- \n
- Key Points<\/a><\/li>\n
- What is Screen Time on an iPhone?<\/a><\/li>\n
- Screen Time Guidelines for Kids and Teens<\/a><\/li>\n
- How to Use Apple\u2019s Screen Time on iPhone or iPad?<\/a>\n
- \n
- How to Set Family Sharing on iPhone?<\/a><\/li>\n
- How to Check Screen Time on iPhone?<\/a><\/li>\n
- How to Limit Screen Time on iPhone?<\/a><\/li>\n
- How to Establish Content and Privacy Restrictions?<\/a><\/li>\n
- How to Set Restrictions for Specific Apps?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- Best Apps for Screen Time Control<\/a>\n
- \n
- Findmykids<\/a><\/li>\n
- Kids360<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- Screen Time App Comparison: Which Tool Fits Your Family Best?<\/a><\/li>\n
- Discipline in Action: What Parents Face and What Works<\/a>\n
- \n
- User Experiences<\/a><\/li>\n
- What to Do If Your Child\u2026<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- FAQs<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Key Points<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2023\/10\/shutterstock_1108402127-1.jpg\")
OHishiapply\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n
Whether you want to protect your kids from viewing explicit content, limit how much time you spend on social media, or even make sure that your mini multiplayer games fan doesn\u2019t get eye strain from all their virtual adventuring, taking steps to reduce or rebalance screen time is the answer.<\/p>\n
Here are the steps to take to limit or control the amount of time your family members spend on their Apple iPhone screens:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Ensure your Apple ID and password aren\u2019t known by your child.<\/li>\n
- Check the settings on your child\u2019s account and turn on parental controls to filter or block inappropriate content, apps, and sites as necessary.<\/li>\n
- Activate the Screen Time and Downtime features on your and your child\u2019s iPhone.<\/li>\n
- Use a parental control app to, for example, choose apps your child can access via an allowed apps list, view information on their most used apps, receive real-time reports, get notifications based on specific searches, and set content privacy restrictions\u00a0(for example, restricting sensitive photos).<\/span><\/li>\n
- Designate allowed iCloud contacts to limit who your child can communicate with via phone calls and text messages.<\/li>\n
- Speak openly with your child about the potential dangers of the online <\/span>world<\/span> and how to stay safe from them <\/span>during any kind of online activity.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
What is Screen Time on an iPhone?<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2021\/08\/Apple-Iphone-XS-Space-Gray-Display-Screen-Time-of-Social-Media-Using.jpg\")
Cristian Dina\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n
The Screen Time feature was unveiled in 2018 when iOS 12was launched. Using this feature, you can monitor how much time you\u2019ve spent on your phone and manage your and your children\u2019s daily screen time on different apps. As an alternative, you could use the Downtime feature to limit access to just a few apps.<\/p>\n
These features and tools have continued to expand through newer iOS versions. Several new actions are now possible, including limiting access to content by grouping apps, websites, and app categories and receiving weekly graph reports on your children\u2019s screen time. With this, you can effectively help ensure your child\u2019s safety while using their device and guard against tech addiction.<\/p>\n
By upgrading, you can even control who can contact you and your kids via calls, SMS, or any video calling applications. This keeps you and your children safe from spam messages, malicious calls, and the like.<\/p>\n
Screen Time Guidelines for Kids and Teens<\/h2>\n
Before setting up Screen Time controls, it helps to understand what healthy screen habits actually look like for children at different ages. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests these limits based on the child\u2019s age:<\/p>\n
- \n
- For children aged 2 to 5 years<\/strong>: Limit screen use to 1 hour per day of high-quality content, with adult supervision.<\/li>\n
