How to Fix Screen Time App Limits not Working
There are a few problems that people inevitably run into when using Apple Screen Time app limits. For example, screen time app limits don't work properly or can be easily bypassed. Furthermore, some apps completely stop working when screen time is enabled.
Screen Time App Limits don't apply to the Mobile Website
If you've blocked an app, it's important to also block the web version that you could visit in Safari.
For example, you could use the Facebook app, hit your App Limit, then simply switch over to Safari and go to facebook.com. The mobile browser experience is similar to the app downloaded from the App Store.
There are a few different ways you might try tackling this, and we explore several options in our dedicated guide for blocking websites on iPhone .
Apps Eventually Stop Working when using Screen Time
A common, but less understood issue with Screen Time is that apps often stop working after a while.
This is probably related to the Screen Time feature that prevents installing apps, which will disable the iPhone app store .
When the app store is disabled with screen time, apps stop updating. Apps need to be updated in order to continue working properly.
This workaround for this is as follows;
- Unlock screen time and allow installing apps
- Open the app store and run updates
- Go back to screen time and prevent installing apps, then lock screen time
Screen Time Usages Stats Not Updating
There are rare cases where Screen Time isn't updating your iPhone's usage stats. This is more often a problem for parents who've set up Apple Family Sharing for their children, but the issue could still affect self-managing Screen Time users.
If you're a parent who can't see your child's Screen Time Activity with Apple Family...
Your child's activity should start updating correctly.
If you're an adult who can't view their own Screen Time Activity...
It may take a few minutes for the Screen Time activity to update correctly afterwards.
If this still doesn't work, then ensure that Share Across Devices is disabled and see if the issue persists.
Screen Time Isn't Restricting Apps
If apps aren't being properly blocked or restricted by Screen Time:
Check the App's Age rating on the App Store
If you've tried to restrict an app using age ratings, then it's worth double-checking what the app's rating is what you expect.
You might need to select a lower age rating. The App Store occasionally updates the age rating of an app as it updates.
Confirm if you have an App Limit set
If you're trying to block an app using App Limits, keep in mind that the lowest time limit you can set for apps on Screen Time is one minute. That means you'll be able to access the app you're trying to block for an entire minute before it is blocked, even if you've taken the proper steps.
Consider trying these options instead:
- If the app you're trying to block is internet-connected, prevent it from connecting to the internet with a Content Policy
- Block apps using an Apple Config Generator
Going Further with Bypass Prevention
When it comes to using built in iPhone parental controls like Screen Time, it's clear that there are many weaknesses that need to be accounted for. This is why I've found that a Blocking System that considers multiple factors is a better approach.
Here's what I mean by that:
- Screen Time is fairly easy to bypass, especially if you are self-managing.
- When dealing with addicting aspects of the internet, like endless scrolling social media feeds, some people are highly motivated to get around Screen Time to access the addictive content. This creates challenges for any blocking system.
Apple provides a better alternative to Screen Time with device management. This approach is powerful, but can be confusing to set up by yourself. We've made step-by-step device management guides available to Tech Lockdown members.