Apple devices include a native Screen Time feature to help users understand their usage patterns and encourage a balanced digital lifestyle. Basically, Screen time manages, controls, and restricts the time you or your kids spend on devices. The Screen Time Passcode is a gateway to control and manage access to certain features and applications on iPhones.
In addition, The passcode allows you to easily restrict access to certain content, such as movies, apps, and games. In case you crave to know more about the benefits, use cases, and an extra layer of security you get with Screen Time Passcode. Get to know how Screen Time Passcode enables you to reclaim control and cultivate a mindful digital life.
The Screen Time passcode is a 4-digit password that proves to be quite useful, especially for parents. With this passcode, you can ensure that only you have the authority to modify Screen Time settings or extend app usage when the set limits expire. Utilize this feature to establish content and privacy restrictions on your child's device.
The Screen Time Passcode stands out as a crucial security feature in iOS 12 - iOS 15. The feature empowers users with control over their device usage. Parents or guardians can use a passcode to restrict access to specific apps or content during certain hours of the day. They can also limit overall usage or even set daily time allowances for different categories of apps, such as social media, games, or entertainment. In addition, Screen Time Passcode is a tool for managing and monitoring digital device use, especially for children and teenagers.
How to Set a Screen Time Passcode on iPhone/iPad?
Setting a screen time passcode on your iPhone or iPad is a crucial step to ensure the appropriate device use. In this section, we will provide you with a straightforward guide on how to set a screen time passcode on your iPhone or iPad.
Turn on Screen Time
Follow these steps to turn on screen time on your iPhone and iPad.
Step 1: Open your iPhone or iPad
Step 2: Navigate to Settings, scroll down, and click on Screen Time.
Step 3: Tap “Turn On Screen Time” to activate screen time.
Step 4: Specify “This is My iPhone or iPad, or This is My Child's iPhone or iPad.
Here are various options to configure screen time management, along with setting a robust password.
When Using Family Sharing
Once you enable screen time on your iOS device, you’ll see various options to view your usage reports. In addition, If you wish to keep an eye on your child's device usage, you can do so through Family Sharing.
Family sharing is another breakthrough feature for Apple users to manage their children's devices right from their iPhones.
Here is how to set a passcode for a child account through Family Sharing:
Step 1: Navigate to iPhone or iPad Settings.
Step 2: Click on Screen Time and swipe downwards to select your child's name under Family.
Step 3: Click on “Turn on Screen Time”.
Step 4: You can easily configure Content & Privacy Restrictions, Downtime, and App Limits based on the limitations you wish to establish for your child or you can choose to skip the process by selecting 'Set Up Later'.
Step 5: Now creat a new Screen Time Passcode.” Type a passcode when needed. Type the passcode again to confirm.
When Not Using Family Sharing
If you aren’t using family sharing, follow these steps:
Step 1: Get your child’s device and open Settings.
Step 2: Select Screen Time and Turn on Screen Time.
Step 3: Carefully specify This is My Child's iPhone or iPad.
Step 4: Then set up Content & Privacy Restrictions, Downtime, and App Limits.
Step 5: Type a passcode. Type the passcode again to confirm the action.
Step 6: Finally, submit your Apple ID and password.
What to Do If You Forgot Your Screen Time Passcode?
If you've forgotten your screen time passcode, there's no need to rush to a technician. You can quickly resolve the issue and set a new passcode without losing your preferred configurations. Follow these simple and effective steps from Apple's official page on how to reset the screen time passcode.
Grab your iPhone or iPad.
Head to Settings and click on Screen Time.
Click on Change Screen Time Passcode. Now click on Change Screen Time Passcode.
You’ll see an option for “Forgot Passcode” at the bottom of the screen. Click on it.
Submit your original Apple ID and password you remember.
Once you have your Apple ID and password. Type a distinct Screen Time passcode and repeat the process to confirm.
How to Remove Screen Time Passcode?
Screen time passcode is there to lock and unlock Screen Time settings, as well as restrict access to certain applications. If you wish to Remove the Screen Time Passcode for any reason, it’s possible. Here’s “how to turn off screen time on iPhone or iPad with iOS 13 or later.”
Access Screen Time settings on your device.
If it's your device, click on Change Screen Time Passcode, then select Turn Off Screen Time Passcode.
Alternatively, access Family Sharing for the child's device. Select their name under "Family." Tap Change Screen Time Passcode.
Verify your identity through Face ID, Touch ID, or device passcode.
Select "Turn Off Screen Time Passcode" and tap OK to confirm.
What Are The Benefits of Screen Time Passcode?
Screen time passcodes offer numerous benefits for individuals as well as for parents. Also, for those who wish to maintain control over their online behavior and ensure a secure and safe user experience.
