How to Lock Screen Time Settings on iPhone (So You Can't Disable Them)

Apple's Screen Time is powerful — but useless if you can disable it whenever willpower drops. Here's how to actually lock it down, including a change in iOS 26 worth knowing about.

Step 1: Turn on Screen Time

Settings → Screen Time → Turn On Screen Time

Step 2: Set a Screen Time passcode

Tap Use Screen Time Passcode and enter a 4-digit code. This passcode is required to: - Turn off Screen Time - Change content restrictions - Extend app limits - Disable Downtime

Step 3: Skip the recovery email (or seal it)

Apple asks for an Apple ID for passcode recovery. If you enter yours, you can reset the passcode anytime — defeating the lock.

Two options: 1. Skip it (tap Cancel) 2. Use a partner's Apple ID for true accountability

Step 4: Configure the restrictions you want locked

• Web Content → Limit Adult Websites
• iTunes & App Store Purchases → Installing Apps: Don't Allow
• Allowed Apps → disable Safari, Camera, etc. as needed
• Account Changes → Don't Allow
• Passcode Changes → Don't Allow

Step 5: On iOS 26, also turn on Supervised Mode

This is new, and most guides on this topic — including older versions of this one — don't mention it yet. As of iOS 26, Limit Adult Websites no longer automatically blocks private browsing tabs. If you're restricting your own device, Supervised Mode restores that coverage. Without it, your "locked down" Screen Time has a gap exactly where you're trying to close one.

Step 6: Lock the passcode itself with LockIn

The last weak link is you knowing the 4-digit code. LockIn solves this:

• LockIn generates a random Screen Time passcode
• You enter it into iPhone but never see it again
• The code is sealed for your chosen duration (1 day – 1 year)
• Only LockIn can reveal it, and only when the timer ends

Now Screen Time is genuinely locked — even from you.

What if I forget and want it back early?

That's the design. The whole point is that future you doesn't get to override present you.

Troubleshooting

I locked it and now I can't change a setting I actually need. This is by design and can't be undone early — which is why it's worth being deliberate about what you lock before starting the timer, not after.

Can someone else with my Apple ID undo this remotely? Yes, if they have your Apple ID credentials and you didn't skip recovery in Step 3. The lock is only as strong as your Apple ID security.

FAQ

Does this work the same on a shared family iPad? Family Sharing setups route through a different Screen Time flow — this guide is for locking your own personal device.

What's the difference between this and Supervised Mode alone? Supervised Mode adds restrictions typically used on managed devices, including the private-browsing fix above. Lock Screen Time Settings (this guide) is what actually prevents you from turning any of it off. You want both.

Lock your Screen Time settings →