Screen time doesn't protect from changing Apple Id password. How is it possible?

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Level 1

18 points

Screen time doesn't protect from changing Apple Id password. How is it possible?

Hi!

I set up Screen time for my kid to limit usage of his iPad. From my iPhone I set up App Limits and enabled Content and Privacy restrictions for him. On the Content and Privacy restriction settings page I disabled App purchases, Password changes and also disabled Account Changes. I changed Screen Time code to a new one and I'm sure my kid doesn't know it. My kid is a Family member and I also set up purchase sharing for him.

After few hours from changing the limits and restrictions I noticed suspicious charges on my Apple Card. I was trying to open Screen Time settings with new passcode and failed to do it. Then I tried to open the settings with an old passcode and it went thru. I looked on the AppLimits and all limits were cleared. Content and Privacy restrictions were also disabled. I tried to open his iPad but he also changed Passcode so I'm locked out from his iPad. I tried to log in with his Apple Id to apple.com from my desktop but it looks like he changed his Apple ID password. I am absolutely sure that new screen time passcode was set properly and my kid didn't know it.

I'm trying to limit usage of iPad for my son and restrict his access to the Internet because I'm stronger believer that 7 yo kids shouldn't be allowed to do whatever they want, have access to social media and obscene content.

How is it possible that 7 yo kid breaks Apple's security system so easily? I'm a software engineer with 30+ years of experience and I have no idea how he breaks it. Any suggestions please of what can I do with his locked iPad and how to setup limits and restrictions properly?

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Nov 30, 2020 5:15 AM

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Answer 1

AppleJen77

Community Specialist

Dec 16, 2020 10:57 AM in response to seregaz

Thanks for getting back to us, seregaz!

If you're still having issues with the Screen Time on your device, we would recommend reaching out to Apple directly by checking out this link to Get Support and they will be more than happy to proceed with additional steps.

Take care!

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Answer 2

seregaz Author

Level 1

18 points

Dec 15, 2020 7:54 PM in response to Brian_P7

Hi Brian,

Actually, I was following all recommendations already.

The problem is that my kid was able to remove all Screen Time limitations and restrictions without entering the Screen time code!

Here are steps for a little kid to remove all limits and do whatever he/she wants:

Ask your daddy to use his phone because "battery is low on my iPad" or "I can't find my iPad and I need urgently do my school assignment". Any reason can work so be creative here.
Don't forget to ask for the iPhone's passcode (use your creativity to explain why you need it!).
1. This is not a Screen Time code and my kid doesn't know my apple id/password so what a big deal? He won't be able to change screen time settings or buy anything, right?? WRONG!
On daddy's iPhone open Settings->Screen Time, select kid's name to modify the proper settings
Click "Change Screen Time Passcode" then "Turn Off Screen Time Passcode". It will prompt "Turn Off Screen Time Passcode" again so click it. Enter iPhone passcode from step 2 (remember that my kid doesn't have Screen Time passcode? he doesn't need it!)
Do whatever you want!
1. you can enable purchases for yourself and spent a few hundred bucks
2. you can play games, browse the internet, use any social media without any restriction
3. you can see adult content
4. etc etc

Dear Apple support,

I just have one question: Is this how it supposed to work or you want to file a bug for this "feature"?

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Answer 3

Brian_P7

Community Specialist

Dec 7, 2020 9:56 AM in response to seregaz

Greetings, seregaz!

Thanks for reaching out to the Apple Support Communities! It sounds like you have an issue with your child has locked you out of they iPad and you need to prevent them from changing their Apple ID password.

For the issue with the iPad being locked with a passcode, you'll need to follow the steps in this article to Use Screen Time on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch:

"If you forgot your Screen Time passcode, update your device to the latest iOS or iPadOS then reset your passcode. If you can’t update your device, erase it and set it up as new to remove the passcode and choose a new one. Restoring your device from a backup won't remove your passcode."

This will remove the passcode and allow you to regain access to the iPad.

Once you have access to the iPad, check out this article to Use parental controls on your child's iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. You'll need to follow the steps to prevent your child from changing the password for the Apple ID:

"Allow changes to other settings and features

You can allow changes to other settings and features, the same way you can allow changes to privacy settings.

Go to Settings and tap Screen Time.
Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions. If asked, enter your passcode.
Under Allow Changes, select the features or settings you want to allow changes to and choose Allow or Don't Allow.

Here are some features and settings you can allow changes for:

Passcode Changes: Prevent changes to your passcode
Account Changes: Prevent changes to settings for Accounts & Passwords
Cellular Data Changes: Prevent changes to cellular data settings
Volume Limit: Prevent changes to volume settings for safe listening
Do Not Disturb While Driving: Prevent changes to Do Not Disturb While Driving
TV Provider: Prevent changes to TV provider settings
Background App Activities: Prevent changes to whether or not apps run in the background"

We hope you find this information useful and have a terrific day!

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Screen time doesn't protect from changing Apple Id password. How is it possible?

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