How to Turn Off Parental Controls on iPhone

Turning off parental controls on an iPhone can feel like navigating a maze. Whether you need to update your Screen Time settings, remove Content & Privacy Restrictions, or adjust the Family Sharing features, the process must be done correctly to re-enable full device functionality.

If you’re managing multiple devices through Apple Family Sharing, have forgotten the Restrictions passcode, or need to lift content filtering and child lock mechanisms, understanding how to disable parental controls becomes crucial.

This guide will take you through every step necessary to achieve this.

From resetting the screen time passcode to altering allowed apps and downtime settings, by the end of this article, you’ll know how to manage and deactivate all aspects of parental controls on your iPhone.

This includes insights into the Settings App, managing your Apple ID, and utilizing the appropriate privacy settings.

How to Turn Off Parental Controls on iPhone: Quick Workflow

For iOS 12 and Later

1. Open Settings: Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Access Screen Time: Tap on Screen Time.
3. Content & Privacy Restrictions: Scroll down and select Content & Privacy Restrictions.
4. Disable Restrictions: Toggle off the switch next to Content & Privacy Restrictions.
5. Enter Passcode: If prompted, enter your Screen Time passcode to confirm.

For iOS 11 and Earlier

1. Open Settings: Launch the Settings app.
2. General Settings: Tap on General.
3. Restrictions: Select Restrictions.
4. Disable Restrictions: Tap on Disable Restrictions.
5. Enter Passcode: Enter your Restrictions passcode to confirm.

Using Family Sharing

If you set up parental controls through Family Sharing, you can disable them from your device:

1. Open Settings: Go to Settings > Screen Time.
2. Select Child’s Account: Tap on your child’s name under Family.
3. Content & Privacy Restrictions: Scroll down to tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions.
4. Turn Off Restrictions: Toggle off the switch and enter the Screen Time passcode if required.

Without a Passcode

If you’ve forgotten the Screen Time or Restrictions passcode, consider these options:

1. Reset via iTunes or Finder:
   • Connect your iPhone to a computer and open iTunes or Finder.
   • Select your device and choose the option to restore it, which will remove all data, including parental controls.
2. Using iCloud (Data Loss):
   • Log into iCloud.com, select your device, and choose to erase it.
3. Apple Support:
   • Contact Apple Support for assistance in resetting your device if necessary.

By following these steps, you can effectively disable parental controls on an iPhone based on your specific situation.

Understanding Parental Controls on iPhone

Types of Parental Controls on iPhone

Screen Time: Overview of its purpose and features

Screen Time is a feature introduced to help manage device usage. It provides reports on how much time is spent on apps, websites, and other activities. You can set limits on app usage, downtime, and even block access to specific content. It’s particularly useful for monitoring and regulating how children use their iPhones, ensuring they don’t spend too much time on games or social media.

Content & Privacy Restrictions: What they cover

Content & Privacy Restrictions allow you to block or limit specific apps and features on your child’s iPhone. This includes restricting explicit content, preventing app installations, or blocking access to certain websites. It also provides tools to control privacy settings for location services, contacts, calendars, and other sensitive information. Essentially, it’s about maintaining control over what content your kids can access and securing the private data on their devices.

How to Turn Off Parental Controls on iPhone with a Password

Step-by-step guide to disabling Screen Time

1. Open the Settings app on the iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on Screen Time.
3. At the bottom, select Turn Off Screen Time.
4. Enter the Screen Time passcode to confirm.

Screen Time is now disabled, and any restrictions set under this feature are lifted.

Removing restrictions through Content & Privacy Restrictions

1. Go to Settings, then Screen Time.
2. Navigate to Content & Privacy Restrictions.
3. Toggle the switch to turn off Content & Privacy Restrictions.
4. Enter the passcode to confirm the changes.

This will disable all the content and privacy restrictions.

Family Sharing: How to disable controls using Family Sharing settings

Family Sharing allows you to manage the parental controls across all family devices. Here’s how:

1. Open Settings, tap your name, then go to Family Sharing.
2. Select the child’s account.
3. Tap on Screen Time and adjust the settings or turn off Screen Time for their device.