Screen time passcodes help users enforce watch time restrictions, especially for children. It enables parents to create and enforce strict rules for children's device use, which helps to promote healthy digital habits.
Prevents unrestricted app downloads or in-app purchases by children. The passcode protects both their online experience and financial information.
Secures your app and family data, ensuring privacy for general usage, browsing history, and usage habits.
You can focus on your work without interruption because kids cannot manipulate your Screen Time settings or bypass restrictions.
Why Can My Kid Ignore Screen Time Limit?
Indeed, Screen Time is a powerful tool for setting limits on device usage. Still, it's not foolproof. Unfortunately, children have found some workarounds to bypass the Screen Time Limit.
Block at downtime: Navigate to screen time settings and check the option downtime. Hopefully, you have selected downtime and unchecked the box for “Block at downtime.” In this case, your device will still be accessible during the downtime. The kid can easily ignore restrictions by selecting “Ignore restriction” and continue to use the device without the parents' approval.
Screen time passcode: Another significant reason why a child might ignore Screen Time limits is related to the strength and complexity of the Screen Time Passcode. If you haven't set a passcode or have chosen a passcode that is easily guessable, your child may quickly figure it out, giving them unrestricted access to the device.
What Can I Do If My Kid Bypass Screen Time Passcode?
As mentioned, screen time restrictions aren’t foolproof. You need a comprehensive parental control application, that prevents unrestricted device access for kids. AirDroid Parental Control provides parents with all the tools they need to oversee and control their children's digital lives. It helps parents to keep track of their child's activity remotely and set limits and controls on app usage. It also helps parents protect their kids from online predators.
The application allows you to monitor your family member’s devices from one central place. It lets you add devices, set rules and restrictions, and receive notifications whenever something happens to one of them. Additionally, parents can organize their digital lives more effectively through real-time location sharing, instant alerts, and remote access to their kids' phones.
Here is how to use the application right away.
Step 1. Get the AirDroid Parental Control app from the Play Store or App Store.
Step 2. You will be directed to the sign-up page once you open AirDroid Parental Control on your device. Create your account and then log in.
Step 3. Make sure your target phone has AirDroid Kids installed. Bind the device by entering the pairing code. Make some necessary settings and add precise information.
Final Remarks
Nowadays, kids do everything possible to get hold of your smartphone and keep using it. They flit from app to app, chasing notifications, and often lose track of time. If you see a family member continuously playing games or scrolling through social media, you should immediately protect your device by enabling screen time settings on your iPhone or iPad. In addition, setting a strong screen time passcode is crucial to breaking smartphone addiction, especially among kids.
1. Where Can I Get Screen Time Passcode?
Elsa
You can create a screen time passcode within the Screen Time settings on your iPhone or iPad. Here's how:
Step 1: Open the Settings app and tap on Screen Time.
Step 2: Tap on Turn On Screen Time Passcode
Step 3: Enter your preferred passcode that's different from your device passcode. Type again to confirm it.
2. How Do I Change My Screen Time Passcode?
Elsa
Follow these steps to change your existing Screen Time passcode:
Step 1: Head to Settings and click on Screen Time.
Step 2: Tap on Change Screen Time Passcode.
Step 3: Enter your current passcode and type new password.
3. Can You Bypass Screen Time Passcode?
Elsa
Apple has designed Screen Time Passcode to be a secure feature, making it difficult to bypass without proper authorization. Here are the only legitimate ways to bypass it:
1. Reset the passcode using your Apple ID and password as long as your device is updated to the latest iOS version.
2. For a child's device (Family Sharing). The Family Organizer can remove or reset the passcode using their Apple ID and password.
4. What Happens After 10 Failed Screen Time Passcode Attempts?
Elsa
After 10 consecutive incorrect Screen Time passcode attempts, your iPhone or iPad will temporarily prevent access to Screen Time features for an hour. You won't be able to adjust app limits, check Downtime schedules, or request additional time during this period. However, you can still use other essential functions of your device.
5. Is Screen Time Passcode Same as Phone Passcode?
Elsa
No, the Screen Time passcode is different from your device passcode. It's a separate code specifically used to manage and protect your Screen Time settings.
6. Do You Need Screen Time Passcode to Reset iPhone?
Elsa
No, you don't need the Screen Time passcode to reset your iPhone. You can perform regular or hard resets using various methods depending on your device model and iOS version.
7. How Many Attempts Do You Have for Screen Time Passcode?
Elsa
You have 10 attempts to enter the correct Screen Time passcode before your device temporarily locks you out of Screen Time feature.
Elsa has worked on a number of iOS & Android solutions, she can always find her way around almost any application. She is an accomplished, skilled and versatile writer with more than 7 years of technical article writing experience.
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