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The new iPad mini is available today. Learn more >
The new iPad mini is available today. Learn more >
My sons iPad 5 changes the passcode I set for Screen Time on Content & Privacy Restrictions by itself and now we cannot change options because we don’t know the passcode. I have reset and restored iPad 3 times now and it continues to reset passcode.
iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi
If you have forgotten the ScreenTime passcode, one of the two procedures outlined within this link should resolve the problem:
If you forgot your Screen Time passcode - Apple Support
If your iPad is capable of supporting iPadOS 13.x or later, you should update to the most current version before attempting to resolve a forgotten ScreenTime passcode. The most recent iPadOS updates have introduced a new mechanism whereby a forgotten ScreenTime passcode can be reset without wiping the iPad.
To reset a forgotten ScreenTime passcode on older versions of iOS/iPadOS, the iPad must be reset “as new”, losing all locally stored data. In this situation, you’ll not be able to restore your data from an iCloud or iTunes backup - as the forgotten passcode is integral to the backup.
I hope this information is helpful to you in successfully resetting your forgotten passcode.
I presume you’re aware of the available Parental Controls?
Use parental controls on your child's iPhone, iPad and iPod touch – Apple Support
As the the “design flaw”, Apple have addressed the issue in iPadOS13/14, such that a forgotten ScreenTime/Restrictions Passcode can be reset. Prior to this, the encrypted Restrictions Passcode was included within the device backup - and was always restored along with data from the backup.
Thank you but I have done a full recovery 2 times and did a full remove and set up as a new iPad and this happens over and over again. I am not forgetting the passcode the iPad resets it to an unknown passcode. There must be a defect and this is not even a year old iPad. I bought AppleCare+ so I feel like I am going to need to get a replacement.
Thank you, I am trying this now. I set it up as a new iPad but then did a restore so it seems it is reverting back to the old unknown passcode. I thought I was safe because it allowed me to change the passcode but after a while it reverts back which to me is an Apple flaw...But I will try your suggestion.
Also Apple needs to allow parental control to totally lock out settings, this is a problem as my autistic son gets in there and messes settings up. If we could totally lock settings out we would not have this issue to begin with.
The new Apple IOS 14.3 does not have the forgotten ScreenTime/Restrictions Passcode can be reset option. We have tried the parental controls and there is nothing to limit the access to settings. If I am wrong I would love to know how please...
Just to be absolutely clear, after setting-up your iPad as new, do not restore your backup.
If you restore your data from a backup, you will also restore the “unknown” ScreenTime Passcode.
For iPadOS14.x, the forgot passcode dialogue is accessed here:
Settings > Screen Time > Change Screen Time Passcode > Change Screen Time Passcode > Forgot Passcode
I wish that worked, trust me I have been doing this for the better part of 2 days. We do not have that option on the iPad mini 5th edition with IOS 14.3
Content & Privacy Restrictions
