How To Turn Off Screen Time Easily On Apple Devices

In our increasingly connected world, finding a healthy balance with our digital devices is more important than ever. Apple's "Screen Time" feature is a powerful tool designed to help you monitor and manage your device usage, encouraging you to Achieve screen-life balance. However, there are times when you might need to turn it off completely – whether you're adjusting parental controls, troubleshooting an issue, or simply want to take a temporary break from its limitations.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every method to disable Screen Time on your Apple devices, from the straightforward to the more advanced. We understand that navigating these settings can be tricky, especially if a passcode is forgotten or if you're managing a child's device, and we're here to help you regain full control.

Understanding Apple Screen Time: Your Digital Well-being Assistant

First introduced with iOS 12, Screen Time is Apple's built-in suite of tools for digital well-being. It meticulously tracks your device usage, including time spent in apps, notification frequency, and how often you pick up your iPhone or iPad. Beyond reporting, it allows you to set app limits, schedule "Downtime," and restrict content or communication for yourself and family members. It’s a fantastic way to build healthier digital habits or, if you're a parent, implement Parental controls for kids devices.
However, there are valid reasons to disable it. Perhaps you're no longer using its features, you've forgotten the passcode and need to reset it, or you're preparing to sell or give away a device. Whatever your reason, knowing how to turn it off is key to maintaining your digital autonomy. While this guide focuses on Apple devices, the principles of managing digital well-being extend to other platforms as well. If you're looking for solutions beyond Apple, you might find valuable insights into Screen Time Management on Android elsewhere.

The Straightforward Approach: Turning Off Screen Time with Your Passcode

If you know the Screen Time passcode, disabling the feature is a quick and easy process. This method ensures all usage tracking and restrictions are lifted immediately.

On Your iPhone or iPad

For most users, managing and disabling Screen Time will happen directly on their iOS device. Here’s how to turn off Screen Time easily:

  1. Open Settings: Tap the grey gear icon on your home screen.
  2. Navigate to Screen Time: Scroll down and tap on "Screen Time."
  3. Initiate Turn Off: Scroll to the very bottom of the Screen Time menu and tap "Turn Off Screen Time."
  4. Enter Passcode: You'll be prompted to enter your four-digit Screen Time passcode.
  5. Confirm: Tap "Turn Off Screen Time" again to finalize the process.
    This action will disable all Screen Time features, including app limits, downtime, and content restrictions. For more detailed management of specific features on your mobile device, our guide on Screen Time Management on iOS offers further insights.

On Your Mac

Screen Time isn't just for mobile devices; it's also available on macOS, allowing you to manage your usage across your Apple ecosystem. When it comes to Controlling Screen Time on Computers, the process on a Mac is similar to an iPhone or iPad:

  1. Open System Settings (macOS Ventura or later) or System Preferences (macOS Monterey or earlier): Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "System Settings" or "System Preferences."
  2. Find Screen Time: Click on "Screen Time" in the sidebar.
  3. Turn Off Screen Time: Click the "Turn Off Screen Time" button (or similar wording, depending on macOS version).
  4. Enter Passcode: Enter your Screen Time passcode when prompted.
  5. Confirm: Confirm your decision to turn off Screen Time.

What If You Forget the Passcode? Resetting Screen Time Without Data Loss

Forgetting your Screen Time passcode can be frustrating, especially since you only get six attempts before a lockout. Thankfully, Apple provides a way to reset it without resorting to drastic measures, provided you have access to the Apple ID associated with its setup.

Resetting Passcode Using Your Apple ID (iOS 13.4 or later)

This is the most convenient method if you’ve forgotten the passcode but know the Apple ID used to create it:

  1. Go to Screen Time Settings: Navigate to Settings > Screen Time.
  2. Choose Passcode Option: Tap "Change Screen Time Passcode," then tap it again to bring up the options.
  3. Forgot Passcode? At the bottom, tap "Forgot Passcode?"
  4. Enter Apple ID: Enter the Apple ID and password that were used to initially set up Screen Time.
  5. Set New Passcode: You'll now be able to set a new Screen Time passcode and confirm it.
  6. Turn Off Screen Time: Once the new passcode is set, you can go back to the main Screen Time menu, tap "Turn Off Screen Time," and use your newly created passcode to complete the process.

Disabling Screen Time via iCloud Account (Logging Out)

A less direct, but effective, method for bypassing a forgotten Screen Time passcode is to sign out of your iCloud account. This method often removes the Screen Time restrictions as they are tied to your Apple ID.

  1. Open Settings: Tap the Settings icon.
  2. Access Apple ID: Tap your name at the very top of the Settings menu.
  3. Sign Out: Scroll down and tap "Sign Out."
  4. Enter Apple ID Password: You'll need to enter your Apple ID password to confirm the sign-out.
  5. Turn Off: Tap "Turn Off" in the top-right corner, then "Sign Out" again to confirm.
  6. Disable Screen Time: Once signed out, return to Settings > Screen Time. You should now be able to tap "Turn Off Screen Time" without being prompted for a passcode.

