How to Get Rid of Downtime on iPhone [Updated]

"Does anyone know how to turn off Downtime on iPhone? I enabled it on my son's device to help limit his gaming, but now I’ve forgotten the passcode needed to turn it off. Is there any way to remove or bypass Downtime without the passcode"

Downtime is part of iPhone’s Screen Time feature, used to limit app and notification access during set hours. While helpful for managing usage, you may want to turn it off due to schedule changes or restrictions. This guide provides a thorough walkthrough of how to turn off Downtime on your iPhone, covering various scenarios, including when you have the Screen Time passcode and, crucially, when you don't. Here we go!

Part 1. What Is iPhone Downtime?

iPhone Downtime is a feature within Screen Time that limits access to apps and notifications during scheduled hours. It’s designed to encourage breaks from your device, which is especially helpful for reducing distractions, promoting healthier habits, or managing a child’s screen use. During Downtime, only apps you’ve specifically allowed remain accessible.

How Does Downtime Work?

As part of Screen Time, Downtime allows you to schedule a period during which only apps you choose to allow (like Phone or Messages) and apps you've added to the "Always Allowed" list are available. All other apps will be greyed out and display an hourglass icon.

Part 2. How to Turn Off Downtime on iPhone with Passcode

Downtime is a feature of Screen Time and users can turn off the Downtime feature without turning off the whole Screen Time feature. This method requires you to enter your Screen Time passcode. Now, let's see how to make it by following the below steps.

Step 1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Step 2. Scroll down and tap on Screen Time.
Step 3. If you see an option that says "Turn On Screen Time", it means Screen Time (and therefore Downtime) is not active, and no further action is needed regarding turning it off. If Screen Time is active, proceed to the next step.
Step 4. Tap on Downtime.
Step 5. You will see a toggle switch next to "Scheduled". If Downtime is currently active based on a schedule, this toggle will be green. Tap the Scheduled toggle to turn it off. It will turn grey, indicating Downtime is no longer scheduled.

Part 3. How to Get Rid of Downtime on iPhone Without Passcode

However, what if users forgot the Screen Time passcode and cannot turn off Downtime on their iOS devices? Is it possible to remove Downtime on iPhone without passcode? Sure! There are ways to address this.

Method 1. Use a Professional Screen Time Removal

You can take the assistance of a professional Screen Time passcode remover like TunesKit iPhone Unlocker. This is a powerful yet easy-to-use tool to help users unlock Screen Time. When you forgot Screen Time passcode, can't remember Restriction passcode, or can't unlock Screen Time restrictions on your iOS device, TunesKit can remove Screen Time restrictions on your iPhone without needing any passcode. Thanks to its the concise and user-friendly interface, you will not encounter any hassle while using the program.

Now, let's see how to turn off Downtime on iPhone without passcode via TunesKit iPhone Unlocker.

Step 1Connect Your iPhone to a Computer

Connect your iPhone to the computer and launch TunesKit iPhone Unlocker. Select the Unlock Screen Time Passcode feature and click on the Start button.

Step 2Remove Screen Time Passcode on iPhone

Then, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will start to remove the Screen Time passcode on your iPhone without data loss. Ensure that the Find My iPhone feature is disabled on your iPhone.

Step 3Set Up Your iPhone

After remove Screen Time on your device, you will need to set up your iPhone again. While setting up your iPhone, please select Don't Transfer Apps & Data and Set Up Later in Settings. Then you can set a new Screen Time passcode and turn off Downtime with ease.

Method 2. Using Apple's "Forgot Passcode?" Feature

Apple has integrated a recovery option for the Screen Time passcode that utilizes your Apple ID. This is the official approach if you've forgotten the passcode. But you need to remember your Apple ID credentials. Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1. Navigate to Settings > Screen Time.
Step 2. Scroll down and tap on Change Screen Time Passcode. You'll likely be presented with options to either change it or turn it off. Tap Change Screen Time Passcode again.
Step 3. On the passcode entry screen, tap on Forgot Passcode? which should appear below the passcode field.
Step 4. You will then be prompted to enter your Apple ID and password that were used to set up the Screen Time passcode. This is a security measure to ensure authorized access.
Step 5. Once you've successfully entered your Apple ID credentials, you'll be allowed to set a new Screen Time passcode.

Part 4. Troubleshooting Common Downtime Issues

Sometimes, even if you know the passcode, you might encounter issues when trying to manage Downtime. Here are some common ones.

Issue 1. Downtime Option Greyed Out

If you are part of a Family Sharing group and you are not the organizer or designated parent/guardian, Screen Time settings, including Downtime, might be managed by the organizer. You'll need to contact them to make changes.

Issue 2. "Turn Off Downtime" Not Working

Occasionally, an iOS glitch might prevent the setting from changing. In such cases, you can try to restart your iPhone, or update your iOS to the latest version, as updates often include bug fixes.

Issue 3. Changes Don't Save

If changes to Downtime or other Screen Time settings aren't saving, it could be due to a network issue if Family Sharing is involved, or a minor software bug. A restart or an iOS update usually helps.

Part 5. Alternatives to Turning It Off Completely

Completely turning off Downtime isn't the only solution if you find it too restrictive. You can customize it to better suit your needs. These customization options provide a more flexible approach to managing your device usage without completely disabling a potentially useful feature.

Tip 1. Adjust the Schedule

Instead of turning it off entirely, you can change the scheduled hours for Downtime to periods when you genuinely don't want to be disturbed or use your phone. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Downtime and modify the "From" and "To" times.

Tip 2. Utilize "Always Allowed"

This is a powerful feature. You can select specific apps to be accessible even during Downtime. For example, you might want access to your messaging apps, navigation, or music. Here is how to do it.

Step 1. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Always Allowed.
Step 2. You'll see a list of your apps. Tap the green plus icon next to any app you want to add to the "Allowed Apps" list. These apps will remain fully functional even when Downtime is active.

Tip 3. App Limits

If your concern is primarily about specific apps rather than a general block, consider using App Limits instead of, or in conjunction with, a less restrictive Downtime schedule. You can set daily time limits for app categories (e.g., Social Media, Games).

Part 6. FAQs About Turning Off Downtime

Here are answers to some common questions users have about iPhone Downtime.

Part 7. Conclusion

Downtime is a tool with good intentions, but control over your device is paramount. You can easily turn it off using your passcode. However, if you can't remember the Screen Time passcode to take downtime off your phone, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker is a good choice. It can help you unlock Screen Time without passcode. Still having other questions? Please feel free to leave us a comment below.