Screen Time not working? 8 fixes for limits and reports
Most Screen Time problems come from a limit that only warns instead of blocks, or a device that is not syncing.
The fix
8 fixes, in order
- 1
Turn on Block at End of Limit.
Settings › Screen Time › App Limits › [limit].
- 2
Use a Screen Time passcode.
Settings › Screen Time › Lock Screen Time Settings. Pick a code your child does not know.
- 3
Set date and time automatically on the child’s device.
- 4
Turn on Share Across Devices.
Settings › Screen Time on each device.
- 5
Check iCloud sign-in on both devices.
- 6
Update iOS on both devices.
- 7
Restart both devices.
- 8
Turn Screen Time off and on.
You may need to set limits again afterward.
Frequently asked questions
Why can my child ignore Screen Time limits?
If Block at End of Limit is off, the limit only shows a warning with an Ignore Limit button. Turn it on for each limit, and set a Screen Time passcode your child does not know.
Why doesn’t Screen Time show my child’s usage?
Their device must have Share Across Devices on, be signed in to iCloud and be online. Usage can take a while to appear.
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