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How to Reset Restrictions Passcode Without Computer: A Comprehensive Guide

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Sep 11, 2024 • 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.

Part 1: What Is a Restrictions Passcode?

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.

1.1 Why do people forget their restrictions password?

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.

Part 2: How to Reset Your iPhone Restrictions Passcode Without Using a Computer

Method 1: Reset Restrictions Passcode Using iCloud

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.

erase iphone via icloud

Here’s how you can use iCloud to reset the Restrictions passcode on your iPhone:

  • Step 1: Get on your PC and go to icloud.com in a web window. If you're using a different iOS device, open the Find My app as well.
  • Step 2: Log in with your Apple ID. Confirm that your Apple ID is the same for the iPhone you wish to restart. From the main screen of your Apple ID, choose "Find My."
  • Step 3: Click on All Devices and choose the iPhone with the forgotten Restrictions passcode. Select Erase iPhone to delete all content and data from the device.

Method 2: Reset Your iPhone Restrictions Passcode Directly from Settings

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.

erase all content and settings

Steps to Follow:

  • Open Settings on your iPhone.
  • Tap on the Reset option.
  • Choose Erase All Content and Settings.

Note: This process will remove all data from your device, so ensure you have a backup before proceeding.

Method 3: Reset Your iPhone Restrictions Passcode Using iTunes

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.

restore iphone itunes

Step 4: When prompted, click "Restore" to confirm.

click restore

Step 5: In the window that appears, select "Next" and then press "Agree" to agree to the rules.

click agree

Step 6: Allow iTunes to download the latest iOS version and restore your device.

download ios

Method 4: Reset Your Restrictions Passcode

4.1 On a Windows PC:

Step 1: Install iBackupBot

  • Begin by downloading and installing iBackupBot for iTunes on your Windows PC.

Step 2: Create a Backup with iTunes

  • Connect your iPhone to your computer. Open iTunes, select your device icon, go to the Summary tab, and click Back Up Now to create a backup of your iPhone.

Step 3: Launch iBackupBot

  • Open the iBackupBot application that you just installed.

Step 4: Navigate to the Preferences File

  • Go to System Files, HomeDomain, Library, and Preferences. For assistance, use the onscreen guide.

reset iphone restrictions

Step 5: Locate the Configuration File

  • Find the Image named “com.apple.springboard.plist” in the preferences folder.

Step 6: Open the File

  • Right-click on “com.apple.springboard.plist” and choose to open it with Wordpad or Notepad.

reset iphone restrictions

Step 7: Identify the Passcode Section

Search for these lines in the file:

SBParentalControlsMCContentRestrictions countryCode us

reset iphone restrictions

Step 8: Insert the New Passcode

Add these lines immediately after the section identified in Step 7:

SBParentalControlsPIN 1234

Step 9: Save Your Changes

  • Save and close the file to apply your changes.

Step 10: Restore Your iPhone

  • Connect your iPhone and restore it using the backup you created earlier.

iphone recover restrictions passcode

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

  • Establish a connection between your iPhone and Mac using a USB cord. Open iTunes and create a backup of your iPhone. Note where the backup files are stored.

Step 2: Download iPhone Backup Extractor

  • Obtain the iPhone Backup Extractor application by downloading it from the provided hyperlink. Install and run the app, selecting Read Backups from your iPhone. Download iPhone Backup Extractor

Step 3: Extract iOS Files

  • In the iPhone Backup Extractor, choose iOS Files and click Extract to access the backup contents.

Step 4: Find the Passcode

  • Locate the file com.apple.springboard.list in the extracted data. Look for SBParentalControlsPin—the number next to it, such as 1234, is your restrictions Passcode. Note it down for future use.

how to recover restrictions passcode

Bonus Part 3: How to Reset Restrictions Passcode with Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

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.

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Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

Reset Restrictions Passcode Without Hassle.

  • Simple, click-through, process.
  • Unlock screen passwords from all iPhones and iPads.
  • No tech knowledge is required, everybody can handle it.
  • Supports the latest iOS version fully!New icon
Available on: Windows Mac
3981454 people have downloaded it

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.

access screen unlock 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.

look for unlock screen time passcode

Step 3: Connect Your iOS Device

Use a USB cable to establish a connection between your iOS device and the computer.

connect ios device with usb

The platform will automatically identify your device and display its current status on the screen.

access screen unlock tool

Step 4: Begin the Unlock Process

Once your device is connected, click the Unlock Now button to start unlocking.

start unlocking idevice

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.

turn off find my feature

Step 6: Monitor the Unlocking Progress

You can track the unlocking procedure via the progress bar.

view removal of screen time passcode

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.

remove screen time passcode

Part 4: Is There a Default Restrictions/Screen Time Passcode?

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.

Part 5: Additional Tips: Avoiding Problems in the Future

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.

Conclusion

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.

safe Downloadsafe & secure
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James Davis

staff Editor

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