Nintendo 3DS Guide – Reset Parental Controls Without a PIN - 2025

I just got a Nintendo 3DS in stock from a customer. As I was testing the console, I went to format the system and suddenly got the message: “Content is restricted by Parental Controls.”

Updated October 2025

The Table of Contents

Before You Start

What You'll Need:

• Your Nintendo 3DS console with power
• Pen and paper to write down the Inquiry Number
• Internet access (computer or phone)
• $0.50 for official method OR use free tool at your own risk

Time needed: 5-10 minutes

Note: Only for parents who may have forgotten their PIN, or resellers with legitimately acquired stock for their resale. Use responsibly and only on the devices belonging to you and the ones authorized to be reset.

Step 1: Trigger the Inquiry Number

• Enter a random PIN code three times. After the third attempt, the system tells you to go to Parental Controls and enter the password for your  secret question. When it asks for your answer, tap “I Forgot.”

Now you’ll see an Inquiry Number on the screen. This number is what you’ll need to reset the Parental Controls.

• For example, my console displayed this Inquiry Number: 13441 97925

• Be sure to write it down somewhere before moving forward.

Step 2: Choose a Reset Option

You have two ways to get a Master Key (the unlock code) that removes parental restrictions.

Option 1 – Nintendo’s Official Reset Tool

• Visit Nintendo’s official Parental Controls Reset page.
• Follow the five on-screen steps, enter your Inquiry Number, and it will generate a Master Key.
• There’s a small service charge (around $0.50), but it’s quick and official.

Option 2 – Free Method - Click Here For Master Key Generator

• • ⚠️ IMPORTANT: This is an unofficial, third-party tool NOT affiliated with or endorsed by Nintendo.
• 
  
  • Recommendation: We recommend using Nintendo's official tool (Option 1) for $0.50. It's more reliable, supports Nintendo's services, and ensures you're following official procedures.
• 
  
  • Potential Risks: No guarantee of reliability, no official support from Nintendo, you're entering device information on an external website, and may violate Nintendo's Terms of Service.
• 
  
  • By proceeding: You understand this is unofficial, use it at your own risk, accept full responsibility for any consequences, and are using this tool for legitimate purposes on a device you own or have authorization to reset.

Here is How to Use the Free Method

• Step 1: Enter Device Type
  • Select Nintendo 3DS as your device type.

• Step 2: Find Your System Date 
  • Open your Nintendo 3DS System Settings 
  • Click Other Settings 
  • Click the Date & Time button 
  • Press today's date – the console will display the registered date 
  • Enter this date in the form (Example: October 23, 2025)

• Step 3: Additional Data
  • Leave this field blank.

• Step 4: Enter Inquiry Number
  • Enter your inquiry number: 13441 97925
  • Step 5: Generate Master Key
  • Click Go and your master key will appear at the top of the screen.

Step 3: Enter the Master Key

Once you have the Master Key:

1. Go back to Parental Controls on your 3DS.
2. Select “I Forgot” again when it asks for your secret answer.
3. Confirm the Inquiry Number.
4. When prompted, enter your Master Key.

You should see a confirmation message: “Master Key Confirmed.”
Press OK, then set a new PIN and secret question.

Step 4: Optional – Clear or Reformat the System

If you plan to reformat the 3DS or completely remove Parental Controls:

• Set a simple generic PIN like 1111 and a random secret answer.
• Then go to System Settings > Other Settings > Format System Memory.
• Enter your generic PIN, and the console will format normally.

If you just want to delete Parental Controls without formatting:

System Settings > Parental Controls > Change > Enter PIN > Clear Settings.

Final Thoughts

It’s always a good idea to write down your PIN and secret answer before selling or trading your Nintendo 3DSs console. That’ll save the next owner a headache, and you from extra troubleshooting later on. We have other articles that will save you time, ever wondered how to identify counterfeit 3DS games?

Frequently Asked Questions: