Apple has officially announced the Screen Time functionality for iPhone with iOS 12. Screen Time keeps you informed about the time spent in apps or the types of apps. If you manage their devices, you can also see how much time your kids are spending on apps, websites, and more. Based on this data, you can set a time limit for usage, set communication limits for a specific contact, exclude certain apps and contacts from limitations, and more. You should use the Screen Time Passcode option to secure Screen Time settings.
Screen Time functionality works on all devices using the same iCloud account. For example, if you set one hour time limit for PUBG game on iPhone and iPad, Screen Time will calculate a total hour for both devices connected with a single iCloud account. To understand how Screen Time Passcode works, you need to check all Screen Time functions and set them accordingly. After that, you can use the Screen Time Passcode to change them, secure the settings and remove the time limit in certain scenarios. Here’s how to do this.
Screen Time Functions
downtime
Downtime allows you to set a schedule for time spent away from the screen. During the downtime, only the apps and phone calls you choose to allow will be available.
You can customize the days and add duration for the downtime. I mostly keep it from 1am to 6am and only allow basic apps like Phone, Messages, FaceTime and WhatsApp.
Application Limits
You can set time limits for a category or a specific app. Apple categorizes apps as Social Networking, Games, Entertainment, Creativity, Education, Productivity, Health, and Reading. You can also set a limit for certain websites.
I have limited my gaming usage to one hour per day using the Screen Time functionality.
Communication Limits
You can also set a communication limit for communication. Apple also allows you to set Communication limits during downtime. Unfortunately, it will not work with third-party apps. The limit only applies to phone, FaceTime and Messages.
As I mentioned, by default, all data is shared between Apple devices using the same iCloud/Apple ID. You can also turn off the option.
Now that you’ve set everything up in the Screen Time menu, you might want to secure it with a passcode so a stranger or your child doesn’t get infected. And this is where Screen Time Passcode comes into play.
Follow the steps below to set the Screen Time Passcode correctly.
Stage 1: Open the Settings app on iPhone.
Step 2: Go to Screen Time and select Set Screen Time Passcode.
Stage 3: Add a four-digit password and confirm again.
Step 4: Authenticate yourself with Apple ID credentials. This step allows you to reset the Apple ID password in case you forget it.
Where Can You Use a Screen Time Passcode?
You cannot use Screen Time Passcode to unlock iPhone. Screen Time Passcode is strictly for making any changes in Screen Time menu.
In the following scenarios, the iOS system will ask for the Screen Time Passcode for verification.
- When you try to change the Downtimes or disable the option altogether
- When you try to change App limit timing from Screen Time option
- When you want to disable Share Screen Devices option
- When a user wants to change Communication limits
These scenarios are related to toggling/changing Screen Time options from the Settings app. When you try to extend the time limit of a particular app or game, the system will ask for the Screen Time Passcode.
Let’s say you add a one hour time limit for PUBG. Now, after an hour the app icon is greyed out. If you try to open the game anyway, the system will ask for the Screen Time Passcode before allowing you to play the game.
Use Screen Time Passcode with Family Sharing
Family Sharing makes it easy for up to six family members to share App Store purchases and Apple subscriptions, including an iCloud storage plan; all without sharing an Apple ID. It includes the ability to create an Apple ID for kids, set Screen Time and remote permissions, and approve purchases and downloads from a parent’s device.
To set up Screen Time for Family, you can open the Settings app and go to Screen Time > Set Screen Time for Family. The system will ask you to add your child’s Apple account to the device.
Remove Screen Time Password
You can remove the Screen Time Passcode after a certain period of time. People usually remove the device after selling it. To remove Screen Time Passcode, you can open Settings app on iPhone and go to Screen Time menu.
Now, tap Change Screen Time Passcode and select Turn Off Screen Time Passcode. Authenticate yourself with Screen Time Passcode and it will remove Passcode.
Keep Your iPhone Safe
Apple’s Screen Time functionality is feature rich and offers better controls for managing your device and toddlers. You will not want anyone to change the settings. Use Screen Time Passcode to secure settings and extend apps time limit.
Next: Is your iPhone stuck at 80% battery charge? Read the post to understand the behavior and the way to fix it.
