Smartphone addiction is a real-life concern that can affect people’s relationships with others. In fact, 52% of teens sit quietly with their phones out when hanging out with friends.
Moreover, pediatric studies show a 52% rise in the average time spent by children staring at screens during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now, many parents are turning to screen time controls to help them manage how much time is spent on devices and limit access to certain apps and websites. However, these tools are not as foolproof for tech-savvy children. In this article, discover the sneaky methods used to hack screen time in iOS devices and how to stop them.
| 🎉 Fun Fact 2.24 billion iPhones have been sold worldwide since its first release in 2007. iOS refers to Apple’s operating system and is used on all iPhone devices. Moreover, iOS’s biggest demographics are 16-24-year-olds, making up 44% of all iPhone users in 2019. |
Is it possible to hack screen time on iOS?
Although Apple’s screen time feature is valuable for managing device usage, it is not entirely immune to manipulation. Children nowadays have ways to hack screen time restrictions.
While it’s important to note that hacking screen time is not to encourage unethical behavior, it’s nevertheless essential for parents and guardians to be aware of the potential vulnerabilities within the system.
By understanding the possibilities of bypassing and how they are done, you can take the necessary steps to reinforce the digital boundaries you set for your children.
| 💡Did You Know? The battle between parents and their children’s screen time is all too familiar. Parents, with loving intentions, try to find a balance between allowing children to explore the wonders of technology and ensuring they don’t become addicted. Unfortunately, children are a target of online harassment. In 2022, the rates of children exploited online increased by 20%. |
Here are the common methods to hack screen time passcodes on an iOS:
1. Screen Recording to Get the Password
You can screen record with audio both on Mac and iOS devices. One clever way to discover the screen time passcode is by discretely recording while the parent enters it. The child can later review the recording and uncover the password.
To screen record on an iOs device, follow these steps:
| Step 1: You will find Control Center by swiping down from the upper-right side of the screen (on iPhone X and later) or swiping up from the bottom (on older models). Step 2: Tap the Screen Recording icon, represented by a circle within a circle. Step 3: To stop recording, tap the red recording indicator on the top left side of the screen or return to the Control Center and tap the Screen Recording icon again. |
To prevent your child from trying this trick on you, disable this feature by following these steps:
| Step 1: Go to Settings. Click on “Screen Time.” Step 2: Select “Content & Privacy Restrictions” and enter your passcode if prompted. Step 3: Tap “Content Restrictions” and choose “Screen Recording.” Step 4: Select “Don’t Allow” to turn off the screen recording. |
By restricting this feature, your child won’t be able to record the screen as you enter the screen time password.
2. Watching YouTube through iMessage
Another loophole in screen time restrictions is watching YouTube videos through the iMessage app.
Kids can enjoy their favorite content without being tracked by the screen time feature.
They can do this by doing these steps:
| Step 1: Open the iMessage app. Step 2: Start a new conversation with any contact. Step 3: Tap the App Store icon beside the text input field. Step 4: Select the “YouTube” app icon and search for desired videos within the iMessage app. |
Parents can counter this method by altering their settings.
| Step 1: Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Content Restrictions > Web Content. Step 2: Select “Limit Adult Websites.” Step 3: Tap on “Add Website” below “NEVER ALLOW.” Step 4: Type in the YouTube URL in the box. |
Once you’ve done this, your child cannot watch YouTube through their iMessage app.
3. Changing the Phone Time and Date
Manipulating the phone’s time and date settings is another trick. Children can change these simple settings to deceive the device into believing that the allocated screen time limit has not been reached.
Here’s how it’s done:
| Step 1: Go to Settings > General > Date & Time. Step 2: Toggle off the “Set Automatically” option. Step 3: Manually change the date and time to a time before the screen time limit. |
To keep kids from this hack, follow these steps:
| Step 1: Go to Settings > General > Date & Time. Step 2: Toggle on the “Set Automatically” option. Step 3: Go back to Settings. Step 4: Scroll down to Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Location Services > System Services. Step 5: Toggle off the “Setting Time Zone” option. Step 6: Go to Location Services and select “Don’t Allow Changes.” |
This hack can be very helpful for kids to avoid screen time tracking. It’s still important to always check them from time to time to ensure they follow the screen time rules.
4. Deleting and Reinstalling Apps
By removing and reinstalling an app, kids can reset its usage data and extend their screen time. Here are the steps to do that:
| Step 1: Press and hold the app icon on the home screen until the icons start shaking. Step 2: Tap the “X” button on the app you want to delete. Step 3: Confirm by tapping “Delete.” Step 4: Open the App Store and reinstall the app. |
To restrict app deletion, follow these steps:
| Step 1: Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases. Step 2: Select “Deleting Apps” and select “Don’t Allow.” |
5. Using AnyUnlock
AnyUnlock is an app that allows users to bypass various restrictions on iOS devices, including screen time controls. This app provides a straightforward solution for those seeking access to their devices without complex procedures.
This tool is downloaded on a computer. You only have to connect your iOS device via USB cable, launch AnyUnlock, choose “Unlock Screen Time Passcode” mode, and click “Start Now.” It is very easy to use and requires no skills.
AnyUnlock offers a free trial purchased to remove screen time restrictions, starting from $25.99.version with limited functionality; the full version can be purchased. A 3-month plan costs 35.99 for one device.
6. Factory Reset the Phone
If all else fails, a drastic measure to remove screen time restrictions is to perform a factory reset on the iOS device. This method erases all data and settings on the device. Here are the steps to do a factory reset on an iPhone:
| Step 1: Go to “Settings” Step 2: Scroll down and tap on “General” Step 3: Select “Reset” Step 4: Tap “Erase All Content and Settings” and enter a passcode if prompted Step 5: Confirm the factory reset by tapping “Erase iPhone” |
There are several methods to hack screen time restrictions on an iOS. However, all of these can be prevented by changing a few settings.
Ensure to follow these steps if your child has been fiddling around with the device’s settings or spending a lot of time on their phones or tablets.
Additionally, using the best parental control software can serve the same purpose as screen time controls with more features to help parents monitor their children and keep them safe on the internet.
Bottom Line
In a world increasingly driven by technology, managing screen time has become a significant concern for parents. While iOS devices offer screen time controls, they are not foolproof.
Most children today learn to use smartphones or tablets before they can even talk or walk, making them knowledgeable and skilled in handling technology. It is essential to approach this topic responsibly and consider the potential consequences of unrestricted device usage. It’s also important to foster open conversations with children and educate them about how to be responsible.
FAQs
Can parents detect if screen time has been hacked?
Parents can often tell if screen time has been hacked by noticing unusual behavior or discrepancies in the child’s device usage. Check for any inconsistencies by reviewing screen time reports.
Can screen time passcodes be recovered?
Unfortunately, there is no official way to recover a forgotten screen time passcode. However, some online methods claim to help bypass or reset the code.
Are there any alternatives to screen time restrictions on iOS devices?
Apple provides various parental control features, including app limits, content restrictions, and device downtime.
Timeline Of The Article
April is a proficient content writer with a knack for research and communication. With a keen eye for detail, she creates concise and engaging content. Her ability to grasp and translate intricate technical concepts into accessible language sets her apart. Whether it’s software development or cybersecurity, April is dedicated to delivering high-quality technical content that educates and empowers readers.