- For children 6 years and older<\/strong>: Be consistent with time limits and make sure screen use doesn\u2019t interfere with sleep, physical activity, and other healthy behaviors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
For teens and preteens, it\u2019s important to prioritize balance, encourage unplugged time, and maintain open family discussions about digital habits, as too much screen time can be detrimental. For more detailed recommendations, visit AAP Screen Time Guidelines<\/a> and World Health Organization Guidelines<\/a>. With the right approach to enable screen time boundaries, you can make sure your child spends quality time both online and offline.<\/p>\n
If your child has an Apple device, you likely want to know how to limit their screen time. It is easy for everyone (especially kids) to lose track of time when on their phones. This can negatively affect their schoolwork, social life, sleep, and even their mood.<\/p>\n
How to Use Apple\u2019s Screen Time on iPhone or iPad?<\/h2>\n
If you\u2019re not a digital whizz or a techy person, then you may be wondering how to set up the iPhone Screen Time. <\/span>Apple’s screen time feature<\/span> is a great way to eliminate the pleas of \u201cone more minute!\u201d from the kids when you tell them it\u2019s time to get off their screens and do something else.<\/span><\/p>\n
To help you out, here are the things you can do on the app, together with a step-by-step process to turn on Screen Time and get started with the parental controls.<\/p>\n
How to Set Family Sharing on iPhone?<\/h3>\n
Setting up Family Sharing is necessary if you want to adjust privacy settings and other parental control options on your child\u2019s device. Here\u2019s a short guide on using Family Sharing on your phones:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Enter Settings<\/strong> and choose your Apple account settings.<\/li>\n
- Click on the <\/span>Family<\/b> and follow the on-screen instructions to set up your family group<\/span>.
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/10\/How-to-Set-Family-Sharing-on-iPhone_-1024x683.png\")
<\/li>\n- Tap<\/span> Add member<\/b> in the<\/span> upper-right<\/span> corner.<\/span><\/li>\n
- If you need to create an account for your child, you can do that now.
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2024\/10\/How-to-Set-Family-Sharing-on-iPhone_-2-1-1-1010x1024.png\")
<\/li>\n- Connect the devices. Make sure you set a separate Screen Time passcode on each device for extra safety. Starting in iOS 16 and later, Family Sharing setup steps have been streamlined and are available under iCloud settings.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
How to Check Screen Time on iPhone?<\/h3>\n
If you haven\u2019t enabled the Screen Time feature yet, here\u2019s how to do it:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Keep your iPhone updated to the latest iOS. Go to <\/span>Settings<\/b> \u2192<\/span> General<\/b> \u2192<\/span> About<\/b>. If you need an update, go to <\/span>General<\/b> \u2192<\/span> Software update<\/b> and install it.<\/span>
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2021\/08\/Group-1-1.png\")
<\/li>\n- Go to <\/span>Settings<\/b>, <\/span>Screen Time<\/b>, and <\/span>tap to<\/span> enable this feature. Read what\u2019s presented to you on the screen, then tap <\/span>Continue<\/b>. You will then be asked if the update is for you or your child. Select the option that applies.<\/span>
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2021\/08\/Group-2-1.png\")
<\/li>\n- We suggest using the passcode screen by clicking on the <\/span>Use Screen Time Passcode<\/b> to set a strong access phrase.<\/span><\/li>\n
- If you have more than one iPhone, you may want to turn on the <\/span>Share Across Devices<\/b> feature to track your activity on all of these gadgets.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
To check your or your kid\u2019s hours spent on the screen, the Screen Time app can be found in the iPhone settings. On the main screen, turn on Screen Time, and you\u2019ll be shown a daily average count at the top of the screen in the form of a graph. This graph shows how much time the phone owner spent online on that day.<\/p>\n