Family Sharing also lets you control iTunes & App Store Purchases directly from your device, ensuring you have full oversight of your kid’s digital environment.

How to Turn Off Parental Controls without a Password

Using MagFone iPhone Unlocker (No data loss method)

MagFone iPhone Unlocker can bypass Screen Time restrictions. Connect the iPhone to a computer, launch MagFone, and follow the on-screen instructions to remove Screen Time without data loss.

Using iTunes to restore the device (Data loss method)

1. Connect the iPhone to a computer with iTunes.
2. Select the iPhone icon in iTunes.
3. Click on Restore iPhone. This will remove all data but also reset parental controls.

Be aware, this method will lead to data loss.

Using iCloud to erase the device remotely

1. Go to iCloud.com and log in.
2. Click on Find iPhone, then select the device.
3. Select Erase iPhone to remove all data and settings, including parental controls.

Recovery Mode as a last resort option

1. Turn off the iPhone and connect it to a computer while holding the Home button (or volume down for newer models).
2. Keep holding until the iTunes (or Finder) logo appears.
3. Open iTunes (or Finder) and select Restore.

This will erase everything, including parental controls.

Using Find My App to erase and reset the device

1. Open Find My App on another Apple device.
2. Select the iPhone you wish to reset.
3. Tap Erase This Device.

This method will erase all content and settings, resetting parental controls.

Managing Specific Restrictions on iPhone

In-app purchases through iTunes & App Store Purchases

1. Open Settings, then Screen Time.
2. Select Content & Privacy Restrictions.
3. Tap on iTunes & App Store Purchases and set the restrictions as needed.

Blocking and unblocking web content on Safari

1. Go to Settings, then Screen Time.
2. Select Content & Privacy Restrictions and tap on Content Restrictions.
3. Under Web Content, choose Unrestricted Access, Limit Adult Websites, or Allowed Websites Only.

Allowing or restricting Siri web searches

1. In Screen Time settings, select Content & Privacy Restrictions.
2. Tap Content Restrictions.
3. Adjust settings under Siri to allow or restrict web searches.

Restricting access to Game Center and other Apple apps

1. Go to Settings, then Screen Time.
2. Select Content & Privacy Restrictions, then Allowed Apps.
3. Toggle off Game Center and any other apps you want to restrict.
   

   Disabling Parental Controls on Android Devices

Android’s Parental Control System

Family Link is the central hub for managing your child’s digital experience on Android devices. It provides tools to supervise app usage, monitor screen time, and set digital ground rules, ensuring a safe online environment. You can control what apps your child can use, limit daily screen time, and even lock their device when it’s time for a break. It’s comprehensive and designed to put you in the driver’s seat when it comes to their digital habits.

Family Link: How it works and what it controls

Family Link lets parents create a Google account for their child, fully integrated with the Family Link app. This setup allows you to:

• Approve or block app downloads from the Google Play Store.
• Monitor and set screen time limits.
• Manage app activity and device location.
• Restrict explicit content and inappropriate websites.

Google Play Store restrictions: Apps, purchases, and content access

The Google Play Store offers restriction settings to prevent children from downloading and purchasing inappropriate content. These settings let you restrict access to:

• Apps and games based on maturity level.
• In-app purchases.
• Movies, TV shows, and other media content.

How to Turn Off Parental Controls on Android Using Family Link

Removing content restrictions via Family Link

Open the Family Link app on your device.

1. Select your child’s account.
2. Navigate to Manage settings.
3. Go to Controls on Google Play.
4. Modify the content restrictions as needed.

This process allows you to tailor the content level suitable for your child, ensuring they have access to appropriate apps and media.

Modifying or removing Google Play Store controls

Within Family Link:

1. Select your child’s profile.
2. Open Manage settings and then Controls on Google Play.
3. Here you can adjust Apps & games, Movies & TV, and Books settings individually.

To completely remove these controls:

1. In Controls on Google Play, uncheck all the restriction filters.

Disabling restrictions on specific apps (e.g., YouTube, purchases)

Sometimes, specific apps like YouTube may have their internal restrictions. You can disable these through:

1. Open Family Link and select the child’s profile.
2. Go to Manage settings and find Google Play.
3. Disable the individual app restrictions by adjusting app-specific settings.

