Forgot Restrictions Passcode on iPhone? 4 Ways to Reset It

Forgetting your Restrictions passcode can be frustrating, especially if you're locked out of app restrictions, content settings, or parental controls. The good news is that the solution depends on your iPhone's iOS version.

On devices running iOS 11 or earlier, Restrictions was a standalone feature protected by its own passcode. Starting with iOS 12, Apple replaced Restrictions with Screen Time, so the old Restrictions passcode became the Screen Time passcode. In this guide, we'll explain the difference between the two and show you the best ways to reset or remove the forgotten passcode, whether you're using an older iPhone or the latest iOS 27.

Quick Answer

Situation	Best Solution
Forgot Restrictions passcode (iOS 11 or earlier)	Restore iPhone or use professional unlocking software
Forgot Screen Time passcode (iOS 12+)	Reset with Apple Account
Bought a used iPhone	Remove passcode with unlocking software (if applicable)
Forgot Apple Account password too	Restore iPhone in Recovery Mode or use professional unlocking software

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Restrictions Passcode vs. Screen Time Passcode

If you're searching for a forgotten Restrictions passcode, you're likely dealing with one of two scenarios. On older iPhones running iOS 11 or earlier, Restrictions uses a separate passcode. On iOS 12 and later, Apple replaced Restrictions with Screen Time, meaning you'll need to recover your Screen Time passcode instead.

Feature	Restrictions	Screen Time
Available on	iOS 11 and earlier	iOS 12–27
Purpose	Restrict apps and settings	Manage screen usage and parental controls
Recovery method	Restore device	Reset with Apple Account
Still supported	No	Yes

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How to Reset a Forgotten Restrictions Passcode

There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for a forgotten Restrictions or Screen Time passcode. The best method depends on factors such as your iOS version, whether you know your Apple Account credentials, and if preserving your data is important. Below are the most effective methods, starting with Apple's official solution.

Method 1: Reset Screen Time Passcode with Apple Account (iOS 12–27)

• Step 1. Open Settings > Screen Time. Tap Change Screen Time Passcode.
• Step 2. Tap Forgot Passcode?
• Step 3. Sign in with your Apple Account.
• Step 4. Create a new Screen Time passcode.
• 

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Method 2: Remove the Restrictions or Screen Time Passcode with TunesKit iPhone Unlocker

If the official reset option isn't available or you've forgotten both your Screen Time passcode and Apple Account credentials, a professional unlocking tool may provide an easier solution. TunesKit iPhone Unlocker is designed to remove various iOS locks, including Screen Time restrictions, through a simple guided process. You can use it to remove the restriction passcode without any data loss.

Apart from that, when you encounter problems like forgot parental control passcode, forgot lock screen passcode, etc., TunesKit iPhone Unlocker can be a reliable assistant for users to get out of the trap.

Step 1. Connect Your iPhone to a Computer

Download and install TunesKit iPhone Unlocker on your computer. Then, connect your iPhone to the computer. When your iPhone is detected, click on the Unlock Screen Time Passcode option and then hit on the Start button.

Step 2. Remove Restrictions on iPhone

After clicking the Start button on TunesKit iPhone Unlocker, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will start to remove the restrictions on iPhone. After removing the restrictions on iPhone, you will need to set up the iPhone again. Just click on the Next button.

Step 3. Set Up iPhone Again

While setting up the iPhone, please choose the Don't Transfer Apps & Data and Set Up Later in Settings options when you set up data and Screen Time.

Method 3: Restore Your iPhone with Finder or iTunes

Restoring your iPhone is another effective way to remove a forgotten Restrictions or Screen Time passcode, especially when other recovery options don't work. However, this method completely erases your device, so it's best suited for users who have a recent backup or don't mind setting up the iPhone again.

• Step 1. Launch iTunes (Windows) or Finder (macOS) on computer and connect your iPhone to the computer.
• Step 2. When your iPhone is detected by iTunes, click on the little device icon.
• Step 3. Select the Summary option on iPhone.
• Step 4. Hit on the Restore iPhone option to restore iPhone and remove restrictions.
• 

Method 4: Contact Apple Support

If none of the previous methods solve the problem, contacting Apple Support is your final official option. Although Apple can't reveal or recover your forgotten passcode, support representatives can help verify your account, explain available recovery options, and ensure your device isn't affected by other security issues.

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Which Method Should You Choose?

Situation	Recommended Method
Remember Apple Account	Reset Screen Time
Forgot Apple Account	Software or Restore by iTunes
Restrictions on iOS 11	Restore by iTunes
Bought second-hand iPhone	Unlocking software
Want fastest solution	Apple reset or software

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FAQ About iPhone Restrictions Passcode

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Conclusion

Although forgetting your Restrictions passcode can feel like you're locked out of your own device, the solution is often straightforward once you identify your iOS version. If you're using iOS 12 or later, resetting the Screen Time passcode with your Apple Account is the safest and quickest method. If Apple Account is also forgotten, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will be the alternative to remove Screen Time passcode without data loss.

For older devices running iOS 11 or earlier, restoring the device or using a compatible unlocking tool may be necessary. Before choosing a method, consider whether preserving your data is a priority and ensure you have access to your Apple Account if Activation Lock is enabled.