Pinfinder

After updating to iOS 12, many users have found that the new Screen Time feature is blocked by a passcode they don’t remember setting. It seems that Apple uses your old Restrictions code, which may have been configured a long time ago and has since been forgotten.

Pinfinder is a tiny command-line program that can scan for local iTunes backups and retrieve your lost Restrictions passcode. It will work with any backup you have created before or after updating to iOS 12.

It seems that users who have ever enabled Restrictions or Guided Access, and therefore provided a 4-digit passcode, will be asked to enter the same code when attempting to use the iOS 12 Screen Time feature.

Needless to say, it is easy to forget this passcode when you already have to remember your PIN. Thankfully, the code is also stored in local iTunes backups that you have created, and it can be recovered.

Of course, this program can only help you if you actually have an iTunes backup stored on your PC. You can go ahead and create a new one if none are available.

While this is a command-line utility, it could not be easier to use. Just launch the executable file and let the program scan for local iTunes backups. All the recovered codes will be listed in the Command Prompt window.

Pinfinder can prove helpful for both iOS 12 users and those who haven’t yet updated their devices, as long as they have local iTunes backups stored on their PCs. It will retrieve your Restrictions passcode in seconds, allowing you to disable the feature or access Screen Time after moving to iOS 12.