DOWNTIME switching off with no explanation

One of my kids downtime keeps switching off, the other is fine. This has clearly been an issue for at least 2 years, why hasn't Apple figured this out yet? It's not ok to keep ignoring this problem.

Posted on Dec 8, 2021 1:33 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 10, 2021 9:06 AM

Thanks for getting back to us, jenliang13. If you have confirmed that the steps are being taken correctly as described in the article, but the issue persists, we can certainly look into this further. We'd like you to check a few other things for us, please.


    1. Confirm that the Settings are syncing properly between the your and your child's devices. Can you check that to see if the same rules are consistent?
    2. Make sure that you have enabled the "Block at Downtime" / "Block at End of Limit" options for your child's Downtime / App Limit settings.
    3. Be sure the affected app has not been included in the Always Allowed section of your Screen Time settings.
    4. Toggle Ask to Buy (Off / On) for your child's device, using your device. Wait at least 60 seconds before turning it back On. (This process is explained here if needed: Approve what kids buy with Ask to Buy.)
    5. Change the Screen Time passcode for your child.
    6. If you are using the "Share Across Devices", try either disabling or enabling this feature on ALL devices, then test the issue again.


Once you've taken all of those steps and tested for possible resolution, please let us know. We are here to help you get this issue resolved. Have a good day.

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 10, 2021 9:06 AM in response to jenliang13

Thanks for getting back to us, jenliang13. If you have confirmed that the steps are being taken correctly as described in the article, but the issue persists, we can certainly look into this further. We'd like you to check a few other things for us, please.


    1. Confirm that the Settings are syncing properly between the your and your child's devices. Can you check that to see if the same rules are consistent?
    2. Make sure that you have enabled the "Block at Downtime" / "Block at End of Limit" options for your child's Downtime / App Limit settings.
    3. Be sure the affected app has not been included in the Always Allowed section of your Screen Time settings.
    4. Toggle Ask to Buy (Off / On) for your child's device, using your device. Wait at least 60 seconds before turning it back On. (This process is explained here if needed: Approve what kids buy with Ask to Buy.)
    5. Change the Screen Time passcode for your child.
    6. If you are using the "Share Across Devices", try either disabling or enabling this feature on ALL devices, then test the issue again.


Once you've taken all of those steps and tested for possible resolution, please let us know. We are here to help you get this issue resolved. Have a good day.

Dec 9, 2021 11:23 AM in response to jenliang13

Hello jenliang13,


Thanks for reaching out to Apple Support Communities. We've reviewed your question and it looks like you are having an issue with Screen Time parental control time limits. It's understandable that you'd want this resolved, so allow us to assist with that. Please start by taking a look here: Use Screen Time on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Check under ‘Manage Screen Time settings’ for information on how you can extend or allow more time when your child requests it. If those options are activated, the Downtime limits can be affected.


If this does not resolve the issue, please let us know. We're here for you. Have a fantastic day!

Dec 10, 2021 8:22 AM in response to karina184

This is a rote reply to an issue that many customers comfortable with using screen time are having. I suspect it is possibly tied to location sharing turning off on its own, despite it being turned on properly; it turns off the next day. This is also an issue many others are having... there may be some bug in the apple ID, or the device. I think Apple needs to admit these issues exist and work to find a solution.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

DOWNTIME switching off with no explanation

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