What Happens After 10 Failed Screen Time Passcode Attempts

Failing to unlock your iPhone or iPad with the screen time passcode 10 times in a row can be frustrating. But what exactly happens when you reach that 10 failed attempt limit? Here’s an in-depth look at the consequences and how to handle them.

Apple’s screen time passcode feature allows parents to restrict their kids’ access to apps and set device time limits. To enable it, you first set a 4-digit passcode that must be entered to access the device or make changes.

But problems arise if you repeatedly enter the wrong passcode and hit the attempt limit. At that point, access gets cut off until the device is unlocked with the right code.

Understanding these potential passcode attempt lockouts is important, especially for parents relying on screen time to manage their children’s device use. This guide examines what happens after 10 failed attempts on both iPhones and iPads. We’ll cover:

• The lockout period after 10 failed passcode attempts
• What phone functionality is lost during the lockout
• How to regain access after too many failed attempts
• Tips to avoid or resolve passcode lockouts

Knowing what to expect can help you recover quicker and minimize disruption if you ever reach 10 failed screen time passcode attempts.

What Happens After 10 Failed Attempts on an iPhone?

When using an iPhone with a screen time passcode set, you’ll face increasing lockout periods as failed unlock attempts add up:

• On the 1st failed attempt, nothing happens. You can immediately try again.
• On the 2nd and 3rd failed attempts, you must wait 1 minute before retrying.
• On the 4th and 5th failed attempts, you must wait 5 minutes before the next attempt.
• On the 6th and 7th failed attempts, you must wait 15 minutes before retrying.
• On the 8th and 9th failed attempts, you must wait 1 hour before the next attempt.
• After the 10th failed attempt, the device becomes disabled and requires connecting to iTunes or iCloud to be unlocked.

So if you reach 10 failed screen time passcode attempts on an iPhone, you’ll be completely locked out and unable to use the phone until taking further steps to unlock it.

What iPhone Functions Are Lost After 10 Failed Attempts?

When your iPhone hits the 10-attempt limit, you’ll lose access to most normal phone functions, including:

• Making or receiving phone calls
• Text messaging
• Browsing the internet
• Checking email
• Using apps
• Playing music
• Taking photos
• Using Apple Pay

Essentially, you cannot use the iPhone for anything except emergency calls. All apps and services requiring the passcode become unavailable.

This can make the device unusable for hours or days if you don’t regain access. For parents relying on screen time limits, it also means losing all control and visibility into how the iPhone gets used.

What Happens After 10 Failed Attempts on an iPad?

The consequences for 10 failed passcode attempts are less severe on iPads compared to iPhones.

Instead of full device disabling, iPads impose a timed lockout after 10 failed attempts:

• On the 1st failed attempt, you can immediately try again
• On the 2nd and 3rd failed attempts, you must wait 1 minute before retrying
• On the 4th and 5th failed attempts, you must wait 5 minutes before retrying
• On the 6th and 7th failed attempts, you must wait 15 minutes before the next attempt
• On the 8th and 9th failed attempts, you must wait 1 hour before retrying
• After the 10th failed attempt, you must wait 24 hours before trying again

So an iPad still lets you access any functions not requiring the screen time passcode during the 24-hour lockout period. For example, you can:

• Access WiFi and cellular data for internet browsing
• View or delete photos and videos
• Listen to music or podcasts
• Use apps not restricted by Screen Time
• Play games not restricted by Screen Time

You still lose access to setting changes, restricted apps, and any content limited by the screen time passcode. But the device remains somewhat usable until the passcode unlocks again after 24 hours.

Unlocking After Reaching Failed Attempt Limits

How to reset screen time passcode after failed attempts? When facing a screen time passcode lockout on an iPhone or iPad, you have several options to regain access:

On an iPhone:

• Connect the iPhone to a computer with iTunes and enter your device passcode to unlock it
• Use iCloud password recovery if enabled to reset and unlock the device
• Take the device to an Apple Store for unlocking assistance

On an iPad:

• Wait out the 24-hour lockout period, then enter the right passcode
• Erase the iPad entirely to disable the passcode (you’ll lose all settings and data)
• Take the iPad to an Apple Store for unlocking assistance

In most cases, waiting out timed lockouts or using trusted devices linked to your Apple ID will be the simplest approaches. Just be sure you know the correct passcode before attempting to unlock a locked device.

Avoiding Screen Time Passcode Lockouts

Repeated failed passcode attempts usually mean someone doesn’t know the code but keeps guessing. A few tips can help avoid running into this issue entirely:

• Don’t allow passcode guessing: If someone seems to be randomly trying passcodes, don’t let them continue. Take control of the device after a couple failed attempts.
• Store hints securely: Write down passcode hints and store them somewhere safe like a locked safe. Don’t let others access hints that give away the passcode.
• Use longer and stronger passcodes: Random 6 or 8-digit codes are harder to guess than 4-digit ones. Include a mix of numbers, letters, and symbols for maximum strength.
• Change passcodes periodically: Updating your screen time passcode every few months prevents someone from using an old code they saw you enter.
• Turn off Screen Time when lending your device: Disable the passcode if letting someone else use your iPhone or iPad temporarily.

Following security best practices goes a long way in preventing lockouts. But if you do get locked out, the restarting tips can get you back in quickly.

Conclusion

Exceeding the 10 attempt screen time passcode limit on an iPhone or iPad can certainly cause headaches. But understanding the consequences for each device helps you handle lockouts smoothly when they happen.

The main takeaways are:

• iPhones disable entirely after 10 failed attempts, while iPads impose a 24-hour lockout
• You can regain access through trusted Apple devices or at an Apple Store
• Storing passcodes securely and using sufficiently strong codes reduces failed attempt risks

Hopefully this overview gives you the knowledge to avoid lockouts. But if your iPhone or iPad does get stuck from too many wrong passcode attempts, you’ll now know how to get it unlocked and usable again. Just stay patient, use secure backup options, and the device will be restored in no time.

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