Manually Removing Parental Controls from Google Play Store

Accessing the Play Store’s settings

Open Google Play Store on the device.

1. Tap on the Menu icon (three horizontal lines).
2. Go to Settings.

Turning off parental controls toggle

Within the Settings menu:

1. Tap on Parental controls.
2. Toggle to Off and enter the PIN if prompted.

This completely turns off restrictive controls, making the Play Store unrestricted.

Clearing Google Play Store data to reset parental control settings

In case toggling off parental control doesn’t work, clearing app data is an alternative.

1. Go to Settings on the device.
2. Navigate to Apps & notifications.
3. Find and open Google Play Store.
4. Tap Storage then Clear Data.
   

   Advanced Methods for Managing Parental Controls

Using Guided Access to Temporarily Control App Usage (iPhone)

Guided Access is a powerful tool to control app usage on iPhone. Here’s how to set it up.

How to enable and configure Guided Access

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap on Accessibility.
3. Scroll down to find Guided Access and toggle it on.
4. Set a passcode that locks the Guided Access mode.

Using passcodes and time limits for app lock-in

Within any app, triple-click the Home button (or Side button on newer models) to activate Guided Access.

You can circle areas on the screen you want to disable and set time limits to control how long an app can be used. This is useful if you want a child to focus on a particular educational app without straying.

Managing App Tracking and Privacy Settings (iOS 14.5 and above)

Privacy has become a cornerstone of iOS updates. You now have more control over app tracking and data access.

Disabling App Tracking Transparency for privacy control

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap on Privacy.
3. Select Tracking.
4. Toggle off Allow Apps to Request to Track.

This stops apps from tracking user activity across other apps and websites, safeguarding user privacy.

Allowing or restricting apps’ access to location, photos, and microphone

Navigate back to Privacy in Settings.

• Location Services: Choose which apps can access location either always, while using the app, or never.
• Photos: Set whether apps have full access, read/write access, or no access.
• Microphone: Toggle which apps can use the microphone, ensuring unauthorized apps don’t listen in.

These settings empower users to safeguard sensitive information effectively.

Handling Special Cases

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Here are ways to handle common issues with parental controls and passwords.

Dealing with forgotten Screen Time or Family Link passwords

If you forget a Screen Time passcode, you can reset it:

1. Settings > Screen Time > Change Screen Time Passcode.
2. Tap Forgot Passcode? and follow the on-screen instructions, including using your Apple ID to reset it.

For Family Link, you might have to access the Google account settings to recover or reset the password.

Managing parental controls across multiple devices (Family setups)

In family setups, consistency across devices is key. Use Family Sharing to manage iPhone parental settings universally.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap your name at the top, then Family Sharing.
3. Add family members, and from there, manage Screen Time and other iPhone restrictions across multiple devices.

Whether on iPhone, iPad, or other iOS devices, this unified control makes administration seamless.

Best Practices Before Removing Parental Controls

Preparing for the Transition

Having a conversation with your child about online safety is essential. Outline the rules clearly. Talk about responsible online behavior and the risks involved. Emphasizing the importance of privacy and the dangers of sharing too much information is key.

Setting clear expectations for future device usage ensures everyone knows what’s acceptable. Establish the boundaries early on.

When reviewing basic online safety tips, cover:

• Privacy: Keep personal information secure.
• Sharing: Be cautious about what is shared online.
• Appropriate content: Recognize and avoid explicit or harmful content.

Gradual Removal of Controls

A phased approach is necessary. Start by lifting small restrictions and observing the effects. Gradual removal helps in adapting to new freedoms without overwhelming the child.

Monitoring your child’s usage after initial control removal is crucial to ensure they navigate this freedom responsibly. Keep an eye on their online activities and intervene if necessary.

Regular Check-ins and Reassessment

Keeping communication open with your child post-removal allows for ongoing guidance. Regular conversations help in reinforcing safe online habits.

Spot-checking online behavior and content consumption is vital. Stay involved and ensure they make good choices without excessive monitoring.

