Updated on 2025-04-08
5min read
“App Limits” is one of Screen Time’s most powerful features. It not only helps prevent your distractions and breaks your own doomscrolling routines but also helps your child build better digital habits. However, sometimes, the limits need to go. Maybe your child’s schedule has changed. Or, you’re easing things up for yourself for a while.
Whatever the reason, this guide will walk you through how to remove Time Limit from your iPhone or iPad, whether you want to entirely turn off all limits or disable them for just a few apps. And if the passcode is forgotten to remove the limit, don’t worry. We’ll also introduce you to Passixer iPhone Unlocker, a tool that removes Screen Time limits even when the passcode isn’t known.
Learn More About Time Limit on iPhone/iPad
When you’re already looking to turn off App Time Limits, chances are you know how Screen Time works. However, in case you set something by mistake, like placing a limit on an app you actually rely on, it’s important to understand these functions first. So, here’s a quick refresher to help you move forward with clarity.
What is the Time Limit on Screen Time?
Time Limits are part of Apple’s Screen Time system. They let you place daily usage caps on specific apps: say, 30 minutes for YouTube or an hour for games. Once the timer runs out, access to the app (or even an entire category) is blocked. And here’s the constraint: without the passcode, you can’t adjust these limits, such as extending time and turning them off.
Don’t confuse App Limits with Downtime which are used to restrict access to everything for certain durations (like school hours or bed time). And yes! Both Downtime and App Limits are tied to your Screen Time passcode. So, you’ll still need that 4-digit password to manage both.
What is the Difference Between Turning Off and Removing Time Limit?
You’ll see two options when dealing with a Time Limit:
- Turning Time Limit off just disables the restriction without deleting the setting. It’s useful if you plan to turn it back on later.
- Removing the App Limit deletes it entirely. Screen Time will forget that rule completely and you’ll need to re-create it from scratch if you want it again.
All told, you can turn off the App Limit toggle when you need a break. Go for Remove (or Delete Limit to be exact) when the rule is no longer needed.
How to Turn Off Time Limit on iPhone/iPad Without Password
Without the passcode, Screen Time limits won’t budge. You can try resetting the passcode itself using your Apple ID, but if that’s lost too, you’re left with only two routes.
One method lets you turn off Time Limit by removing Screen Time (passcode) without touching your data. Your apps, media, and settings all stay exactly where they are. The other? It resets everything to factory default, meaning erasing all content and settings(including Time Limits) in the process. You can choose one that suits your needs best.
Way 1. Remove Screen Time Passcode [Without Data Loss]
You’ll need a third-party tool to remove Screen Time passcode without even touching your data. The most reliable option is Passixer iPhone Unlocker. Passixer lets you remove Screen Time restrictions including Time Limits from any iOS device within a click-through process. You just have to connect your iPhone or iPad to the computer, hit Start, and Passixer will handle the rest of the tasks for you.
To make sure there is no data loss, Passixer adjusts itself based on how Apple secures Screen Time on different iOS versions. On iOS 11 and earlier, it will simply reveal the passcode on screen. You can just note the 4-digit code and use it to unlock or adjust your app limits right from the device. From iOS 12 through iOS 18, where Apple has tightened its security, Passixer quietly disables Screen Time passcode, so, all time limits will vanish instantly.
And no matter which version you’re using, nothing personal is touched. All your apps, photos, messages, and every other file stay exactly where they are. You’ll still be signed in to your Apple account and nothing else gets reset.
Key Features:
- You can install the tool on any Windows or Mac computer.
- Also bypass MDM profiles, remove Apple ID, and skip Activation Lock too.
- Remove forgotten or lost screen passcode from iDevice.
- High success rate and comes with responsive customer support.
How to Remove Screen Time Passcode Without Losing Data
Step 1. Launch Passixer on macOS or Windows and select Screen Time from the opening dashboard.
Step 2. Plug in your iPhone, iPad, or iPod. Once detected, you’ll see a Start button appear automatically. Click it to begin.
Situation 1. On iOS 12 through 18, Passixer will cleanly disable the Screen Time feature in the background, like it was never turned on.
Situation 2. On iOS 11 or earlier, the forgotten passcode will be revealed right on your screen. You can reset it yourself.
Way 2. Factory Reset iDevice [with Data Loss]
This way uses Apple’s official software: restoring your device via iTunes or Finder. Yes, it works. However, it will wipe everything in the process. All your apps, data, and settings will be erased, including Screen Time restrictions. That’s why we’ve saved this for last.
Before anything else, make sure Find My is turned off. This step is critical, and without it, the restore won’t go through. To achieve that:
- Open Settings › tap your name › Find My.
- Tap Find My iPhone and turn the toggle off.
- Then, enter your Apple ID password when prompted and tap Turn off from the top-right.
