Set, change, or remove a Screen Time passcode on Mac
You can use a passcode to prevent changes to the Screen Time restrictions you set up for a child. To change or remove a passcode, you need to enter the current passcode.
If you need to reset the passcode, see the Apple Support article If you forgot your Screen Time passcode.
Before you can set a passcode, you need to turn on Screen Time. See Set up Screen Time for yourself or Set up Screen Time for a child.
Tip: You might want to store the Screen Time passcode in a safe place in case you forget it, such as in a secure note in your Keychain (see Store confidential information securely using Keychain Access).
Set a Screen Time passcode
On your Mac, do one of the following:
If you’re using Family Sharing: Log in to your Mac user account, then make sure you’re signed in with your Apple ID.
If you aren’t using Family Sharing: Log in to a family member’s Mac user account.
Choose Apple menu
in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.)If you’re a parent/guardian in a Family Sharing group, click the Family Member pop-up menu on the right, then choose a family member.
Scroll down, then turn on Lock Screen Time Settings.
Enter a four-digit passcode, then enter the passcode again to verify it.
Change a Screen Time passcode
On your Mac, do one of the following:
If you’re using Family Sharing: Log in to your Mac user account, then make sure you’re signed in with your Apple ID.
If you aren’t using Family Sharing: Log in to a family member’s Mac user account.
Choose Apple menu
If you’re a parent/guardian in a Family Sharing group, click the Family Member pop-up menu on the right, then choose a family member.
Click Change Passcode, then enter the current four-digit passcode (or verify your identity with your password or Touch ID).
Enter a new four-digit passcode, then enter the new passcode again to verify it.
Remove a Screen Time passcode
If you don’t want to require a Screen Time passcode any longer, you can remove it.
On your Mac, do one of the following:
If you’re using Family Sharing: Log in to your Mac user account, then make sure you’re signed in with your Apple ID.
If you aren’t using Family Sharing: Log in to a family member’s Mac user account.
Choose Apple menu
If you’re a parent/guardian in a Family Sharing group, click the Family Member pop-up menu on the right, then choose a family member.
Scroll down, turn off Lock Screen Time Settings, then enter the four-digit passcode (or verify your identity with your password or Touch ID).