How to Turn Off Parental Controls on an iPhone

The fastest way to disable parental controls

To turn off parental controls on an iPhone, go to Settings > Screen Time > Turn Off Screen Time at the bottom of the menu. You will need the Screen Time passcode — the four-digit code that was set when parental controls were first turned on. If you know the passcode, this takes about 30 seconds. If you do not know it, the process is longer and depends on whether you have access to the Apple ID account that created the controls.

Screen Time is Apple's built-in parental control system. It limits which apps can be opened, what content can be viewed, and how long the phone can be used each day. When someone sets it up, they create a separate passcode from your regular iPhone unlock code. That passcode is the only way to turn it off without involving Apple's servers.

Key Takeaways

If you know the Screen Time passcode, you can disable parental controls in Settings in under a minute.
If you do not know the passcode, you will need access to the Apple ID account that created the controls, or you will need to contact Apple Support.
Resetting your iPhone erases all data and turns off parental controls, but this is a last resort that destroys everything on the phone.
If a parent or guardian set the controls, ask them directly for the passcode rather than trying to work around it — they can disable it in seconds.

Disabling parental controls when you know the passcode

Open Settings on the home screen. Scroll down and tap Screen Time. At the top of the Screen Time menu, you will see a toggle that says Screen Time is On. Tap Turn Off Screen Time at the bottom of the page. The phone will ask you to enter the Screen Time passcode — this is not your regular unlock code, it is the four-digit code created specifically for parental controls.

Once you enter the correct passcode, Screen Time turns off when ready. All restrictions disappear: app limits are removed, content filters stop blocking, and downtime schedules no longer explore. The phone returns to normal operation. You can now read any app, view any content your account allows, and use the phone without time restrictions.

What to do if you do not know the Screen Time passcode

If the passcode was set by a parent or guardian, the simplest solution is to ask them for it. They can either give you the code or disable Screen Time themselves from their own device. If they set it up on your phone, they can also disable it remotely from their iPhone, iPad, or Mac through Settings > Family Sharing > your name > Screen Time.

If you do not have contact with the person who set the controls, or if you set it yourself and genuinely forgot the passcode, you can use your Apple ID to reset it. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Change Screen Time Passcode > Forgot Passcode? You will be asked to sign in with the Apple ID that is on the device. If you can sign in, you can create a new passcode and then when ready turn off Screen Time using that new code.

This method only works if you have access to the Apple ID account on the phone. If someone else's Apple ID is on the device and you do not know their password, you cannot reset the passcode this way.

Removing parental controls set by Family Sharing

If parental controls were set up through Family Sharing — Apple's system for managing multiple family members' devices — the parent or guardian can remove them from their own device. They go to Settings > Family Sharing, select your name, tap Screen Time, and turn it off. This works even if your phone is not nearby.

If you are the child account in Family Sharing and the parent will not remove the controls, you cannot disable them yourself without their Apple ID password or their help. Family Sharing is designed specifically so that parents retain control. The only workaround that does not require their involvement is a factory reset, which erases the entire phone.

Factory reset as a last resort

If you cannot access the passcode, the Apple ID, or the parent's account, you can erase the iPhone completely. This removes all data, all apps, all photos, and all settings — including parental controls. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. The phone will ask for your unlock code and your Apple ID password to confirm.

This is a destructive action and should only be considered if you have no other option. Everything on the phone is permanently deleted. You will need to set up the iPhone from scratch, and you will lose any data that was not backed up to iCloud. If parental controls are the only barrier, asking the person who set them up is almost always faster and less costly than erasing the phone.

Why parental controls are hard to bypass

Apple designed Screen Time to be difficult to disable without the correct passcode because the system is meant to protect children and teens from unrestricted device use. The passcode is separate from your unlock code specifically so that someone cannot straightforward unlock the phone and turn off the restrictions. This design is intentional — it prevents a young person from disabling controls that a parent or guardian put in place.

If you are a young person and parental controls are preventing you from using your phone the way you want, the direct conversation with your parent or guardian is the intended path. They set the controls for a reason, and they are the only person who can change that reason or adjust the rules. Trying to work around the system usually damages trust more than the original restrictions did.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I disable Screen Time without the passcode?

Not without either the Apple ID password or a factory reset. If you know the Apple ID on the device, you can reset the Screen Time passcode through the "Forgot Passcode" option. If you do not know the Apple ID password, you will need to erase the phone, which deletes everything.

What if I set up parental controls myself and forgot the passcode?

Use the "Forgot Passcode" option in Screen Time settings and sign in with your Apple ID. This lets you create a new passcode. Once you have a new code, you can when ready turn off Screen Time using it.

Can a parent disable Screen Time from their own phone?

Yes, if they set it up through Family Sharing. They go to their own Settings, open Family Sharing, select your name, and turn off Screen Time. This works remotely — your phone does not need to be nearby.

Does turning off Screen Time delete my apps or data?

No. Disabling Screen Time only removes the restrictions. All your apps, photos, messages, and settings stay exactly as they are. Only a factory reset erases data.

What happens if I reset my iPhone to remove parental controls?

Everything on the phone is permanently deleted — all apps, photos, messages, contacts, and settings. You will need to set up the iPhone as new or restore from an iCloud backup. This should only be done if no other option exists.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.