Fix Time Zone Cannot be Set Manually Due to Device Restrictions

If you're encountering the "Time zone cannot be set manually due to device restrictions" error on your iPhone, follow these detailed solutions to resolve the issue:

Preliminary Steps​

• Ensure Latest iOS Version:​

  • Open Settings.
  • Navigate to General > Software Update.
  • If an update is available, download and install it.
• Restart Your iPhone:
  • Refer to Apple’s guide on how to restart your iPhone or iPad.

If the issue persists, proceed with the following advanced solutions.

1. Turn Off Screen Time’s Share Across Devices​

• Go to Settings.
• Tap Screen Time.
• Scroll down to Share Across Devices and toggle it off.
• Navigate to General > Date & Time to check if you can manually change the date and time.

Explanation: Turning off Screen Time’s Share Across Devices helps because your device’s time might be locked to ensure consistent reporting across all devices.

2. Turn Off Screen Time Passcode​

• Go to Settings.
• Tap Screen Time.
• Select Change Screen Time Passcode.
• Tap Turn Off Screen Time Passcode.
• Enter the current Screen Time passcode to disable it.
• Check General > Date & Time to see if the error is resolved.

Explanation: Disabling the Screen Time passcode ensures that manual date and time changes are not blocked by Screen Time restrictions.

3. Turn Off Screen Time Altogether​

• Open Settings.
• Tap Screen Time.
• Scroll down and select Turn off Screen Time.
• Enter your Screen Time Passcode.
• Navigate to General > Date & Time to test if you can now set the time manually.

Explanation: Turning off Screen Time completely removes any restrictions it might impose on changing the date and time manually.

4. Disable Location Services​

• Open Settings.
• Tap Privacy & Security.
• Select Location Services and toggle it off.
• Go to General > Date & Time to check if you can set the time manually.

Explanation: Disabling Location Services can help as your iPhone uses its location to set the time zone automatically, which might be causing the restriction.

5. Check Carrier Settings​

• Open Settings.
• Navigate to General > About.
• Wait for about 1 minute to allow your device to check for carrier updates.
• If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to update.
• If the issue persists, contact your carrier for further assistance.

Explanation: Some carriers restrict manual time zone changes. Updating carrier settings or consulting with your carrier can resolve this issue.

6. Restore to Factory Settings​

• Backup Your iPhone:
  • Use iCloud or iTunes to back up your data.
• Erase All Content and Settings:
  • Open Settings.
  • Navigate to General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
  • Enter your Apple ID and passcode as prompted.
  • Follow on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Explanation: Restoring your device to factory settings can eliminate any software-related restrictions or bugs causing the issue.

Additional Tips​

• Set Date and Time Automatically:
  • Open Settings.
  • Go to General > Date & Time.
  • Turn on Set Automatically.
• Check for Profiles or VPN:
  • Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management.
  • Remove any profiles or VPNs that might impose restrictions.

These solutions should help you resolve the "Time zone cannot be set manually due to device restrictions" error on your iPhone. By following these steps, you can ensure that your device’s date and time settings are adjusted as needed.