How to Reset Screen Time Passcode After Failed Attempts 2025

Updated by Brian Davis on May 21, 2025 • Category: Unlock iOS
6 mins read

Annoyed by Screen Time restrictions but stuck with a passcode you don't remember? You're not alone! Many users keep guessing, hoping to unlock it. But after several failed attempts, questions naturally comes up:
"What happens after 10 failed Screen Time passcode attempts? Will iPhone become disabled or erase data after 10 failed passcode attempts?"

The good news? Your iPhone won't be locked or wiped, even after 10 or more wrong attempts. You'll just face a temporary delay before you can try again.

Better yet, there are still safe and effective ways to reset your Screen Time passcode after failed attempts. So, this guide covers exactly what happens after multiple failed tries, and how to reset Screen Time passcode quickly. Let's dive in!

what happens after 10 failed passcode attemtps

Part 1. What Happens After 10 Failed Screen Time Passcode Attempts?

What happens after 10 failed Screen Time passcode attempts? Simply put, if you enter the wrong Screen Time passcode 10 times, your iPhone will lock access to Screen Time settings for 1 hour. During this time, you won't be able to enter a new passcode or reset the old one.

Rest assured. Unlike your iPhone's screen lock, Screen Time passcode protection won't erase or factory reset your device, no matter how many failed attempts you make. You just need to wait out the timeout before trying again.

The rest of your iPhone will still work - you can make calls, send messages, and use most apps. However, any apps or features restricted by Screen Time will remain locked until the wait time is over and you enter the correct passcode.

Here's a quick look at how the lockout time increases with each failed Screen Time passcode attempt:

Wrong Passcode Attempts Restriction Time for Next Attempt Message on iPhone Screen
1-5 times 0 None
6 times 1-minute restriction Try again in 1 minutes
7 times 5-minute restriction Try again in 5 minutes
8 times 15-minute restriction Try again in 15 minutes
9 times 60-minute restriction Try again in 60 minutes
10/11/12 or more times 60-minute restriction Try again in 60 minutes

Part 2. How to Reset Screen Time Passcode After Failed Attempts Quickly [5 Ways]

If you're locked out after multiple failed Screen Time passcode attempts, don't worry - there are several ways to regain access. Below are five effective methods, picking up the one works for you.

Method Requirements Data Loss Estimated Time
1. TunesKit Screen Time Remover Turned off Find My iPhone/iPad No 5-10 minutes
2. Reset via Apple ID ▪ You've enabled Screen Time passcode reset previously;
▪ Remember Apple ID password
▪ Your iPhone runs iOS 13.4 and later
No Around 5 minutes
3. Factory Reset iPhone ▪ Passcode for iPhone;
▪ Apple ID password;
▪ Face/Touch ID (if Stolen Device Protection is enabled)
Yes Around 5 minutes
4. Restore iPhone via iTunes ▪ Turned off Find My iPhone/iPad
▪ You've synced iPhone to iTunes before
Yes 10+ minutes
5. Erase iPhone via iCloud Turned on Find My iPhone/iPad Yes 5-10 minutes

Way 1. Reset the Screen Time Passcode with TunesKit iPhone Unlocker

TunesKit iPhone Unlocker is a dedicated iOS unlocking tool that can remove Screen Time passcode and restrictions on iPhone/iPad without data loss. Whether you've forgotten your Screen Time passcode, it won't change, or Screen Time passcode doen't work, this Screen Times passcode remover offers a seamless fix.

This tool doesn't just reset Screen Time - it can also unlock your device screen, remove Apple ID, and bypass MDM restrictions. With its easy-to-use interface, anyone can remove Screen Time passcodes in just a few clicks.

Key Features of TunesKit iPhone Unlocker

TunesKit iPhone Unlocker lets you quickly reset Screen Time passcode after 10 failed attempts. It also removes Face ID, Apple ID, and MDM locks, and works with most iOS devices and versions.

Try It Free safe 600,000+ Downloads

Now, let's see how to unlock Screen Time passcode after 10 failed Screen Time passcode attempts.

Step 1Connect iPhone to Computer

Download and install TunesKit iPhone Unlocker via Try It Free button above on your computer first. Then, connect your iPhone to the computer through a lightning cable. Then, select the Unlock Screen Time Passcode option and hit on the Start button.

connect iphone to computer

Step 2Unlock Screen Time After 10 Failed Screen Time Passcode Attempts

TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will start to remove the Screen Time restriction on your iPhone. After removing the Screen Time on your iPhone, you can access the limited app again without entering the passcode.

bypass screen time

Step 3Correctly Set Up iPhone Again

When the Screen Time restriction is removed from your iPhone, your iPhone will reboot, and you will need to set up your iPhone again. Please tap Don't Transfer Apps & Data and Set Up Later while setting up.

set up device

Way 2. Reset Screen Time Passcode Via Apple ID

If you've previously set up the Screen Time Passcode Recovery option using your Apple ID, you can reset the passcode directly from your iPhone. This method is quick and doesn't require additional tools - as long as you remember your Apple ID login. Here's how:

Step 1. Open Settings app on your iPhone. Ensure your device is running iOS 13.4 or later. Then tap Screen Time > Change Screen Time Passcode.
Step 2. Tap Change Screen Time Passcode again in the pop-up box. Tap Forgot Passcode? option.
Step 3. Enter your Apple ID and password to reset the Screen Time passcode.

