Fixed! No Option for Forgot Screen Time Passcode

Some iPhone users—especially those using iOS 17 or iOS 18—have faced a frustrating issue when trying to change or turn off their Screen Time passcode. Normally, if you forget the passcode, there’s a “Forgot Passcode?” option to help you reset it. But what if that option doesn’t show up?

In this post, we’ll break down why the “Forgot Screen Time Passcode?” option might be missing and walk you through how to fix it so you can regain access to your Screen Time settings.

Why Is the Forgot Screen Time Passcode Not Showing Up on iPhone/iPad?

Aside from system errors or glitches, several factors can result in this issue. Here, we will explore the possible reasons behind this issue so that you’ll know how to regain access to your Screen Time settings.

• If you’re located in the incorrect interface, you won’t see the “Forgot Passcode?” option. The “Forgot Passcode?” option is only available when you've clicked to change the Screen Time passcode. If you’re in another section of the settings, like removing or updating app limits, you won’t see the button.
• The “Forgot Passcode?” option is not available in the iOS version older than 13.4. If your device is running a system older than iOS 13.4, try to update it.
• Software bugs and glitches can also cause the “Forgot Passcode?” option not to show up. You’re likely to encounter bugs or glitches when your device is running a beta iOS version.
• You will not see the "Forgot Password?" option if your device is managed by the "Home Sharing" feature. Only the family organizer can reset the Screen Time passcode.
• If your device is controlled by a Mobile Device Management (MDM) profile, you cannot reset the Screen Time passcode.

How to Reset Your Screen Time Passcode without the Forgot Passcode Option?

It doesn't matter if you’ve forgotten your Screen Time passcode, as you can change it in Settings. However, what if the “Forgot Passcode?” button is missing? In this part, we’ll demonstrate how to reset your Screen Time passcode without the forgot passcode option.

Force Restart Your iPhone

Normally, a quick force restart can fix most temporary glitches. These glitches may result from a recent iOS update, but it doesn’t matter. You can resolve different minor errors by performing a quick restart. This may include software glitches, frozen apps, or unresponsive functions. The process is like rebooting a computer, as it’s going to clear the RAM and restart background processes. The specific way of restarting your iPhone varies from one device to another, but it always involves pressing a combination of buttons.

Log out and Log in to Apple ID

Sometimes, you can fix the issue by logging out and back into your Apple ID account. Similarly to performing a force restart, you can resolve glitches or bugs with this method. When you log out and then log back in, you refresh the account settings and sync your account information. Potentially, it can restore the “Forgot Passcode” option.

Here is how you can do it:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on your profile name at the top of your screen.
3. Scroll to the bottom and tap the “Sign Out” button.
4. Enter your Apple ID passcode to sign out of the account.
5. Once done, sign in again using your Apple ID and password.

Remove Screen Time Passcode with Third-Party Tools

When the “Forgot Passcode” option is unavailable on your device, you can remove the Screen Time passcode via third-party tools. BuhoUnlocker is a reliable iPhone passcode unlocker that can eliminate various iPhone locks, including the Screen Time passcode. The process is straightforward and won’t lead to any data loss.

Free install BuhoUnlocker and then follow the steps below to remove the Screen Time passcode without the “Forgot Passcode” option.

Step 1. Launch BuhoUnlocker on your computer and connect your iPhone to the computer.

Step 2. On the main interface, tap the Remove Screen Time Passcode option.

Step 3. Follow the on-screen instructions to turn off the Find My feature.

Step 4. Click the “Remove Now” button to initiate the removal procedure.

Remove the iOS Beta Version

Several users also provided feedback that there was no option for the forgot screen time passcode while running the iOS beta version. Compared to the formal version, the beta version can introduce bugs and glitches that may prevent you from resetting the Screen Time passcode. By removing the beta version and reverting to a stable one, you can get rid of these bugs and errors and restore the function of the Screen Time settings.

Here is how to remove the iOS beta version on different iPhone models:

• For iOS 16.4 or later versions:

1. Navigate to Settings, General, Software Update, and Beta Updates.
2. Tap the “Off” button to disable the beta updates.

• For iOS 16.3.1 or earlier versions:

1. Go to Settings, General, and VPN & Device Management.
2. Tap on the “iOS & iPadOS Beta Software Profile”.
3. Click on “Remove Profile” and enter the passcode of your device.

Update to the Latest iOS Version

You may find that the latest iOS version includes patches to fix bugs and errors. With every update, developers address issues found in the previous version. For example, if you experience a certain bug in iOS 18.3.1, it might be resolved in iOS 18.3.2. By updating to the latest version, you can benefit from recent bug fixes, performance improvements, and potential solutions to problems in the Screen Time settings.

Here is how to check and update your iOS system:

1. Backup your data via iCloud before performing an update.
2. Connect the network via WiFi.
3. Go to Settings, General, and Software Update.
4. Check if the latest version is available.
5. If so, click Update Now and follow the onscreen download and install instructions.

Reset Screen Time Passcode on Family Organizer’s Device

When your Screen Time is managed by Family Sharing, its passcode is tied to the family organizer's account. This means you can only change your Screen Time on the organizer's device. Therefore, you need to ask the organizer to change the password on their iOS device.

1. On your family organizer’s device, open the “Settings” app and tap “Screen Time”.
2. Scroll down and choose your Apple ID name under “Family”.
3. Tap on the “Change Screen Time Passcode” option.
4. Authenticate with your Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode.
5. Enter a new Screen Time passcode and confirm.

Reset Your Device

Last but not least, you can reset your iPhone to factory settings. This solution will remove all settings involving the Screen Time passcode. Nevertheless, it’s always the last resort, as factory resetting will incur data loss.

Here is how to reset your device:

1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer of Reset iPhone.
2. Tap the option “Erase All Content and Settings”.
3. Follow the onscreen instructions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, you can apply several practical solutions to fix the “no option for forgot Screen Time passcode” issue. Whether you seek to repair the system glitches, use the third-party tools, or restore your device, you can always find a pathway to resolve the problem and regain control over the Screen Time settings.