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"Forgot passcode?" in Screen Time settings not working.

I have forgotten the screen time passcode on my iPad. I tried to reset it by tapping on "forgot passcode?", but it doesn't work. The first time I tried it I got in and entered a new passcode, however the new passcode did not work. When I try to change it again, the only thing it does is simply add one more to the number of failed attempts.

iPad, iPadOS 13

Posted on Jun 24, 2020 3:01 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 24, 2020 3:15 PM

If you have forgotten the ScreenTime passcode, one of these two procedures should resolve the problem:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211021


If your iPad is capable of supporting iPadOS 13.x, you should update to the most current version before attempting to resolve a forgotten ScreenTime passcode. The most recent iPadOS updates have introduced a new mechanism whereby a forgotten ScreenTime passcode can be reset without wiping the iPad.


To reset a forgotten ScreenTime passcode on older versions of iOS/iPadOS, the iPad must be reset “as new”, losing all locally stored data.


I hope this information is helpful to you in successfully resetting your forgotten passcode.

7 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 24, 2020 3:15 PM in response to sud41

If you have forgotten the ScreenTime passcode, one of these two procedures should resolve the problem:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211021


If your iPad is capable of supporting iPadOS 13.x, you should update to the most current version before attempting to resolve a forgotten ScreenTime passcode. The most recent iPadOS updates have introduced a new mechanism whereby a forgotten ScreenTime passcode can be reset without wiping the iPad.


To reset a forgotten ScreenTime passcode on older versions of iOS/iPadOS, the iPad must be reset “as new”, losing all locally stored data.


I hope this information is helpful to you in successfully resetting your forgotten passcode.

Jul 10, 2020 7:04 AM in response to sud41

If your AppleID and Password is not accepted, this would suggest that the credentials are perhaps incorrect.


If you are certain that the credentials are good (test them at https://appleid.apple.com), then try a forced restart of your iPad - and then try again.


To force-restart your iPad:


  • On an iPad with a Home button: Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.
  • On an iPad with Face ID: Press and quickly release the volume up button, press and quickly release the volume down button, then press and hold the top button. When the Apple logo appears, release the button.




If, after restart, you are still unable to turn-off ScreenTime, you are running out of options - and it may become necessary to reset your iPad and set-up as new. Before doing so, I suggest reaching-out to Apple Support.


The Contact Support link can be found at top-right of this page - or, alternatively, you can initiate a support call using the Apple Support App:

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/apple-support/id1130498044


Please let us known how you get on.

"Forgot passcode?" in Screen Time settings not working.

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