iPhone Screen Time Not Working - How to Fix

Without a passcode, anyone can change settings:

1. Settings → Screen Time
2. Tap Lock Screen Time Settings
3. Create a 4-digit passcode
4. Use a code your child doesn't know!

Tip: Don't use your iPhone passcode — kids often know it.

Manage Screen Time remotely from your device:

1. Set up Family Sharing if you haven't
2. Settings → Screen Time → [Child's Name]
3. Configure limits from YOUR device
4. Child can't change settings without your approval

This prevents kids from resetting their own Screen Time.

Wrong time zone can mess up Downtime:

1. Settings → General → Date & Time
2. Enable Set Automatically
3. Verify the time zone is correct

By default, limits can be bypassed — change this:

1. Settings → Screen Time → App Limits
2. Tap an existing limit or create new one
3. Enable Block at End of Limit
4. This prevents "Ignore Limit" option

Make sure Downtime is set up correctly:

1. Settings → Screen Time → Downtime
2. Toggle Scheduled ON
3. Set your desired start/end times
4. Enable Block at Downtime
5. Choose which days (Every Day or Customize Days)

Check what's bypassing your limits:

1. Settings → Screen Time → Always Allowed
2. Review the list of allowed apps
3. Remove apps that shouldn't bypass limits
4. Keep only essential apps like Phone and Messages

Reset Screen Time if it's glitching:

1. Settings → Screen Time
2. Scroll down, tap Turn Off Screen Time
3. Confirm
4. Turn Screen Time back ON
5. Reconfigure your settings

Note: You'll lose your usage history.

For stronger parental controls:

1. Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions
2. Toggle it ON
3. Configure iTunes & App Store Purchases
4. Set Allowed Apps (disable Safari, Camera, etc.)
5. Configure Content Restrictions for age-appropriate content

Watch out for these tricks:

• Changing date/time — Disable manual date setting
• Deleting and reinstalling apps — Disable app installation
• Using Siri — Restrict Siri in Content Restrictions
• iMessage apps — These bypass Safari limits
• Screen recording limits — Use a Family Sharing child account

Apple regularly fixes Screen Time bugs:

• Settings → General → Software Update
• Update to the latest iOS version
• Screen Time has improved significantly since iOS 12

If you forgot your Screen Time passcode:

1. Settings → Screen Time
2. Tap Change Screen Time Passcode
3. Tap Forgot Passcode?
4. Sign in with your Apple ID
5. Create a new passcode

This requires iOS 13.4 or later.