Dealing with Potential Issues Post-Control Removal

Handling inappropriate content or behavior starts with open dialogue. If issues arise, address them directly. Explain why certain actions are problematic and guide them towards better choices.

Creating backup safety nets can serve as extra protection. Consider using app blockers or customizing settings to keep a level of oversight.

FAQ On How To Turn Off Parental Controls On iPhone

How do I turn off Screen Time on an iPhone?

Open the Settings App and tap on Screen Time. Scroll down and you’ll find an option labeled “Turn Off Screen Time.” Enter your Restrictions passcode to confirm. This action will disable all screen time limitations and revert the device to its unrestricted state.

What is the Restrictions passcode, and how do I reset it?

The Restrictions passcode is essential for altering Content & Privacy Restrictions. If forgotten, navigate to Settings, select Screen Time, and click “Change Screen Time Passcode”.

Follow prompts to reset. If your Apple ID is linked with Family Sharing, verifying the account will assist in resetting.

How do I disable content restrictions on an iPhone?

Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions. Toggle the switch off. For granular control, access individual settings like Allowed Apps and communication limits.

This will release the device from specific content controls, ensuring unrestricted access to apps and features.

Can I turn off parental controls without knowing the passcode?

Unfortunately, without the Restrictions passcode, disabling parental controls is problematic. Resetting your Apple ID to regain access or connecting with Apple Support are typical solutions. These steps reaffirm your identity and allow you to manage restrictions effectively.

How do I manage Family Sharing to turn off parental controls?

Navigate to Settings > your Apple ID > Family Sharing. Here, you can modify or disable parental controls for any member linked to your family group. This includes tweaking Screen Time settings and adjusting shared app limitations, which are essential for managing multiple devices.

What’s the process to turn off downtime settings?

Within Settings > Screen Time, locate “Downtime”. Toggle off or adjust the set hours. Disabling downtime settings lifts time-based restrictions on the iPhone, allowing an extended or unrestricted device usage experience based on your preferences.

Do I need the internet to adjust parental controls on my iPhone?

Yes, but only initially. Internet connectivity is required for verifying Apple ID and Family Sharing credentials. Once verified, settings like Screen Time, content filtering, and other privacy settings may be adjusted even without an active internet connection.

How can I set up emergency access while parental controls are on?

In Settings > Screen Time > Always Allowed, make sure essential apps like phone and messaging services are enabled. This ensures critical functions remain accessible even with parental controls active, facilitating necessary communication during emergencies.

How does one deactivate restrictions on downloaded content?

Access Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Content Restrictions. Adjust settings for music, apps, or explicit content.

Disabling these restrictions provides unhindered access to all downloaded content, enhancing the user’s ability to engage with iPhone features.

Are there any apps or tools to help manage parental controls more easily?

Yes. Applications like Apple Configurator and third-party apps provide comprehensive management.

These tools integrate with existing Screen Time and Apple Family Sharing functionalities, facilitating an organized approach to enabling or disabling parental controls on multiple devices.

Conclusion

Learning how to turn off parental controls on iPhone can appear complex, but it’s manageable with the right steps.

First, navigate to the Settings App and select Screen Time. By turning off Screen Time or modifying Content & Privacy Restrictions, you can lift boundaries on app usage and screen limits. Resetting your Restrictions passcode may be necessary if forgotten.

In cases involving Family Sharing, ensure your Apple ID is correctly configured to manage permissions across linked devices. Adjust or disable downtime settings under Screen Time to optimize device usability.

Whether detaching content filtering, managing allowed apps, or ensuring emergency accessibility, these adjustments ensure the iPhone operates without parental constraints. Tools like Apple Configurator and robust privacy settings further streamline this process for enhanced reliability and user confidence. Follow these insights to regain unrestricted control of your device or effectively manage those under your care.

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Bogdan Sandu

Bogdan is a seasoned web designer and tech strategist, with a keen eye on emerging industry trends.

With over a decade in the tech field, Bogdan blends technical expertise with insights on business innovation in technology.

A regular contributor to TMS Outsource's blog, where you'll find sharp analyses on software development, tech business strategies, and global tech dynamics.

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