 1. Enter wrong screen lock passcode for several times untill you see the Erase iPhone option.
- Step 2. Tap Erase iPhone or "Forgot Passcode?" Tap Start iPhone Reset if prompted.

- Step 3. Enter your Apple Account password to sign out of your Apple Account. Your iPhone will erase itself completely, removing the Screen Time passcode in the process.
- Step 4. When setting up the device again, choose Don't Transfer Apps & Data to ensure no Screen Time settings are restored to your device.
3. Erase iPhone with iTunes
If you prefer using a computer, iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later) is another reliable way to turn off Screen Time on iPhone without passcode. Restoring your device through iTunes will erase all content, including the Screen Time passcode. Just remember, always connect your computer with a stable network.
- Step 1. Turn off your iPhone completely. Connect your iPhone to your computer.
- Step 2. Please follow the upcoming guide to put your iPhone into Recovery mode based on different models.
- Step 3. Once in Recovery Mode, iTunes will detect your device and prompt you to Update or Restore it.
- Step 4. Choose Restore to erase your iPhone completely and remove the Screen Time passcode.

FAQs About How to Turn Off Screen Time Without Passcode
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Why I Can't Change or Turn Off Screen Time Passcode?
If the Change Screen Time Passcode option is grayed out or the Forgot Passcode? link is missing, it's likely due to Family Sharing. In that case, your device is registered as a child account, and the Screen Time settings are controlled remotely by a parent or organizer. You'll need to ask the organizer to make changes.
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Can You Turn Off Screen Time Without Passcode by Signing Out of Apple Account?
No, you can't. This is a common misconception. When Screen Time is enabled with a passcode, the Sign Out option under Settings > Your Profile > Sign Out will show Sign out is not available due to restrictions. Therefore, you can't turn off Screen Times without passcode by signing out of Apple Account.
Conclusion
That's all about how to turn off Screen Time without passcode. While Apple offers a few built-in options like passcode recovery or factory reset, the most efficient and data-safe method is to use TunesKit iPhone Unlocker. With its powerful features, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker lets you remove the Screen Time passcode instantly without data loss, giving you full control of your iOS device again - quickly, safely, and effortlessly.
If you have other questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.