Once that’s done, here’s how to reset iPhone with iTunes.restore
Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a compatible cable. If you see the Trust This Computer prompt on the device, tap Trust.
Step 2. Open iTunes (on Windows or older macOS) or Finder (on newer macOS). Find your connected device in the sidebar and click it.
Step 3. Under the General tab (in Finder) or Summary tab (in iTunes), click Restore iPhone.
Step 4. Confirm the prompt. Your device will be erased and restored, and the Screen Time settings will be removed entirely.
How to Turn Off Time Limit on iPhone/iPad with Password
If you already know the Screen Time passcode, things get simpler. You also gain full control: you can temporarily pause a few limits or delete them permanently. Or you can turn off all Screen Time restrictions in one go.
Here’s how each option works, choose what fits your setup best.
Turn Off Time Limit for All Apps
Sometimes, a full reset is often the way to go. Perhaps your child’s exams might be over or a vacation could be coming up. Maybe you’re just relaxing things for a week or so. When that’s the case, removing all app limits is the fastest move. There are two ways to go about it.
A quick note if you’re managing a child’s device remotely:
You can either follow these steps directly on their phone, or do it remotely from your own. The process is the same. However, when managing your child device remotely: just open Settings > Screen Time, then scroll to the Family section and tap your child’s name. From there, you’ll see the same controls.
Option 1: Turn Off App Limits
So the first option to disable the time restrictions is turning off App Limits. As mentioned earlier, this means you’re simply toggling off all the app-based restrictions.It’s ideal when you want to keep the Screen Time feature running, but without any time caps on the apps or categories. Follow these steps:
Step 1. Open Settings and head into Screen Time. From there, select App Limits.
Step 2. Enter the Screen Time passcode when asked (no passcode will be required when managing your child’s profile).
Step 3. At the top, turn off the App Limits toggle.
Instantly, the list of restricted apps will disappear, and the toggle will fade to grey—signaling that every time cap has now been lifted. You can always come back to reapply them later if needed.
Option 2: Disable Screen Time
Another option is turning off Screen Time altogether. Unlike simply toggling off App Limits, this one wipes out every control of Screen Time, such as Downtime, usage caps and content filters. It’s a good call if you’re handing the phone to someone else or if your child schedule has changed, or if you simply want everything to be fresh when turning it on the next time.
Here’s how it works on newer iOS versions—the setting name has changed, so even if you’ve done it before, pay close attention:
Step 1. Within the Screen Time menu, scroll all the way to the bottom and tap Turn Off App & Website Activity. (On older versions, it will read Turn Off Screen Time—both do the same job.)
A prompt will appear informing you that all Screen Time data and settings will be removed. Confirm by tapping Turn Off App & Website Activity again.
Step 2. Enter the 4-digit passcode when asked. That’s it.
Turn Off Time Limit for Specific Apps
There are times when you don’t want to disable every app limit. Maybe you still want to keep managing Roblox or Instagram, but take off the brakes from YouTube, Reddit, or Quora. Screen Time lets you do exactly that without touching anything else. And if you want those limits back later, no problem—they stay saved in the background. To do this:
Step 1. Head into App Limits from the Screen Time menu.
Step 2. Pick any app or category you want unrestricted.
Step 3. Inside the app settings, toggle off App Limit and all restrictions for that app will vanish.
How to Remove Time Limit on iPhone/iPad
When you’re sure you won’t be using a time limit on a specific app anymore, just delete it. That way, it won’t sit in your app list unnecessarily or clutter the layout. Follow these steps:
Step 1. Head into Settings > Screen Time > App Limits.
Step 2. Select the app or category you want to delete.
Step 3. Tap the Delete Limit button sitting at the bottom.
Can We Turn off Ignore Limit on Screen Time?
When time runs out, Screen Time often shows options like Ignore Limit or Remind Me in 15 Minutes and that alone can make the entire system pointless if left unchecked. Here’s what you have to understand about Ignore Limit message:
Managing a child’s phone? Then make sure the Screen Time passcode is set and that Block at End of Limit is turned on while adding the app restriction. This stops the extensions altogether and forces them to request permission from you if they want more time.
Managing your own device? You’ll still see Ignore Limit regardless. Adding a passcode can introduce some friction, but if that’s not enough, and you find yourself entering it out of habit, it might be time to look elsewhere. You can use Roots (it’s Monk Mode) because it comes with real teeth and enforces a lock until the next day (no matter what).
Bottom line: Ignore Limit is Apple’s silent backdoor. If you know you’ll slip through it, either use a third-party app or delete the app.
Final Words
That’s everything you need to manage Time Limits on iPhone or iPad. Whether you want to skip the restrictions for a while or wipe them for good, the guide covers the steps. With a password, things stay simple.
And if that passcode is gone, you can use Passixer’s Screen Time Remover to easily remove or turn off Time Limits without erasing your data or affecting any other settings.