How To Use Screen Time on iPhone [2025 Updated]

What is Screen Time on iPhone?

Apple Screen Time is a built-in iOS feature that monitors your device activity — tracking app usage, notifications, and total screen time.

Purpose & benefits:

• For Self-Monitoring: Helps you understand your digital habits and identify distractions. Enables you to set app limits and schedule downtime, boosting productivity and well-being.

• For Parental Control: Allows parents to monitor and manage their child’s device usage. It offers parental control tools to restrict app access, filter explicit content, and oversee in-app purchases.

How to Use Screen Time on iPhone?

To use Screen Time, follow these simple steps:

1. Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.

2. Scroll down and tap “Screen Time.”

3. Select "App & Website Activity"

4. Select "Turn On App & Website Activity"

Open Apple "Settings" App

Select "Screen Time"

Select "App & Website Activity"

Select "Turn On App & Website Activity"

Overview of Key Features

• View Usage Reports: iPhone Screen Time provides daily and weekly reports that detail your device usage, including the time spent on individual apps, app categories, and how often you pick up your device.

• Set Downtime: Downtime allows you to schedule a specific time during which only approved apps and phone calls will be available.

• Set App Limits: App Limits let you set daily time limits for specific app categories or individual apps. Once the limit is reached, a notification will appear, and you will need to grant additional time to continue using the app.

• Enable Content and Privacy Restrictions: You can protect your privacy and restrict inappropriate content by enabling content and privacy restrictions.

How To Check Screen Time on iPhone?

After turning on App & Website Activity, you can check your screen time report:

1. Select "See All App & Website Activity"

2. See your daily & weekly Screen Time

Select "See All App & Website Activity"

See your daily & weekly Screen Time

For more information, please see How To Check Screen Time on iPhone: Daily, Weekly & Total

How To Limit Screen Time on iPhone?

In Apple Screen Time settings, to set app limits:

1. Select "App Limits"

2. Select "Add Limit"

3. Select the app(s) to time limit

4. Select "Next," set the time limit, and select "Add"

Select "App Limits"

Select "Add Limit"

Select The App To Limit

Select "Next," Set Time Limit, And Select "Add"

The App Will Now Be Blocked After The Time Limit Is Reached

For more information, please see How To Set Time Limits on iPhone

For best apps that limit screen time on iPhone, please see Best Apps To Limit Screen Time on iPhone

For additional tips to limit screen time, please see How To Limit Screen Time on iPhone

How To Block Apps At Certain Times With Downtime?

In Apple Screen Time settings, to set screen time controls by scheduling blocking:

1. Select "Downtime"

2. Turn "Scheduled" On

3. Set The Time And Days To Block Apps

4. All Apps Will Now Be Blocked At The Times You Set

Select "Downtime"

Turn "Scheduled" On

Set The Time And Days To Block Apps

All Apps Will Now Be Blocked At The Times You Set

For more information, please see How to Block Apps at Certain Times on iPhone

The Benefits of iPhone Screen Time

Screen Time offers various benefits, including:

• Increased Awareness: By providing detailed insights into your digital habits, Screen Time enables you to make conscious decisions about your device usage.

• Improved Focus: By setting limits on distracting apps and scheduling downtime, you can create a more focused and productive environment.

• Better Sleep: By limiting screen time before bedtime, you can improve your sleep quality and overall well-being.

• Enhanced Parental Control: Parents can use Screen Time to monitor and manage their children's device usage, ensuring a healthy balance between online and offline activities.

Alternatives To Apple Screen Time

Refocus is an iPhone app that helps people limit screen time. It's built on top of Apple Screen Time, so it offers everything that Apple Screen Time provides, and more!

For best screen time apps on iPhone, please see Best Screen Time Apps for iPhone

How To Set Parental Controls

Please click here to for a guide to parental controls on Apple Screen Time.

Conclusion

iPhone Screen Time is a powerful tool for promoting digital well-being and maintaining a healthy balance between our digital and real-world lives. By using this feature to monitor your device usage, set app limits, and schedule downtime, you can take control of your digital habits and improve your overall quality of life. So, go ahead and unlock the potential of Screen Time on your iPhone today!

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Click here to explore the best apps to limit screen time on iPhone