Forgot restrictions passcode on iPhone or iPad

i have forgoton restrictions password, how do you reset it?


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iPad 2

Posted on Jan 7, 2014 10:51 AM

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Posted on May 31, 2015 10:11 PM

You posed this question months ago, but never late than never, right? 🙂 I was in your position a few minutes ago, but after vigorous "research" I've found something a bit less radical than restoring your device back to factory settings. The first thing you would need to do is create a backup of your device if you haven't already. After doing so, you need to download a program called 'iBackupBot', it should be the first link on Google when you search the name. After setting up and opening the program, there should be a list in the top left hand corner. Double click on System Files > HomeDomain > Library > Preferences. On the right of the list you just clicked through, there should be a list of files. In the search bar, type com.apple.springboard.plist and double click on said file. A window may pop up asking you to buy the program, just click on 'Cancel' and the desired window should open. In the open window, select the find icon (the binoculars), search for <string>us</string> and under it, there should be a line of code that says </dict>. Click at the end of the code and press enter to open a new line where you are to type <key>SBParentalControlsPIN</key> then type <string>1234</string> on a new line below. When this is complete, save your code and close the window. Make sure that com.apple.springboard.plist is highlighted (if not, click on it once) then click the 'Restore' option. Your device will restart and the code you entered should work.

PS. Instead of '1234', you may enter any four digit code of your choice.

PSS. If your backup is password protected, you need to make a new backup without a password. The program will not allow you to restore with a password protected backup. (I learnt the hard way.)

PSSS. Need I mention that your device must be plugged into your computer?

940 replies

Apr 3, 2022 9:44 AM in response to neville194

neville194 wrote:

I want to reset an old iPad to factory settings but can’t remember my restrictions passcode

Follow the steps provided in the Apple recommended post at the top of every page of the very thread you replied to, and numerous other posts in the 63 pages of thread to reset the Screen Time Passcode: (bolded blue text are links to further instructions):


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.

May 18, 2022 8:00 AM in response to suhanand

suhanand wrote:

I forgot the restrictions pass code on my I phone 5

Follow the steps provided in the Apple recommended post at the top of every page of the very thread you replied to, and numerous other posts in the 63 pages of thread to reset the Screen Time Passcode: (bolded blue text are links to further instructions):


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.

Jun 9, 2020 11:30 AM in response to swansondc88

Copy the steps in the following link to restore the iPad and remove the restrictions passcode.


If you have a backup made before the passcode was put in place, you can use that to restore the iPad.


If the backup was made after the passcode was put in place, then you won't be able to use it ans the backup will just put the passcode and restrictions back.


See here: Use parental controls on your child's iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

Dec 27, 2021 7:54 AM in response to Boci33

Boci33 wrote:

My iPad iOS 10.3.3 has restriction passcode enabled I do not have this code I tried 1234 does not work. Tried to reset and full reset but it asks for pass code

I do not have backup what can I do The problem started as YouTube was asking for update I deleted and loaded latest app for this device but that does not help

From the Apple recommended post at the top of every page of the very thread you replied to, and numerous other posts in the 62 pages of thread: (bolded blue text are links to further instructions)


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.

Jan 20, 2022 10:36 AM in response to Jayden_Mchnan

Jayden_Mchnan wrote:

Apple I need help with something with the content privacy restrictions passcode.

From the Apple recommended post at the top of every page of the very thread you replied to, and numerous other posts in the 62 pages of thread: (bolded blue text are links to further instructions):


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.

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Forgot restrictions passcode on iPhone or iPad

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