If the amount of screen time surprises you and you\u2019d like to drill down further, just below the graph, you will find a <\/span>See All Activity<\/b> button. This shows you a breakdown of all the apps used during this period and <\/span>how long each was<\/span> used.<\/span><\/p>\n
How to Limit Screen Time on iPhone?<\/h3>\n
Screen time quickly adds up when we spend it on non-essential activities like social media. If you want to create a healthier balance, follow these steps to limit usage.<\/span><\/p>\n
Turn On Downtime<\/strong><\/h4>\n
The Downtime feature is used to set certain time periods when you won\u2019t use your phone. It\u2019s often a good idea to set these <\/span>times during<\/span> the evening when it\u2019s time for sleep and during the hours of work or school. When this feature is enabled, only pre-designated apps will open.<\/span><\/p>\n
Here is how to create a Downtime on your iPhone:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Navigate to <\/span>Settings<\/b> \u2192 <\/span>Screen Time<\/b>.<\/span><\/li>\n
- In <\/span>Screen Time<\/b>, <\/span>tap<\/span> Downtime<\/b>, then turn the <\/span>toggle on<\/span>. You will know that it\u2019s enabled when the switch turns green.<\/span>
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2021\/08\/Group-3-2.png\")
<\/li>\n- Set the time for when you want Downtime to start and end in the relevant areas.<\/li>\n
- Next, return to <\/span>Screen Time<\/b>,<\/span> and select the<\/span> Always Allowed <\/b>button. This will open a page with a list of apps automatically enabled for use even during Downtime\u2014phone, messages, maps, and FaceTime included.<\/span>
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2021\/08\/Group-3-1-1.png\")
<\/li>\n- If you want certain applications to be allowed even during Downtime, scroll through the app list and click on the green plus icon to make it an allowed app. To remove it, click the red button on the left side.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Note:<\/b> As of iOS 17, you can now schedule multiple Downtime periods per day, a long-requested improvement over the single-block limit from earlier iOS versions.<\/span><\/p>\n
Set App Limits on App Categories<\/strong><\/h4>\n
This feature prevents users from using <\/span>multiple categories<\/span> of apps for extended periods of time. Basically, this reminds the user when they\u2019ve gone over the designated time limit for a particular app. However, it does allow a minimal extension to this time, or you can simply <\/span>ignore it for individual apps.<\/span><\/p>\n
Here is how to set app limits to app categories:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Go to <\/span>Settings <\/b>\u2192<\/span> Screen Time<\/b>, and <\/span>tap <\/span>App Limits<\/b>. <\/span>Y<\/span>ou\u2019ll be brought to a screen with an <\/span>Add Limit<\/b> button; <\/span>tap it to set limits.<\/span>
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2021\/08\/Group-4-1.png\")
<\/li>\n- Now you will see a list of app categories on the screen. To <\/span>select multiple categories,<\/span> click on one of the circles on the left of a particular category. When finished, click on <\/span>Add<\/b> in the upper right corner to proceed.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Next, use the wheel to set a time limit for every app category you\u2019ve added. You can choose from a few minutes to hours.
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2021\/08\/Group-5-1.png\")
<\/li>\n- Return to the <\/span>App Limits<\/b> page, and you\u2019ll see new limits on the list. To make changes, tap on these limits and make the necessary alterations. To delete, select the red <\/span>Delete Limit<\/b> button.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Instead of setting app limits for app categories, you may also apply different limits for specific apps only. Here are the steps to do so:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Scroll down the Screen Time page until you find the Most Used section. Select this, and you should see a list of applications that you use most frequently.
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2021\/08\/Group-6-1.png\")
<\/li>\n - Choose the app you want to set a timer for, then click on the Add Limit button at the bottom of the screen.
