I turned 18 a few months ago, and my dad wants to remove the Screen Time restrictions from my iPhone. He no longer remembers the Screen Time passcode and doesn't currently have an Apple device. The restrictions were probably configured around five years ago, either directly on my iPhone 8 or through Family Sharing. What's the proper way to reset or remove them?
3 Answers
First figure out whether Screen Time was set directly on the iPhone or managed through Family Sharing. If it was set up directly, open Settings > Screen Time > Change Screen Time Passcode > Change Screen Time Passcode again, then use the Apple Account that was originally linked to Screen Time. After verifying the account, you should be able to create a new passcode and turn the restrictions off.
If the reset option doesn’t appear or the original Apple Account can’t be verified, update the iPhone first if possible and check that you’re signed in with your own account. Erasing the phone and setting it up again is a last resort, but make sure you have a backup and can provide the Apple Account credentials afterward, or Activation Lock could prevent you from using it.
If your dad managed it through Family Sharing, the family organizer may need to reset the passcode from their own Apple device or account. Turning 18 doesn’t automatically remove every existing restriction, so you may still need the organizer’s account details or have him help disable Screen Time.
It was probably set up about five years ago, and I’m using an iPhone 8. I’m not completely sure whether it was linked through Family Sharing.