How to set a Screen Time passcode on your iPhone or iPad
With a Screen Time passcode you can secure and manage Screen Time settings for your device or a child’s device. The passcode must be entered before changing Screen Time settings, but you can change or remove the passcode later. When the passcode is enabled, you receive a notification any time it's used on your child's device.
A Screen Time passcode isn’t the same as the passcode you use to unlock your device. It’s important to keep track of your Screen Time passcode because without it, you might not be able to change the Screen Time settings for your device or a child’s device.
Learn what to do if you forget your Screen Time passcode
Set a Screen Time passcode for your iPhone or iPad
Go to the Settings app, then tap Screen Time.
Scroll down, then tap Lock Screen Time Settings.
Enter a 4-digit passcode, then enter the passcode again to confirm.
To add a Screen Time Passcode Recovery, enter the email address or phone number and password for your Apple Account.
It’s recommended that you don’t skip adding a Screen Time Passcode Recovery. That way, if you forget your Screen Time passcode, you can use your Apple Account to reset it. If you have more than one Apple Account, you must use the same account you entered when you first set up the Screen Time Passcode Recovery.
It's important to remember the Apple Account that you used for your Screen Time Passcode Recovery because without it, you won't be able to remove or reset your Screen Time passcode, and Apple won't be able to provide that information.
Set a Screen Time passcode for your child’s iPhone or iPad
Go to the Settings app, then tap Screen Time.
Scroll down and tap your child’s name under Family. If you don’t see your child’s name under Family, make sure you’re both signed in to your own Apple Account and have Family Sharing set up.
Tap Manage Screen Time, then tap Lock Screen Time Settings.
Enter a 4-digit passcode, then enter the passcode again to confirm.
Learn more about managing a Screen Time passcode