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2021\/08\/Group-7-1.png\")
<\/li>\n - Use the wheel to set the number of minutes or hours you\u2019re \u201callowed\u201d to use the app.<\/li>\n
- Afterwards, click on the Add button in the upper right corner of your screen, and you should now see a new limit on the limit list.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Set A Screen Time Passcode<\/strong><\/h4>\n
If you want to keep your Screen Time information secure and private, then you may want to set up a Screen Time Passcode<\/span>. To do so, here are the steps:<\/p>\n
- \n
- On <\/span>Screen Time<\/b>, tap on the blue-colored <\/span>Use Screen Time Passcode<\/b> at the bottom of the page.<\/span>
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2021\/08\/Group-8-1.png\")
<\/li>\n- Create a dedicated passcode and re-enter it twice to confirm. <\/span>If you forget your Screen Time passcode, Apple now allows passcode recovery using your Apple ID on devices running iOS 17 and later.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
How to Establish Content and Privacy Restrictions?<\/h3>\n
This feature allows you to control what types of content you or your children can <\/span>access, including<\/span> websites, media, and apps. This way, you can protect your children from sensitive and inappropriate websites, including preventing access to adult content.<\/span><\/p>\n
Here is how to set content and privacy restrictions <\/span>on your child’s iPhone or iPad:<\/span><\/p>\n
- \n
- Go to the <\/span>Settings<\/b> \u2192 <\/span>Screen Time<\/b>, choose your child\u2019s account under the Family section, then tap<\/span> Content and Privacy Restrictions<\/b> and turn it on.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Next, click on<\/span> iTunes and App Store Purchases<\/b> to either block or enable app installation, deletion, and purchases\u2014this can prevent your kids from inadvertently (or deliberately!) buying updates for games. You may also require a passcode for in-app purchases if preferred.<\/span>
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2021\/08\/Group-10-1.png\")
<\/li>\n- Go back to the Content and Privacy Restrictions page and open the <\/span>Allowed Apps<\/b>. When opened, you should see a list of enabled apps on the screen. Turn off the apps you want to disable, and the app will completely disappear from the Home Screen. Turning it on again will return it to the home screen.<\/span>
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2021\/08\/Group-11-2.png\")
<\/li>\n- Now return to the previous page and select <\/span>Content Restrictions<\/b>. Make the necessary restrictions based on different criteria, such as movie ratings available on the iStore and the like. The <\/span>Web Content<\/b> feature allows you to block access to adult websites. To delete certain sites with unwanted types of content, <\/span>just tap Web Content, <\/span>drag the name to the left, and click <\/span>Delete<\/b>.<\/span>
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2021\/08\/Group-11-1-1.png\")
<\/li>\n- Lastly, the <\/span>Allow Changes<\/b> section gives you the ability to set limits on phone volume, cellular data usage, etc.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
How to Set Restrictions for Specific Apps?<\/h3>\n
If you want to not only control excessive screen time on your child’s iPhone, but also set screen time limits for specific apps, here’s what to do:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Go to the <\/span>Settings<\/b> app <\/span>\u2192<\/span> tap <\/span>Screen Time <\/b>\u2192 choose child\u2019s accoun<\/span>t<\/span>.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Find <\/span>App Limits<\/b> and tap on <\/span>Add Limit<\/b>.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Next, click on<\/span> iTunes and App Store Purchases<\/b> to either block or enable app installation, deletion, and purchases\u2014this can prevent your kids from inadvertently (or deliberately!) buying updates for games. You may also require a passcode for in-app purchases if preferred.<\/span>
- Create a dedicated passcode and re-enter it twice to confirm. <\/span>If you forget your Screen Time passcode, Apple now allows passcode recovery using your Apple ID on devices running iOS 17 and later.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- On <\/span>Screen Time<\/b>, tap on the blue-colored <\/span>Use Screen Time Passcode<\/b> at the bottom of the page.<\/span>
- Now you will see a list of app categories on the screen. To <\/span>select multiple categories,<\/span> click on one of the circles on the left of a particular category. When finished, click on <\/span>Add<\/b> in the upper right corner to proceed.<\/span><\/li>\n
- In <\/span>Screen Time<\/b>, <\/span>tap<\/span> Downtime<\/b>, then turn the <\/span>toggle on<\/span>. You will know that it\u2019s enabled when the switch turns green.<\/span>
- Go to <\/span>Settings<\/b>, <\/span>Screen Time<\/b>, and <\/span>tap to<\/span> enable this feature. Read what\u2019s presented to you on the screen, then tap <\/span>Continue<\/b>. You will then be asked if the update is for you or your child. Select the option that applies.<\/span>
- Click on the <\/span>Family<\/b> and follow the on-screen instructions to set up your family group<\/span>.
- For children 6 years and older<\/strong>: Be consistent with time limits and make sure screen use doesn\u2019t interfere with sleep, physical activity, and other healthy behaviors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- What to Do If Your Child\u2026<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- Kids360<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- How to Check Screen Time on iPhone?<\/a><\/li>\n
- What is Screen Time on an iPhone?<\/a><\/li>\n