❗ If you have forgotten your Apple ID password, you need to click on Forgot Apple ID or Password? option to reset it first.

reset screen time passcode via apple id

Step 4. Enter a new Screen Time passcode, then re-enter it to confirm. Then, you'll have the option to enable Screen Time Passcode Recovery using your Apple ID again - so next time, resetting will be even easier. Tap OK to finish the resetting process.

📌 Note: If you use Screen Time with Family Sharing, you might need to enter the Family organizer's Apple account and password, especially if your own Apple ID isn't being accepted.

🔍 View Also:

How to Fix No Option to Change Screen Time Passcode

How to Fix No Option for Forgot Screen Time Passcode

Way 3. Factory Reset iPhone to Erase All Data and Passcode

If you've hit 10 failed Screen Time passcode attempts and can't recover the passcode, another feasible method is performing a factory reset.

However, this will erase all the content and data from your iOS device. If you want to keep your iPhone data still, back up your iPhone to iTunes or iCloud and then restore it after resetting your iPhone. Let's see how to factory reset your iPhone.

Step 1. Open Settings app on iPhone.
Step 2. Click on the General option.
Step 3. Scroll down to the Transfer or Reset iPhone button.
Step 4. Hit on Erase All Content and Settings to factory reset iPhone. Then tap Continue button to confirm your action.

Here you'll need to enter the passcode for your iPhone, your Apple ID password, and verify the Face ID or Touch ID if you've enabled Stolen Device Protection on iOS 17.3 and later.

factory reset iphone

📌 Note: In some cases, it might prompt you to enter Screen Time passcode to erase iPhone. Then, you'll need to use other ways to reset iPhone without Screen Time passcode mentioned in this article.

Way 4. Restore iPhone to Remove Screen Time Passcode via iTunes

Alternatively, you can use restore your iPhone via iTunes to reset Screen Time passcode after 10 failed Screen Time attempts.

Ensure you've synced your device with iTunes before. If not, you will need to put your iPhone into Recovery mode for the next step. Now, let's see how to restore iPhone via iTunes.

Step 1. Download and install the latest version iTunes on your Windows computer. On Mac, launch Finder. Then, connect your iPhone to the computer.
Step 2. When iTunes/Finder detects your iPhone, click on the little device icon.
Step 3. Select the Summary/General option and hit on Restore iPhone.

restore iphone from itunes

Way 5. Erase iPhone and Screen Time Passcode via iCloud

If you don't have access to iTunes or your device, you can erase your iPhone remotely using iCloud's Find My iPhone feature. This will remove all data on the device, including the Screen Time passcode. Again, make sure to back up your data beforehand if possible.

Step 1. Go to iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID.
Step 2. Click on your Apple ID, then navigate to the Find Devices section.
Step 3. Open the All Devices list, choose your iPhone or iPad, and click on Erase iPhone/iPad.
Step 4. Enter your Apple ID password and the verification code sent to you.
Step 5. Click Erase button again to confirm and start the process.

After your device is erased, you can set it up as new or restore it from a backup.

erase iphone via find my feature

Part 3. FAQs on iPad/iPhone Screen Time Passcode Failed Attempts

  • 1. How Many Attempts to Unlock Screen Time on iPhone/iPad?

    There's no strict limit on how many times you can try to unlock Screen Time. However, once you reach 9 failed Screen Time passcode attempts, your iPhone or iPad will enforce a 1-hour lockout for each new try.

  • 2. Does Reaching 10 Failed Screen Time Passcode Attempts Affect Other iPhone Security Features?

    No. Reaching the limit of 10 failed attempts only affects the Screen Time settings. It does not impact your device's main unlock passcode, Face ID, Touch ID, Apple ID, or other security settings.

  • 3. Can I Contact Apple Support for Help with a Screen Time Passcode Issue?

    Yes, if you are unable to reset or recover your Screen Time passcode, you can contact Apple Support for guidance and additional assistance. However, they may require proof of ownership or additional verification.

Part 4. The Closing Words

That's it! If you forgot the Screen Time passcode and want to know what happens after 10 failed Screen Time attempts, this post is for you. Among all the methods, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker stands out as the fastest and most convenient way to remove Screen Time restrictions - without risking data loss or needing technical knowledge and any password.

Let us know in the comments if you need more help, or explore other iPhone tips and fixes in our latest posts!

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