Reset Restriction iPhone Passcode
The other day we were looking at how you can reset the Restriction passcode through iFile, a jailbreak tweak. It's the simplest method to reset a forgotten passcode. But what happens when you don't have a jailbroken iPhone? Or when you don't want to Jailbreak your iPhone just to reset the Restriction code?
Since we're not talking jailbreak, it's a long way but this is the only easy way to reset the restriction passcode without doing a complete, fresh restore that has the risk of losing data.
If you happen to read the jailbreak method, you know what the basic principle is but here's the whole thing in synopsis:
1. The restriction passcode can be overridden by manually keying in a value
2. The file to edit is in Library/Preferences/ and is named com.apple.springboard.plist
The problem, however, lies in the editing process. How do you edit the file and upload it back to iPhone's system? The whole process is easy via iFile but without a jailbreak, it can get a little lengthier. Nevertheless, it's not rocket science and you can do it.
You'll need:
iBackupBot
The iPhone/iPad you want to reset the Restriction passcode for
iTunes (latest version preferred)
Before you start, make sure you have tried the restriction passcode a couple of times. You should see a ‘failed attempt' alert when you tap on Restrictions.
Take a iPhone Backup
1. Connect your iPhone/iPad to the computer
2. Fire up iTunes and take a backup of your iPhone/iPad
3. Once you have the backup, quit iTunes but keep the iPhone/iPad connected to your PC.
Editing the iPhone Backup File
1. Fire-up iBackupBot that you downloaded initially
2. Navigate to
SystemFiles/HomeDomain/Library/Preferences
3. Search for a file named “com.apple.springboard.plist”
4. Open it in Notepad or any other text editor. If the file doesn't render correctly, you should use any plist-editors available online.
5. Look for this line:
<key>SBParentalControlsFailedAttempts</key>
<string>X</string>
(X is any number)
6. Just beneath this, add the following code:
<key>SBParentalControlsPIN</key>
<string>1234</string>
7. Save the file and then restore the file into your iPhone via iBackupBot (Control + T)
Reboot your iPhone and try 1234 for the Restriction passcode. It will work.
You can then disable restrictions or change the passcode.
