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How to Set Up Screen Time on iPhone

Tap each step to see how to set up Screen Time on your iPhone.

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Screen Time

    Open the Settings app and tap Screen Time.

  2. Tap "Turn On Screen Time"

    If this is your first time, tap "Turn On Screen Time" to activate the feature.

  3. Check your usage by app

    On the Screen Time screen, view a graph of today's or this week's usage broken down by app and category.

  4. Set a daily limit under "App Limits"

    Set a daily time limit for a specific app or category; it automatically locks once the limit is reached.

  5. Why is this useful?

    You can see exactly how much time you spend on which apps, and set limits when you want to change that habit yourself.

Most People Underestimate Their Own Screen Time

Before setting any limits, simply checking your Screen Time report for a week is often the most useful step β€” most people are surprised by how the numbers add up once app usage is broken down by category.

Combine Limits with Downtime for Better Results

App Limits work well on their own, but pairing them with the Downtime feature β€” which restricts most apps outside hours you set β€” gives you a more complete way to protect time for sleep, work, or focus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the app become completely unusable once the limit is up?

The app locks when time runs out, but you can tap "Ignore Limit" to allow a bit more time for that day. If you want a hard stop, you can lock Screen Time settings behind a passcode so it cannot be bypassed.

Can I check Screen Time for other family members?

Yes, if you set up Family Sharing, you can view and manage Screen Time for children or other connected family members from your own device.