How to turn off Screen Time on iPhone

Screen Time® is a handy tool for managing iPhone® usage. With it, parents can monitor and control their children’s time spent on mobile devices. Businesses can enforce usage policies and promote digital wellness initiatives, while typical users can rely on Screen Time to develop a healthier relationship with their phones.

But when constant notifications and restrictions interfere with important tasks, how do you turn Screen Time off? It’s easy. At Asurion, we answer all tech questions. Whether you need help setting up a new iPhone or guidance on phone protection, we offer help every step of the way. Here’s how to turn off Screen Time on iPhone.

Turn off Screen Time from settings

The easiest way to disable Screen Time is directly through your iPhone settings.

On iOS 16 or earlier

1. Open Settings.
2. Find and tap Screen Time.
3. Select Turn Off Screen Time at the bottom.
4. Enter your Screen Time passcode if prompted.
5. Confirm to disable Screen Time fully.

On iOS 17 and later

1. Go to Settings > Screen Time.
2. Tap Turn Off App & Website Activity to stop usage tracking.
3. Enter your Screen Time password when prompted.
4. To fully turn off the feature, review each item in the Screen Time menu and disable them one by one.

How to turn off Screen Time without a passcode

If you’ve forgotten your Screen Time passcode, Apple offers a solution if your Apple ID is linked:

1. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Change Screen Time Passcode.
2. Select Forgot Passcode?
3. Enter your iPhone’s Apple ID and password.
4. Follow the prompts to reset the passcode.
5. Return to Screen Time settings and deactivate it using your new passcode.

When you may be restricted from turning off Screen Time

There are a few scenarios where you might not be able to turn off Screen Time right away—here’s what to watch for and why it might happen.

• Family Sharing parental controls: If you’re part of Family Sharing, only the organizer can turn off Screen Time.
• MDM profiles: School or employer-issued iPhones may block changes through Mobile Device Management. Contact your IT admin.
• Content & privacy restrictions: Some settings may require a passcode to remove.

What happens when Screen Time is off

Turning off Screen Time removes limits and restrictions, but it also changes how your device tracks usage and enforces parental controls—here’s what to expect.

• App usage data stops tracking. Weekly activity summaries and charts won’t appear.
• Limits disappear. Features like Downtime, app limits, and website restrictions are disabled.
• Settings reset. If you turn it back on, you’ll need to reconfigure limits and restrictions.

FAQ

How do I stop Screen Time notifications from appearing?

Turn off Screen Time entirely under Settings > Screen Time.

Does turning off Screen Time delete my usage history?

Yes. Usage data is cleared and tracking stops until you re-enable it.

Can Screen Time be disabled remotely by a parent or guardian?

Yes. In Family Sharing groups, only the organizer can manage or disable Screen Time.