iPhone Screen Time Not Working - How to Fix
Screen Time limits not enforcing? Kids bypassing restrictions? Fix parental controls and app limits.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This costs you nothing extra and helps keep this site free.
⚡ Protect Your Screen — Cheaper Than Repair
A quality case + screen protector is 5% the cost of one screen replacement.
Survives 6-foot concrete drops — saves you a $200+ screen bill
9H tempered glass — first line of defense against cracks
Microfiber + brush + alcohol wipes
64 bits, pro-grade — for serious DIY repair only
Without a passcode, anyone can change settings:
- Settings → Screen Time
- Tap Lock Screen Time Settings
- Create a 4-digit passcode
- Use a code your child doesn't know!
Tip: Don't use your iPhone passcode — kids often know it.
🛠️ Tools You'll Need
- Pentalobe P2 Screwdriver
- Tri-Point Y000 Screwdriver
- Phillips #000 Screwdriver
- Suction Cup
- Plastic Opening Picks (3+)
- Plastic Spudger
- Heat Gun or Hair Dryer
- Replacement Screen Assembly
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
📋 Difficulty & Time
🔧 Replace the Screen: Step by Step
Step 1: Power Off & Prepare Workspace
Power the iPhone off completely. Set up a clean, well-lit workspace on a non-static surface (a microfiber cloth on a desk works). Have screw organizers ready.
Step 2: Remove Bottom Pentalobe Screws
Two pentalobe P2 screws at the bottom edge, one on each side of the Lightning/USB-C port. Keep these in a labeled section — they're essential for water resistance.
Step 3: Apply Heat Around the Screen Edges
Use a heat gun (low setting) or hair dryer to warm the perimeter for 1–2 minutes per side. The display adhesive is strong — heat softens it.
Step 4: Create Initial Gap with Suction Cup
Apply suction cup to the bottom-center of the screen. Pull upward steadily while pressing down on the aluminum frame. Listen for the adhesive to release.
Step 5: Insert Picks — Bottom and LEFT Side Only
Slide thin plastic picks into the gap. Work along the bottom and LEFT side. The RIGHT side has display ribbon cables — DO NOT pry there or you'll damage them.
Step 6: Lift Screen Like a Book
Open the screen upward at 90°. The ribbon cables are still attached — do not pull harder.
Step 7: Disconnect the Battery FIRST
Remove the bracket over the battery connector (2–3 tri-point Y000 screws), then gently lift the connector with a spudger. This prevents short-circuits when you disconnect the screen.
Step 8: Disconnect the Display Ribbon Cables
Remove the bracket over the display connectors at the top. Carefully lift each ribbon cable with a plastic spudger. Note the order — there are usually 3 (front sensors, OLED panel, digitizer).
Step 9: Transfer Components from Old Screen
Front camera assembly, earpiece speaker, and (on Face ID phones) the True Depth camera have to move from the old screen to the new one. Failing to transfer the original IC chip = Face ID stops working forever.
Step 10: Install New Screen + Reconnect
Reverse: connect display ribbons → bracket → battery connector → bracket. Test BEFORE sealing — boot the device and verify touch + display work.
Step 11: Apply New Adhesive + Seal
Most replacement kits include adhesive strips. Apply along the perimeter, then close the screen by aligning the top hinge edge first, then pressing the bottom shut. Re-install pentalobe screws.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Prying on the right side and tearing display ribbon cables (you've broken the new screen)
- Forgetting to disconnect the battery first (short-circuits the logic board)
- Not transferring the True Depth camera (kills Face ID permanently)
- Using too much heat (warps the OLED at temps over 150°F)
- Sealing without testing (have to redo everything if something doesn't work)
🏥 When to Call a Pro
If you damage a ribbon cable, snap a screw, or the new screen has dead pixels: stop. Apple charges $129–$429 depending on model. Third-party shops typically charge $179–$279 with a 90-day warranty. Mail-in services are available at iphoneipadfix.com/mail-in-repair.html.
Manage Screen Time remotely from your device:
- Set up Family Sharing if you haven't
- Settings → Screen Time → [Child's Name]
- Configure limits from YOUR device
- Child can't change settings without your approval
This prevents kids from resetting their own Screen Time.
Wrong time zone can mess up Downtime:
- Settings → General → Date & Time
- Enable Set Automatically
- Verify the time zone is correct
By default, limits can be bypassed — change this:
- Settings → Screen Time → App Limits
- Tap an existing limit or create new one
- Enable Block at End of Limit
- This prevents "Ignore Limit" option
Make sure Downtime is set up correctly:
- Settings → Screen Time → Downtime
- Toggle Scheduled ON
- Set your desired start/end times
- Enable Block at Downtime
- Choose which days (Every Day or Customize Days)
Check what's bypassing your limits:
- Settings → Screen Time → Always Allowed
- Review the list of allowed apps
- Remove apps that shouldn't bypass limits
- Keep only essential apps like Phone and Messages
Reset Screen Time if it's glitching:
- Settings → Screen Time
- Scroll down, tap Turn Off Screen Time
- Confirm
- Turn Screen Time back ON
- Reconfigure your settings
Note: You'll lose your usage history.
For stronger parental controls:
- Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions
- Toggle it ON
- Configure iTunes & App Store Purchases
- Set Allowed Apps (disable Safari, Camera, etc.)
- 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:
- Settings → Screen Time
- Tap Change Screen Time Passcode
- Tap Forgot Passcode?
- Sign in with your Apple ID
- Create a new passcode
This requires iOS 13.4 or later.
Screen Time can be confusing to configure properly. We can set up comprehensive parental controls on your child's iPhone or iPad.
📞 Call PC Medics: 856-914-1074
We help families manage screen time effectively.
📦 Mail-In Repair Service
Not comfortable doing this yourself? Send your device to a professional repair shop.
🛒 Recommended Products
The #1 repair kit — 64 bits, pro tools, lifetime warranty
EZ Fit tray — foolproof install, 9H tempered glass 2-pack
Charge iPhone, Watch & AirPods — one compact cube