2025 Lab Test: How to Recover Forgotten Screen Time Passcodes on iOS 18

In our lab, we tested each commonly mentioned online Screen Time bypass trick at least five times on iPhones running iOS 18. Our goal was to separate myths from real recovery solutions for 2025. We focused strictly on legitimate scenarios, such as forgotten passcodes or misconfigured settings, not on bypassing parental supervision.

2025 Lab Test: Screen Time Passcode Reset on iOS 18

To separate internet myths from real solutions, our team tested common Screen Time reset methods on physical devices, not emulators.

Test Environment

Devices: iPhone 13 (iOS 18.1), iPhone 14 Pro (iOS 18.2), iPhone 15 (iOS 18.2)

Configurations:

1. With and without Family Sharing
2. Apple ID verification enabled
3. Each method tested at least 5 times per device

Short answer: Yes, Screen Time can be reset—but only in limited, specific scenarios.

Lab Results Overview

*Results vary based on Family Sharing and Activation Lock status.

Lab conclusion:

On iOS 18, most online “bypass” tricks no longer work consistently. Official Apple recovery remains the safest option.

Method 1: Reset Screen Time Passcode via Apple ID (Official)

What we tested

We used Apple’s built-in “Forgot Passcode” option on all three test devices.

What we observed

1. Works reliably when the Apple ID credentials are available
2. Fails if Family Sharing restrictions override the device

How to do it

1. Go to Settings > Screen Time

2. Tap Change Screen Time Passcode

3. Select Forgot Passcode

4. Sign in with your Apple ID

Lab verdict
✅ Safe · No data loss · First method you should try

by Passixer Research Team iOS Unlocking & Device Security Testing Specialists

Method 2: Reset Screen Time Using Passixer iPhone Unlocker

What we tested

We ran Passixer iPhone Unlocker on a Windows PC and connected each iPhone via USB.

What we observed

1. Screen Time was removed successfully on most non-Family-Sharing devices
2. Data was preserved in our tests, but results depend on system state

Technical note

If Activation Lock or Family Sharing is enabled, success rates drop.

Step-by-step instructions:

Step 1 Launch Passixer and Select Screen Time

Open Passixer and choose “Screen Time” from the main interface.

Step 2 Connect Your Device

Connect your iPhone using a USB cable and click Start.

Step 3 Remove or Recover Passcode

For iOS 12 or later: Passixer will directly remove the Screen Time passcode from your iPhone or iPad. For iOS 11 or earlier: Passixer can recover the Restrictions passcode from an existing iTunes backup. If the backup is encrypted, you must decrypt it first to ensure successful passcode retrieval.

Lab verdict
✅ High success rate · Use only when Apple ID recovery fails

by Passixer Research Team iOS Unlocking & Device Security Testing Specialists

Method 3: App Reinstall Trick (Mostly Patched)

What we tested

In our tests, we confirmed this trick does not bypass Screen Time reliably. We do not recommend attempting it on a child’s device.

What we observed

On iOS 18.2, Screen Time limits re-applied immediately in most cases.

Lab verdict

❌ Low success · Apple has patched this loophole

Method 4: Changing Date & Time (Unreliable)

What we tested

We manually changed the system time before app limits expired.

What we observed

1. Caused calendar and iCloud sync issues
2. Did not reliably remove Screen Time limits

Lab verdict
❌ Unstable · Not recommended

by Passixer Research Team iOS Unlocking & Device Security Testing Specialists

Method 5: Recovery Mode Restore (Last Resort)

What we tested

We restored devices using iTunes/Finder in Recovery Mode.

What we observed

1. Screen Time was removed
2. All local data was erased
3. Setup required the original Apple ID

Lab verdict
⚠️ Effective but extreme · Use only if data loss is acceptable

by Passixer Research Team iOS Unlocking & Device Security Testing Specialists

Why Most “Bypass” Methods Fail on iOS 18

Many “Screen Time bypass” tutorials circulating online were recorded on older iOS versions. During real-device testing on iOS 18.1–18.2, we confirmed that these methods no longer work due to system-level changes introduced by Apple.
Specifically, iOS 18 now:

1. Masks sensitive input during screen recording
   This means passcodes and restricted settings are no longer exposed—even if a video tutorial appears to show the correct steps.
2. Re-applies Screen Time limits after app reinstall or device restart
   Deleting and reinstalling apps no longer resets usage limits or restrictions.
3. Blocks time-based and automation exploits at the OS level
   Previously common tricks such as changing system time or abusing focus modes are now ignored by Screen Time services.

What this means for users:
If a method claims a “100% bypass” on iOS 18, it is almost certainly outdated or based on behavior from earlier iOS releases.

Important Parental & Ethical Notice

Screen Time is designed to protect users—especially children—from excessive or harmful device usage.
This guide is intended only for legitimate scenarios, including:

1. Forgotten Screen Time passcodes on your own device
2. Recovering access after Apple ID or device migration issues
3. Resolving Screen Time restrictions caused by system bugs or misconfiguration

We do not encourage bypassing active parental supervision or accessing devices without consent.
If a restriction was intentionally set by a parent or guardian, Apple’s official recovery options are the appropriate and recommended solution.

Who This Guide Is Actually For

This content is written for users who are genuinely locked out of Screen Time on devices they own or manage, such as:

1. Parents who accidentally restricted their own device
2. Users who forgot a Screen Time passcode after upgrading to iOS 18
3. Buyers of second-hand iPhones with residual Screen Time limits
4. Users experiencing limits that re-apply unexpectedly after updates
5. It is not intended for covert monitoring, unauthorized access, or rule-circumvention.

Why Trust This Guide?

1. Tested on real retail iPhones, not emulators
2. Verified across iOS 18.1–18.2, not legacy versions
3. Reproduced after clean restores, OTA updates, and Apple ID changes
4. Methods validated across multiple device and account configurations
5. Written by a technical editor focused on iOS system behavior, not viral shortcuts

We also document approaches that failed during testing—so you don’t waste time on outdated tricks that no longer work.

Final Recommendation

If you forgot your Screen Time passcode on iOS 18:

1. Start with Apple ID recovery
2. Use third-party tools only when necessary
3. Avoid outdated “tricks” that no longer work

Based on our tests, parents and device owners can safely rely on Apple ID recovery or Passixer iPhone Unlocker as legitimate ways to reset a forgotten Screen Time passcode. Most online “bypass tricks” no longer work consistently on iOS 18. Our hands-on lab experience confirms that following official and tested methods is the safest approach, while maintaining device security and respecting parental controls.

FAQs