Parent Control- Screen time not working for tiktok and Episode APP

screentime doesn’t work for tiktok Snapchat Instagram and YouTube — for both downtime and time limits. Don’t waste your time with so called apple support, as they font know how to fix the problem. I’ve reached the conclusion that Apple doesn’t care to fix the problem and is engaging in false advertising and consumer fraud regarding screentime. Apple — when are you going to fix this problem?

I am also having this problem. My son and I decided on a specific amount of time for all of the apps he uses. We set the AppLimit and downtime. I was curious about the settings, so I checked the next day and those two specific apps disappeared from the AppLimit area. I did set a password that he DOES NOT know. I cant figure this out and I have been an IT professional since 1996.

Same issue for me and my daughter’s phone — restricts everything except TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram. I mean hello! What’s the point of screen time then?! No matter how many times I delete the time limit and reset it never restricts these apps (and no they are not on the “always on” list). This is driving me insane! Help!

I have the same issue with Tiktok and Snapchat, being the only two where screentime is not blocking access. The provided link above is not providing the necessary information to solve. Problem is persistent.

Hello katharine257,

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.

I understand that Tiktok and Episode remain running after time limit has expired. I would review the following support article to ensure that the settings are made correctly.

Use parental controls on your child's iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

Are these two apps the only ones that continue to run after the limits expire?

Best regards.

I've watched and read Use parental controls on your child's iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

I'm still not able to block TikTok and Snapchat on my daughters phone. It doesn't 'grey' out when all the other Apps are 'grey' and not accessible. Please advise. Thanks!

For what it's worth, I posted a solution that worked for me: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/251313296?answerId=253407478022#253407478022

I'd be interested to see if it works for others as well (I think clicking on the "helpful" link will cause it to appear more prominently when you search for the issue ... assuming it is actually helpful).

I was having the same problem with Disney+ and TikTok

the solution that worked for me was this.

1. turn off screen time completely in settings
2. turn phone off
3. turn phone on again
4. turn screen time on and setup all restrictions you require.

this has worked for me

Now TikTok and Disney+ are disabled with downtime and app limits along with all the other apps

Same problem. Yes I know how to use it. Screen time will not block TIK-TOK. If I can't control my kids usage on an iphone, I will get another brand smart phone with working parental controls. Apple must do better.

I am having the same problem with Snapchat, Tik Tok and FaceTime. I’m going low tech until Apple solves this. I will take my daughters phone when it is in downtime and return it to her in the morning.

I too have the same issue....I am well aware of how screen time works and how to PROPERLY set it up. Regardless how many times I try or adjust settings. TikTok, Roblox, Snapchat are ALWAYS available to use....they have individual app limits set, also have phone use time limit set, AND downtime set. None of that stops the apps from being used anytime and for as long as my child wants.

Doesn't sound like Apple cares at all, does it? I try not to be paranoid, but they've been obstructing parental control apps for quite a while: https://www.theverge.com/2019/6/4/18653142/apple-mdm-parental-control-screen-time-app-store-guidelines-update

I am tired of this company that stopped innovating a long time ago and always seems to think that it knows what's best for us better than we do. I've been a fan of the iPhone for a long time, but I am seriously thinking to give Android a try.

I’m having the same issue with one of my kids‘ phones. TikTok and Snapchat never get limited (greyes out) after they’ve used all their time or the downtime kicks in. I’m having that problem in my kid’s iPhone XR but not on the 8 Plus. What phone model is everyone else experiencing this on?

Why hasn’t Apple done anything about this? From this post it appears it’s been happening since March?

@Apple, we rely on you to help us keep our children safe and the parental controls feature is very important. Please help us!

I had the same issue with Tiktok not blocking at downtime. Played with the settings around, setting time limit for the app, etc. and managed to get it to block after setting up Content & Privacy Restriction. Maybe a coincidence but it’s worth trying.