Cannot reset Screen Time Passcode

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Cannot reset Screen Time Passcode

I'm attempting to back-up my iPhone 7 onto my MacBook Pro (via Finder, I'm on Catalina), however it's asking for an encryption password (which I've never setup before). I've tried going onto my phone to rest the password (Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings) but cannot remember my Screen Time Passcode, which is one of the prompts that comes up when trying to do this reset. When I try to reset the passcode (using my Apple ID) nothing happens, it just keeps adding more failed attempts at the passcode... any thoughts? A few notes: I am absolutely using the correct Apple ID, and I have tried to force restart the device (that didn't change anything). I would like to avoid backing-up to iCloud (I know that's Apple's #1 reco, but I don't want to pay for monthly storage - I want a physical backup on my laptop).

iPhone 7, iOS 13

Posted on Jul 3, 2020 1:49 PM

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Answer 1

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Lawrence Finch

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Jul 3, 2020 4:06 PM in response to ddana_

If you can’t reset the screen time passcode by following these instructions (carefully) If you forgot your Screen Time passcode - Apple Support the only option is to restore iOS and set up the phone as new. The backup is irrelevant, because even if can restore it that will not remove the screen time passcode.

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Answer 2

Jul 3, 2020 1:57 PM in response to ddana_

You say you are backing up your iPhone 7 and it is asking for an encryption password. It is actually asking you to create one, not to enter one. You need the backup password to restore a backup from your Mac to your phone, you don’t need one to back up your phone to your computer, but if Encrypt Backup is checked on the Summary screen in Finder you must create one.

Here’s more information—>About encrypted backups on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

Screen Time has nothing to do with your backup.

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Answer 3

ddana_ Author

Level 1

29 points

Jul 3, 2020 3:00 PM in response to Lawrence Finch

It's not asking me to create an encryption password - I am able to backup the phone with the original encryption password (which I don't remember). The issue is, when I try to "Reset All Settings" on my phone (so that I can reset the encryption) it's not allowing me to change the Screen Time Passcode using my Apple ID (I've also forgotten my Screen Time Passcode... I know, very inconvenient).

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Cannot reset Screen Time Passcode

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