Unlock your devices in 3 steps
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Feb 21, 2025 • Filed to: Remove Screen Lock • Proven solutions
Has anyone found themselves in a situation where they can't remember the restriction passcode on an iPhone? You might have set up a Screen Time passcode to prevent your child from constantly using your device, but now you’ve forgotten it and can’t disable the restrictions. If this sounds familiar and you are wondering how to reset the restrictions passcode on an iPhone without a computer, you're not alone. Restrictions, now known as Screen Time in the latest iOS versions, are a common feature used to limit app and device usage. However, forgetting the passcode can be a real hassle. In this article, we’ll explore effective ways to reset restrictions on a passcode without a computer. Let's get started.
Before we discuss how to reset the restriction passcode, you might wonder what it is. The Apple restriction passcode is a security feature designed to prevent anyone, including your children, from changing your restriction settings. The restricted passcode on the iPhone or iPad must be entered to access these settings.
However, because this passcode isn’t used often, it’s easy to forget. If you’ve found yourself thinking, "I forgot the restrictions passcode iPad or iPhone," you’re not alone. Resetting it can be a challenge. Below, we've outlined several methods to help you remove restrictions from your passcode. Keep reading to find out how.
It may seem unusual to forget a password, but it happens more often than you think. People usually forget their Restrictions passcode for the following reasons:
Use Less Often: The passcode is easy to forget if you don't change or check your limits settings often.
Complicated Codes: Many people pick passcodes that are hard to remember, which can be a problem if you don't use them often.
Multiple Devices: If you are in charge of more than one Apple device, it can be hard to remember the different passcodes for each one.
Passcode Confusion: Users can forget their passcodes if they mix up the Restrictions passcode with another passcode on their device, such as the screen unlock code.
If you know your Apple ID password, you can use the Find My feature to erase your iPhone and reset the Restrictions passcode. Remember that this method will delete all data and content from your iPhone. Before you go on, ensure you have a copy of any important items.
Here’s how you can use iCloud to reset the Restrictions passcode on your iPhone:
If you want to reset the restrictions passcode on your iPhone without a computer, you can do it through your iPhone’s Settings. Remember, though, that this method will erase all content and settings on your device. You must know your current restriction passcode to move forward.
Steps to Follow:
Note: This process will remove all data from your device, so ensure you have a backup before proceeding.
If you have access to a computer, you can reset your restricted passcode on your iPhone using iTunes. Before starting, turn off the “Find My iPhone” feature from the iCloud settings, as the process won’t work if this feature is enabled. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Ensure your iOS device is backed up and disable "Find My iPhone."
Step 2: Access the iTunes application and link the iOS device and computer via a USB cable. Check to see if iTunes has the most recent version.
Step 3: Locate the "Restore iPhone" button ( on the left side of the Summary button) and press on it.
Step 4: When prompted, click "Restore" to confirm.
Step 5: In the window that appears, select "Next" and then press "Agree" to agree to the rules.
Step 6: Allow iTunes to download the latest iOS version and restore your device.
4.1 On a Windows PC:
Step 1: Install iBackupBot
Step 2: Create a Backup with iTunes
Step 3: Launch iBackupBot
Step 4: Navigate to the Preferences File
Step 5: Locate the Configuration File
Step 6: Open the File
Step 7: Identify the Passcode Section
Search for these lines in the file:
Step 8: Insert the New Passcode
Add these lines immediately after the section identified in Step 7:
Step 9: Save Your Changes
Step 10: Restore Your iPhone
It's okay if you don't fully understand what you've done. For peace of mind, here's a brief explanation: You edited your backup file and changed the ''Restrictions Passcode' to ''1234'. After restoring that backup, your forgotten passcode issue is solved. The new passcode is now 1234!
4.2 On a Mac PC:
Step 1: Backup Your iPhone
Step 2: Download iPhone Backup Extractor
Step 3: Extract iOS Files
Step 4: Find the Passcode
If you can connect your iPhone to a computer, resetting the restrictions passcode on your iPhone becomes straightforward. We suggest using Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) for your needs. This tool offers various iOS unlocking features, including unlocking your iOS screen and Apple ID and removing MDM restrictions. It can also reset restrictions on passcodes.
Unlike other methods, Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) ensures no data is lost during resetting. If you need help with issues such as a forgotten Screen Time passcode, a forgotten parental control passcode, or problems with your Screen Time passcode, you can rely on Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock for a solution.
Reset Restrictions Passcode Without Hassle.
We shall look at how to use Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) to reset the Restrictions passcode on an iPhone.
Step 1: Launch the Dr.Fone Tool
Start by opening Wondershare Dr.Fone on your computer. Navigate to Toolbox, then choose Screen Unlock and select iOS to open the right tool.
Step 2: Choose the Unlock Option
In the list of options, pick Unlock Screen Time Passcode. This will start the process of unlocking your Screen Time passcode.
Step 3: Connect Your iOS Device
Use a USB cable to establish a connection between your iOS device and the computer.
The platform will automatically identify your device and display its current status on the screen.
Step 4: Begin the Unlock Process
Once your device is connected, click the Unlock Now button to start unlocking.
Step 5: Disable Find My iPhone
Turning off the Find My iPhone feature is an essential step to take. Go to Settings on your iPhone, tap your name at the top, then go to Find My, and toggle off Find My iPhone. Confirm by clicking OK on your computer screen.
Step 6: Monitor the Unlocking Progress
You can track the unlocking procedure via the progress bar.
Step 7: Complete the Unlocking Process
A confirmation message will be displayed on the platform upon unlocking the device. Click Done to finish the process.
The screen time feature can usually be used with or without a passcode. However, some users are still asked to enter one even if they haven’t set a passcode. This happens because there is a default restrictions passcode for all devices. For those who haven’t set up a Screen Time passcode, simply entering 1234 can grant access to the feature.
It's very important to take steps to avoid the problem again after you've changed your restrictions passcode. Here are some ideas:
1. Use an easy-to-remember password
Choose a strong but simple password. Do not use birthdays, popular numbers, or sequences that are easy for others to figure out.
2. Allow recovery of your Apple ID
Ensure your device is set up so you can use your Apple ID to recover the PIN. This function can save you if you forget your passcode again.
3. Backing up often
Back up your device to iCloud or iTunes often. If you have recent backups, you can restore your device and remove a lost passcode without losing any data.
4. Keep passcodes safe.
If you want to keep your passwords safe, you might want to use a password manager. So, you won't have to count on your memory alone.
It's unpleasant to forget your restrictions passcode, but you can quickly access your device with the right tools and techniques. You can use iCloud to reset the passcode, restore your device from a backup, or use a tool like Dr.Fone. Ensure you pick the right method for your needs, and always keep your passcodes safe.
If you have this problem, you might want to use Dr.Fone — Screen Unlock (iOS) for a quick and easy fix. With this tool, you can quickly get back in charge of your device.
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