(2026) What to Do If Forgot Restrictions Passcode on iPad
Have you forgotten the Restrictions passcode on your iPad and found yourself locked out of apps, websites, or camera access? If you are running an older iOS, you know this as the "Restrictions Passcode." However, on modern devices (iPadOS 12 through iPadOS 26), this feature has been integrated into Screen Time.
Whether you are dealing with an older legacy iPad or the latest M5 iPad Pro, forgetting the passcode can be a major hurdle. This 2026 updated guide provides verified solutions to reset or bypass these restrictions, even if you don't have the original passcode or Apple Account.
Method 1. Reset Restrictions Passcode via Apple Account
For most users on modern iPadOS versions, Apple provides a way to reset the passcode using your Apple Account (formerly Apple ID). This is the safest method as it does not result in data loss.
- Step 1. Navigate to Settings > Screen Time.
- Step 2. Tap on Change Screen Time Passcode and select it again.
- Step 3. Tap the Forgot Passcode? link above the keypad.
- Step 4. Enter your Apple Account credentials to authorize the change.
Note
If you are using a child's device under Family Sharing, the "Forgot Passcode" option may not appear. In this scenario, the "Family Organizer" (parent) must reset the code from their own iPhone or iPad settings. You can refer to this tutorial: How to Use Family Sharing Screen Time.
Method 2. Remove Restrictions Passcode via TunesKit iPhone Unlocker
What if the "Forgot Passcode" option is missing? This is a common issue for second-hand iPads or devices managed by school profiles. TunesKit iPhone Unlocker is the most reliable tool for 2026, offering a direct bypass of the restriction layer.
Compared with other software, TunesKit behaves better in changing Screen Time passcode with easier operations, fewer restrictions, and no data loss. With a few simple steps, you don't need to worry about how to reset Screen Time passcode if you forgot it. Besides, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker also enables you to unlock Apple ID, bypass screen lock of iOS devices, and remove MDM restrictions without passcode.
Why Choose TunesKit iPhone Unlocker?
Bypass Screen Time Passcode & MDM Lock. Enable to factory reset iDevices without passwords. Unlock iPhone/iPad/iPod touch with ease.
600,000+ Downloads
In the following, we'll show you how to remove Screen Time passcode via TunesKit iPhone Unlocker step by step.
Step 1Get your iPhone/iPad/iPod connected to your PC
First, launch TunesKit iPhone Unlocker, and make your device connected to the PC. Next, choose the Unlock Screen Time Passcode feature. Hit on the Start button.
Step 2Remove Restrictions passcode on iPad
Before removing Restrictions, please ensure that the Find My feature is disabled. If not, you can follow the steps shown on the computer screen to turn off it. Hit on the Start button, and wait for TunesKit iPhone Unlocker to remove your Screen Time passcode. The unlocking process will not take a long time.
Step 3Re-set up device
After that, you will be required to re-set up your device. In this process, you need to choose the Don't transfer Apps & Data option, and then click on Set Up Later in Settings. Then you can figure out how to change screentime password without data loss.
Method 3. Restore via iTunes when Forgot Restrictions Passcode on iPad
Besides, you can use iTunes to reset Restrictions passcode on iPad. Restoring your iPad will remove all the data and content on your iPad including the Restrictions/Screen Time feature. Therefore, you should make a backup before restoring your iPad if you don't want to lose any data from your iPad. You can follow the steps below to remove Restrictions from iPad.
- Step 1. Download and install iTunes on your computer. If you are a Mac user, please launch Finder. Then, connect your iPad to the computer.
- Step 2. Put your iPad into Recovery Mode:
- iPad with Home Button: Press and hold the Home Button and Power Button. Keep pressing the buttons until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
- iPad without Home Button: Press and release Volume Up > Press and release Volume Down > Hold Power Button until Recovery Mode appears.
- Step 3. You will see a prompt appears on your computer. Select the Restore button. iTunes will erase all your iPad data including the restrictions settings.
Solution 3. Use iCloud to Erase iPad
If you know the Apple ID passcode and the Find My iPhone feature is enabled on your iPad, you can use the Find My iPad feature to erase your iPad and fix the forgot Restrictions on iPad passcode. Remember, erase your iPad via iCloud will cause data loss on your iPad, please make a backup first. You can follow the below steps to erase your iPad via iCloud.
- Step 1. Open a browser and go to the iCloud.com website. Log into your Apple ID.
- Step 2. Select the Find My iPhone option.
- Step 3. Click on the All Devices option and select the iPad that you need to reset the Restrictions passcode.
- Step 4. Click on the Erase iPad option to remove all the data from your iPad including the Restrictions.
FAQs about How to Reset iPad without Screen Time
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What should I do if the "Forgot Passcode" option is not showing?
The "Forgot Passcode" link usually disappears if your iPad is running an outdated iOS (below 13.4) or if the device is a managed unit (MDM) from a school or workplace. If you are part of a Family Sharing plan, the option may also be restricted to the parent's device. In these cases, using a professional bypass tool like TunesKit iPhone Unlocker is the most reliable way to surface the reset options.
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How many attempts do I have before the iPad is locked for Restrictions?
After 6 failed attempts, your iPad will be locked for 1 minute. After 10 failed attempts, the lockout period can extend to 60 minutes or longer. Unlike the Screen Lock passcode, failing the Restrictions passcode 10 times typically does not erase your data automatically, but it prevents any further attempts to change settings.
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Does removing the Restrictions passcode delete my photos and apps?
It depends on the method used. Using the Apple ID reset or TunesKit iPhone Unlocker's specific bypass mode will not delete your data. However, if you choose to reset the device via iTunes Recovery Mode or iCloud Erase, all photos, apps, and personal settings will be permanently deleted.
Conclusions
That's it. If you are finding ways to reset Restrictions passcode on iPad when your forgot the passcode, this post will help you. In this post, you can learn 4 solutions on how to fix it when forgot Restrictions passcode on iPad. If you can't remember any passcode on your iPad, please try using TunesKit iPhone Unlocker to solve your problem.
