How to Work with Screen Time

1 What you use most

The Most Used group lists apps and websites. Tap one and you’ll see an hourly or daily breakdown, based on your choice on the previous page. Hold a finger on a bar and slide over the chart for insight into each time period.

2 Limit by app

Using an app or site too much? Tap Add Limit and then dial in the allowance you want. If you want more or less time on certain days — on a weekend, say — tap Customize Days, a day, and then dial in another amount.

3 Limit by category

Return to the top level of Screen Time’s settings, tap App Limits and then Add Limit. The difference here is that the limit affects all apps of the chosen categories. Week–long and per–day overrides are also applied.

4 Impose downtime

Downtime is a period of the day where you can discourage device use altogether. Family time in evenings, say. This option is at the top level of Screen Time’s settings. With a passcode, you can block the device during this time.

5 Make exceptions

You may want to allow certain apps during downtime. On iPhone, the Phone app is always allowed, and other call and messaging apps can do the same. In Screen Time’s settings, tap Always Allowed and make your choices.

6 Set a passcode

Without a passcode (set on the first settings page), it’s trivial to veto a limit. With one set, you can turn on Block At End Of Limit, which stops the limit being bypassed without the code. Only numeric codes can be set.

7 Reached a limit?

As you approach a limit, you’ll get a notification. The app or website is then covered up with a warning. Tap Ignore Limit (or Ask For More Time if blocked). You can then override for a short period or until the end of the day.

8 Pick up durations

The Pickups metric gives insight into your distractedness. It’s left to you to work out how this info relates to essential activity, reading notifications and boredom, and to work out patterns and how to break your bad habits.

9 Notifications noises

Notification sounds and banners waking the screen are a big distraction. Bottommost in your stats is a summary of those received. Use it to help decide what to turn off. Tap an app here to alter its notifications right away.