How to remove parental controls depends on what device you're using and who set them up

Parental controls lock down what you can install, view, or do on a device. To remove them, you need either the PIN or password the person who set them created, or you need to reset the device to factory settings — which erases everything on it. The exact steps change depending on whether you're using Windows, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android, or a gaming console.

If you set up the controls yourself and forgot the PIN, you can usually reset it through your account settings or by answering security questions. If someone else set them up and won't give you the password, your options narrow: you can try a factory reset, contact the device manufacturer's support, or ask the person who created the controls to remove them.

Key Takeaways

  • Removing parental controls requires the PIN or password that was set when they were created, or a factory reset that erases the device.
  • Windows, Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Android each have different steps to disable parental controls through their settings.
  • If you forgot your own PIN, you can reset it through your account recovery options without erasing the device.
  • A factory reset removes parental controls but deletes all files, photos, apps, and settings on the device.
  • If someone else set up the controls and won't share the password, contacting the device maker's support team is often the only option.

Removing parental controls on Windows

On Windows 10 or 11, parental controls are managed through Family settings tied to a Microsoft account. To remove them, open Settings, go to Accounts, then Family & other people. Select the account that has parental controls, then choose Remove. You'll need the administrator password for the account that set up the controls.

If you're the administrator and forgot your password, you can reset it by going to the Windows sign-in screen, clicking "I forgot my password," and following the recovery steps using your Microsoft account email or phone number. Once you regain access to the admin account, you can remove the parental controls from any child account.

Removing parental controls on Mac

On macOS, parental controls are called Parental Controls and live in System Preferences under Parental Controls. Click the lock icon at the bottom left, enter the administrator password, select the account with restrictions, and click the minus button to remove it. You need the admin password to make this change.

If you're the admin and forgot your password, restart your Mac and hold Command + S to enter Single-User Mode. Type fsck -fy and press Enter, then type mount -uw / and press Enter. Then type launchctl load /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.loginwindow.plist and restart. This lets you create a new admin account and reset the original password. The process is technical — Apple Support can walk you through it if you get stuck.

Removing parental controls on iPhone or iPad

On iOS and iPadOS, parental controls are called Screen Time. Go to Settings, tap Screen Time, then tap Change Screen Time Passcode. You'll see an option to turn off Screen Time entirely if you know the passcode. Tap "Turn Off Screen Time" and enter the passcode when prompted.

If you forgot the Screen Time passcode, you have two options. If you set it up with your Apple ID, go to Settings, Screen Time, Change Screen Time Passcode, then tap "Forgot Passcode?" and sign in with your Apple ID to reset it. If you don't remember your Apple ID password, go to iforgot.apple.com to recover it. If someone else set up Screen Time and won't share the passcode, a factory reset is your only option — go to Settings, General, Reset, and choose Erase All Content and Settings.

Removing parental controls on Android

Android parental controls vary by manufacturer and which app is being used. If you're using Google Family Link, open the Family Link app, select the child's account, go to Controls on Google Play, and tap Manage settings. Scroll down and tap "Remove member" to remove parental controls from that account. You need the parent account password.

If you set up Family Link and forgot the parent password, you can reset it through your Google Account at myaccount.google.com. Click Security on the left, then Password, and follow the recovery steps. Once you're back in your Google Account, you can remove the child from Family Link. If someone else set up Family Link on your device and won't remove it, you can do a factory reset: go to Settings, System, Reset options, Erase all data, and confirm. This erases everything on the phone.

Using a factory reset when you don't have the password

A factory reset removes all parental controls by erasing the device completely and returning it to its original state. Every file, photo, app, and setting disappears. Do this only if you have no other way to get the password and you've backed up anything you want to keep.

On Windows, go to Settings, System, Recovery, and click Reset this PC. Choose "Remove everything" and follow the prompts. On Mac, restart and hold Command + R to enter Recovery Mode, then use Disk Utility to erase the drive and reinstall macOS. On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, General, Reset, and tap Erase All Content and Settings. On Android, go to Settings, System, Reset options, and tap Erase all data. On all devices, the process takes 15 minutes to an hour depending on how much data is on the device.

Contacting the device maker if you're locked out

If you can't remember the password, can't access your account recovery email, and don't want to erase the device, contact the manufacturer's support team. Microsoft, Apple, and Google all have support lines and online chat options. Have your device serial number and proof of purchase ready — they'll ask for it to verify you own the device.

The support team can sometimes help you regain access to your account or reset your password without erasing the device. The process usually takes a few days because they need to verify your identity. If the device was purchased by someone else and they set up parental controls, the manufacturer will not remove them without that person's permission — this is a security feature to prevent theft.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I factory reset my device to remove parental controls?

A factory reset erases everything on the device — all files, photos, apps, messages, and settings. The device returns to how it was when it left the factory. You lose any data that wasn't backed up to cloud storage or an external drive. Do a backup before you reset.

Can I remove parental controls without knowing the PIN?

Not without erasing the device or contacting the manufacturer. If you set up the controls yourself, you can reset the PIN through your account recovery options. If someone else set them up, you need their password, or you need to do a factory reset.

What if the person who set up parental controls won't give me the password?

If you own the device, you can contact the manufacturer's support team with proof of purchase and they may be able to help. Your other option is a factory reset. If you don't own the device, the person who set up the controls has the right to keep them in place.

Will removing parental controls delete my files?

Removing parental controls through settings does not delete files. Only a factory reset deletes everything. If you remove controls through Settings or your account, all your data stays on the device.

Can I remove parental controls on a device I don't own?

Not without the owner's permission or a factory reset. If the device belongs to a parent, school, or employer, they have the right to keep parental controls active. If you own the device but someone else set up the controls, you can contact the device maker's support team for help.