How to Use iOS 12 Screen Time Feature on iPhone and iPad

by

One of the features that I love the most about iOS is the “Parental Control”. Well, this feature was advantageous, and by adding Screen Time, they made it even better. It will now help you to keep track of how much time you spend on your iPhone and also you use Screen time in iOS 12 to restrict some explicit contents. Apple is the best when it comes to innovation and this the right example to connect the dots.

With the new Screen Time in iOS 12 on your iPhone or iPad, you can set App Limit for specific social and games applications from your children, or you can even track the overall usage of your phone. I think this feature will help many in limiting their phone usage. Let’s find out how to use it.

How to Use iOS 12 Screen Time Feature on iPhone and iPad

How to Use Screen Time in iOS 12 on iPhone or iPad

This screen time feature will give you daily and weekly report about the usage of your device. You can also setup screen time for your child, and once you are done setting up it as a parent, you will start receiving reports for your kid. And based on this report, you can apply restrictions for apps, content, and privacy accordingly.

How to Enable Screen Time on iPhone and iPad

By default, Screen Time is turned ON, but if you have turned it off, then you can follow this steps to activate it once again.

Step #1: Launch Settings app → tap on Screen Time.

Step #2: Now, tap on Turn ON Screen time.

Step #3: On the Next screen, you will find two different options: Continue or Setup as Parent.

Step #4: Tap on Continue.

How to Use Screen Time Passcode

You can set Screen Time Passcode to prevent others from making any changes to the Screen Time settings. To do so,

Screen time Passcode will stop others to make changes in the Screen time settings. So it is highly recommended to set a passcode for it.

Step #1: Open Settings app and then tap on Screen Time.

Step #2: Scroll down and tap on Use Screen time Passcode.

Step #3: Enter four digit screen time passcode and re-enter it once again to confirm.

How to Enable Downtime in iOS 12

Now, this is the most exciting feature of the screen time. The downtime feature will allow you to set a schedule for time away from the screen. And once you turn on it, you can only access the apps you have selected and make or receive phone calls.

Also, keep in mind that this downtime feature will automatically get started on all your iOS 12 devices which are synced with the same icloud account.

Step #1: Open Settings app on your iPhone or iPad → Tap on the Screen Time.

Step #2: Now, tap on Downtime and enter the Passcode.

Step #3: Next, Toggle ON Downtime option.

Step #4: Tap on Start and set the time.

Step #5: Tap on End and set the time.

Now, your home screen will get slightly dim, and the apps you have selected will become more bright.

When you open any dimmed App, you will immediately see “Time Limit Reached” Screen along with an option to ignore the restriction on your device. So tap on ignore limit and then choose “Remind me in 15 minutes” or “Ignore the limit for today” → enter the screen time password.

The screen will be normal, once the Downtime is completed and you can start accessing the apps.

If there is any particular app you want to access during Downtime then follow the below-mentioned steps:

Step #1: Open Settings → Screen Time → Always Allowed → Enter the screen time passcode.

Step #2: Choose the app by tapping on the “+” button before the App name.

Just in case if you want to remove the access of few apps, then tap on “-” button and tap on delete.

How to Set App limits in iOS 12

You can set a time limit for particular App categories. Once you set time limit you kid can access those categories App only during the limited time.
So if you don’t want your child to play games or use Apps too much, then set the limit right way.

Unlike Downtime, this App limits feature will automatically start affecting all the iOS 12 devices having the same iCloud account.

Step #1: Go to Settings → Screen Time.

Step #2: Now, tap on App Limits and enter the screen time password.

Step #3: Next, tap on Add Limit.

Step #4: Here you will find multiple categories options like Social Networking, entertainment, games, health & fitness, education and many more.

Step #5: Choose the App categories one by one and tap on Add button.

Step #6. On the next screen, you will need to set time limit.

You can also customize Days and set the time limit once again for that days.

This App limit feature resets every day at midnight, and you will receive notification when you are near to your daily limit.

Moreover, you will also get an option for setting up a reminder in 15 minutes to set up the ignore limit for the day.

How to Enable Content & Privacy Restriction in iOS 12

With this option, you can also customize the content and set privacy restriction for blocking inappropriate content.

Step #1: Open Settings → Screen Time.

Step #2: Now, tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions. Here you will need to enter your Screen Time Passcode.

Step #3. Next, toggle ON Content & Privacy.

Next up, you can make necessary changes based on your requirements. For instance, you will be able to restrict iTunes and App Store purchases, disallow particular content, apps, explicit language.

Here, you can make customization based on your requirements. For example, you can restrict iTunes and App Store purchases, disallow particular content, apps, explicit language, stop location sharing and many more.

Moreover, you will also find an option to stop your kid from increasing or decrease volume and use do not disturb while driving feature.

You will also have an option for setting up Screen Time for your Family. So when you turn it ON you will start receiving reports weeks and set a time limit on your kid’s iOS device.

How to Set Up Screen Time for Family

Note: To use this feature, you will need to enable Family Sharing option.

Step #1: Go to Settings app → Screen Time.

Step #2: Now, tap on Family Member’s name and start setting up the Screen Time for your Family member.

How to Disable Screen Time Passcode

If this whole process you have noticed that you will need to enter Screen Time password every now and then for making any changes to Screen Time Option. So if you don’t want to enter the passcode every time, then you can turn it OFF.

Step #1. Launch Settings app on your device → Tap on Screen Time.

Step #2. Tap on Disable Screen Time Passcode and type the Screen Time Passcode.

How to Clear Screen Time Usage Data

If you want to delete all the reports and existing Screen Time usage data then you can simply remove it by following this steps.

Step #1. Open Settings app → Hit on Screen Time.

Step #2. Tap on Clear Usage Data and enter your Screen Time Passcode and confirm it.

How to Turn Off/ON Screen Time in iOS 12

Just in case you don’t like this feature and at any time you want to disable screen Time, then you can do it simply by turning it OFF.

Step #1. Go to Settings app → Hit on Screen Time option.

Step #2. Tap on Turn off Screen Time and enter your passcode.

Step #3: Finally, tap on Turn Off Screen Time.

At any time you want to enable it again then just go to Screen Time page and tap on “Turn On Screen Time.” And after that, you can select to set it up as Parent.

That’s it!!

Also Read:

Liked this guide? Share your views about this iOS 12 parental control with us in the comments section below. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Google Plus for more interesting updates.

Related Posts

Leave a Comment