[Full Guide] How to Limit Screen Time on iPhone in 3 Easy Ways

Sarahi Johns
Last updated: Dec 29, 2023

This post will introduce 3 ways to set screen time limit on iPhone - via Screen Time, Guide Access, and screen time limit apps. All of them enable you to manage and limit your screen time easily. Read on for details.

Limiting screen time is a great way to help you focus on your study or work. It is important for you and for managing your child's healthy use of a mobile phone.

In this post, you'll learn how to limit screen time on your iPhone in 3 easy ways. Keep reading!

Limit screen time on iPhone

How to Limit Screen Time on iPhone via Screen Time Settings

Screen Time

Available in iOS 12 and later

The easiest way to limit screen time on iPhone is to use Apple's built-in Screen Time feature. You can limit screen time directly via Settings without downloading any software.

It allows you to check your screen time stats. Daily Average and See All Activities are also available for you.

With many of the personalizations adjustable, it's flexible to design a unique screen time plan that suits you. This feature provides you with two options - set up screen time for yourself or for your child.

Here is how to set screen time limits on iPhone:

  1. Set a Screen Time Passcode

Go to SettingsScreen TimeLock Screen Time SettingsSet a Screen Time Passcode.

Set a Screen Time Passcode

It will ask you to set a 4-digit screen time passcode. It is set to better manage your screen time. Also, if you want to allow for more time when the limit expires, or you want to change/turn off the screen time passcode, this passcode is a must.

Note
When setting your screen time passcode, you may receive a pop-up asking you to enter your Apple ID for recovery use in case you forget it in the future. You can also skip. Just follow the on-screen prompts.
Screen Time Passcode Recovery
  1. Customize Your Screen Time for Your Preferences

Now, it’s time to customize your screen time plan according to your preferences. iPhone gives you full freedom to limit screen time. Customizing the following features one by one.

  • Customize Downtime
Set Screen Time Downtime

Downtime is fully customizable. Just set the From time and To time under the Downtime Option. Check Everyday for the case that you want to set the same screen time routine. Check Customize Days for the case that you want to set different screen times for each day. Customizing the screen time limit from Monday to Sunday is achievable.

  • Customize App Limits

Set a time limit for apps. Reasonable app time allocation is great for your study and work. And it prevents you from being addicted to one app effectively. Tap Add Limit>Check the apps you want to limit> Set a time limit.

  • Customize Always Allowed

Choose apps to allow at all times. Always allowed apps are available during downtime. So choose apps you need for study or work.

  • Customize Content & Privacy Restrictions

Content & Privacy Restrictions allow you to block inappropriate content. Just customize according to your needs and for your preferences.

Features:

  1. Share Across Devices
Share Across Devices

Screen Time allows you to share your screen time data with multiple iOS devices. The screen time data can be fetched in any iOS device that is signed in with the same iCloud account as your iPhone. Just turn on Share Across Devices.

In the latest iOS version, enabling this feature requires you to enter your screen time passcode.

  1. Communication Limits

In the latest iOS version, there is one more feature named Communication Limits. You can limit the time for phone calls and the people who can contact you during the screen time limit or downtime.

  1. Ask for More Time

There is a 5-minute time check alert before you are blocked from using most of the apps. When you reach the time limit, you can ask for more time. Tap One More Minute or have an additional time by entering your screen time passcode.

Limit Screen Time on iPhone via Guide Access

Guide Access is another built-in feature of Apple. It limits your iPhone to a single app. Controlling which feature to be available is allowed. So you can enable Guide Access, and then set a time limit. This is super convenient if you leave your iPhone to your kid.

Here is how to enable Guide Access:

  1. Open Settings and tap Accessibility.
  2. Scroll down and tap Guide Access.
  3. Turn on the Guide Accesss feature.
    Turn On Guide Access Feature
  4. Tap Passcode SettingsSet Guide Access PasscodeRe-enter Your Passcode.
  5. To start Guide Access, triple-click the Home button in the app you want to use( iPhone 8 and eariler)/Side button(iPhone X or later).

Limit Screen Time via iPhone Time Limit Apps

Besides Screen Time and Guide Access, limiting screen time by using iPhone screen time limit apps is also an effective method.

Those apps contain what Screen Time offers. What’s more, professional third-party software may offer you more surprising features. Such as flexible rules setting, remote management, pick-me-up alert, etc. When choosing one, remember to take the references below into consideration. For example:

  • Price
  • Functions
  • Monitor capability
  • Comprehensiveness of the screen time analysis
  • User-friendliness
  • Proficiency
  • Rating

How to Remove Screen Time Passcode if You Forgot It

With time, it’s reasonable to forget your screen time passcode. Once you forget it, you may be unable to access your iPhone as normal. In this case, we recommend a professional and easy-to-use screen time passcode unlocker - BuhoUnlocker.

Here is how to remove screen time passcode with BuhoUnlocker:

DownloadRuns on Windows & Mac
Security Verified & 100% Safe
  1. Free download, install, and launch BuhoUnlocker.
  2. Click Remove Screen Time PasscodeStart.
    Remove Screen Time Passcode
  3. Connect your iPhone to your computer and put your iPhone into recovery mode with the on-screen tutorial.
    Put iPhone into recovery mode
  4. Download the firmware>Click Start Unlock.
  5. Wait for the unlock process to be completed. Once complete, set up your iPhone.
Note
This will erase all your data. So before removing the screen time passcode, you are supposed to back up important files on your iPhone. After removing the screen time passcode, you can restore your backup from iCloud, etc.

Conclusion

In this post, 3 practical methods to limit screen time are introduced in detail. In addition, a screen time passcode unlock method is also prepared for you.

Set up screen time limits now to develop healthy habits.

Sarahi Johns

I'm Sarahi Johns, a tech enthusiast with a deep passion for all things iPhone, iPad and Mac. With expertise in crafting engaging tech content, I've authored numerous articles in the past 10 years, making me a trusted source for Apple enthusiasts.