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To make your Roots blocking truly bulletproof, you can set up a "Screen Time" passcode on your iPhone. This prevents anyone - including yourself - from disabling Roots' access to "Screen Time" without knowing the code.
Once set up, toggling off Roots' permissions in iOS Settings will require the passcode first. No more bypassing your blocks in a moment of weakness.
How to set up a "Screen Time" passcode
We recommend having a trusted friend, partner, or family member set the passcode on your behalf - so you genuinely don't know it yourself. Here's how:
Open Settings on your iPhone
Tap Screen Time
Tap Lock Screen Time Settings
Enter a 4-digit passcode - hand your phone to your trusted person and let them choose it
Confirm the passcode
For maximum protection, have your trusted person use their own Apple Account for the recovery step. That way, even the "Forgot Passcode" reset requires credentials you don't have.
How to reset your "Screen Time" passcode
If you ever need to change it:
Open Settings
Tap Screen Time
Tap Change Screen Time Passcode
Select Forgot Passcode
Enter the Apple Account email and password used when the passcode was originally set up
Important note
On earlier iOS versions, the "Screen Time" passcode can be bypassed using Face ID or your device passcode. For full protection, make sure you're on the latest version of iOS.
If you would like to continue using an older iOS version, please read this article: Alternative way to prevent disabling “Screen Time Access”
Want to go even further?
Pairing a "Screen Time" passcode with these Roots features makes your setup even more resistant to cheating:
"Monk Mode" - strict blocking that prevents editing in the moment
"Lock Editing" - requires a 12-hour wait before any block changes take effect
"App Uninstall Protection" - prevents deleting Roots while blocking is active
Need more help?
Get personal help from one of our founders here. We know this can be frustrating, and we appreciate your patience. We're happy to assist!