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 using Family Sharing, click the Family Member pop-up menu on the right, then choose a family member.
Turn on Use Screen Time Passcode.
Enter a four-digit passcode, then enter the passcode again to verify it.
Enter your Apple ID and password so you can later reset the Screen Time passcode using your Apple ID.
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 using Family Sharing, 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.
Enter a new four-digit passcode, then enter the new passcode again to verify it.
Enter your Apple ID and password so you can later reset the Screen Time passcode using your Apple ID.
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 using Family Sharing, click the Family Member pop-up menu on the right, then choose a family member.
Turn off Use Screen Time Passcode, then enter the four-digit passcode.