As a Family Organizer for a Child's Device

If you manage a child's device through Family Sharing, you have the power to control and disable their Screen Time from your own device:

  1. Open Settings: On your own iPhone, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Family Sharing.
  2. Select Child's Name: Tap on the child whose Screen Time you want to manage.
  3. Access Screen Time: Tap "Screen Time."
  4. Turn Off Screen Time: Scroll down and tap "Turn Off Screen Time." You may still need to enter the Screen Time passcode if one was set for their device by you.

Last Resort Options: When All Else Fails (and What You Lose)

If you cannot remember the Screen Time passcode and do not have access to the Apple ID used to set it up, or if the "Turn Off Screen Time" option is grayed out (which might indicate Mobile Device Management, or MDM, in an organizational setting), these methods are your last resort. Be aware that most of these options will result in data loss, so always back up your device first.

Factory Reset (Erase All Content and Settings)

This method completely wipes your device, returning it to its original factory state. It will remove Screen Time along with all your data, apps, and settings.

  1. Back Up Your Device: Crucial step before proceeding.
  2. Go to Settings: Navigate to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
  3. Erase Content: Tap "Erase All Content and Settings."
  4. Follow Prompts: You may need your Apple ID password to confirm the erase if Find My is enabled.
  5. Set Up as New: After the reset, set up your device as a new iPhone/iPad to ensure Screen Time is not re-enabled.

Restore via iTunes or Finder (Recovery Mode)

Restoring your device through a computer will reinstall the operating system and erase all data, including Screen Time settings.

  1. Back Up Your Device: This is critical!
  2. Connect to Computer: Plug your iPhone or iPad into a computer with iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac).
  3. Enter Recovery Mode: The steps vary by device model:
  • iPhone 8 or later: Press and quickly release Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold the Side button until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
  • iPhone 7/7 Plus: Hold Volume Down and the Side button until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
  • iPhone 6s or earlier: Hold the Home and Side buttons until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
  1. Restore Device: In iTunes or Finder, select your device and click "Restore" to wipe and reinstall iOS.
  2. Set Up as New: Choose to set up your iPhone as new after the restore to bypass Screen Time.

Erase via iCloud Find My (Remote Wipe)

If your device has "Find My" enabled and you know the Apple ID and password, you can remotely erase it.

  1. Go to iCloud Find My: Visit iCloud.com/find on a web browser and log in with the Apple ID associated with the device.
  2. Select Device: Click "All Devices" at the top and choose the device you want to erase.
  3. Erase iPhone: Click "Erase iPhone" (or iPad) and confirm the action.
  4. Set Up as New: Once erased, the device will restart as if new, and you can set it up without Screen Time.

Exploring Third-Party Assistance

For those who find themselves locked out without an Apple ID or wish to avoid data loss, several reputable third-party tools are available. Software like Tenorshare 4uKey, iMyFone LockWiper, or Mobitrix LockAway are designed to remove Screen Time passcodes without erasing your device's content.

  1. Download and Install: Choose a trusted tool and install it on your computer.
  2. Connect Device: Connect your iPhone/iPad to your computer via USB.
  3. Select Option: In the software, select the option to remove the Screen Time Passcode.
  4. Follow Prompts: Follow the on-screen instructions, which typically involve clicking "Start Remove" and waiting for the process to complete.
    Always research and select a reputable tool to ensure the security and integrity of your device.

Important Considerations Before You Proceed

Before you rush to disable Screen Time, keep these vital points in mind:

  • Passcode Attempts: You have six attempts to enter the Screen Time passcode. After that, your device will lock you out for increasing durations.
  • Data Retention: Disabling Screen Time stops new usage tracking, but historical usage data might remain unless specifically cleared or the device is wiped.
  • Grayed Out Option: If "Turn Off Screen Time" is grayed out, your device might be managed by an organization's Mobile Device Management (MDM) profile. In this case, you'll need to contact your IT administrator or Apple Support for assistance.
  • Data Backup: We cannot stress this enough: always back up your device before performing any factory reset or restore process that will erase your data. Use iCloud or iTunes/Finder to create a recent backup.
  • Parental Controls: If you're trying to prevent children from bypassing Screen Time limits, simply turning it off might not be the best solution. Consider exploring advanced parental control apps that offer more robust management features.
    Disabling Screen Time on your Apple device might seem daunting, especially with a forgotten passcode. However, by understanding the various methods available, you can confidently regain control over your device's settings. Whether you're seeking to reset your digital habits, adjust family controls, or simply remove a feature you no longer need, these steps provide a clear path forward.