Screen Time not working on Tiktok, Snapchat, Instagram?

Screen Time not working on Tiktok, Snapchat, Instagram. I've been trying to block these apps for months. I've tried everything from factory resetting the phone to getting a new phone and still those app will continue to work after the downtime and app limit. Ive seen other questions about the issue and it seem that Apple doesn't have a fix nor are they trying to fix a common issue. So what other option for controlling those apps on ios devices?

Posted on Feb 23, 2022 8:24 PM

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Posted on Apr 12, 2022 8:47 PM

I figured that was the case I had to just take my kids phone at night since screen time doesn’t work for those app. But screen time was the reason for me getting her an iPhone. I just wish apple take responsibility and try to resolve the issue because saying it’s a third party is not fixing the issue.

143 replies

Oct 15, 2023 8:23 PM in response to DeadlySin29

Solution!!! Parents read carefully


  1. check if your kids can change time and date while screen time is active with password.
  2. if he or she can change time. Turn off screen time on her devide, go to settings and make sure time zone is automatic, now turn on screen time via parent device with password, time zone settings should be on, but not possible to change it any more. This is mandatory.
  3. now set up restrictions like normal.


how kid was bypassing? She or he changed time to tomorrow, used one more minute option, change time back. Result?? She or he gets 24h+ 1 min. Of free time on tiktok.


enjoy.

Apr 30, 2022 6:38 AM in response to Jack-19

I’ve spent hours trying all the other suggestions I’ve come across. It’s outrageous that Apple are dodging responsibility for this and saying there’s no known problems. Maybe it’s strictly not a bug, but at the very least it’s appalling user design - and for a company whose name is synonymous with great design to try and defend this Norman Door of Apps is puzzling, bordering on suspicious. And I’m sure some third party developers are trying to get around these restrictions but ffs Apple - ban them from the App Store!


TikTok is definitely the biggest issue for us too - have a 5m app limit and still regularly see reports from Screen Time itself like this:



What a joke - the app displays the 5m restriction and the 2.5hrs of use today ON THE SAME PAGE

Mar 23, 2023 12:50 PM in response to DeadlySin29

I have a similar problem with managing App limits on iPhones for my kids. I believe I figured out what's happening by going on Youtube and searching 'How can I get around Screentime app limits?'. All your kid has to do is delete the app they want to use, re-download it and now it's back on their phone and disconnected from Screentime time limits. I believe it's a major flaw in Apple's software. See example below. I've set an app limit for 15mins for 'Brawl Stars' but somehow my child is still able to spend 2hrs 11mins in this app. Apple, please provide a solution for this!

Apr 12, 2022 8:19 PM in response to DeadlySin29

Me too. We have the same issue.


I’ve spent more than 16 hours over the past few months working with Apple to do various resets, refresh, new device, etc. and they finally admitted today it doesn’t work.


The Apple Support agent was very nice but he has been told by his supervisor to blame the third party developers for the problem.


Wow! I’m shocked. Apple activately prompt the parental controls as a key selling feature and now they blame the third party developers for their failure to impose restrictions!!?


i’m angry because this was a key feature which encouraged us to proceed with Apple products for our kids.


The agent agreed revert back to his supervisor the contradiction of blaming third party developers for their platform failure.


Hopefully someone finally does something.


May 17, 2022 6:56 AM in response to DeadlySin29

Having the same issue 😫 tiktok, whatsapp and youtube are still showing eventho i’ve blocked the apps. Changed the passwords so many times. Even deleting and reinstalling the apps and then restarting her phone and my phone and still didn’t do anything.


the screentime was a great addition to apple. By why can a 3rd party override this?! Apple can’t say it’s not their issue which clearly it is as well. My gosh i hope it goes back to normal soon!


if anyones figures it out please let us all know.

Jul 4, 2022 12:51 AM in response to TristanF

I'm furious because we were reluctant to pay Apple's premium prices for electronic devices for our household but chose to invest in Apple products because of the parental control feature which they actively promote.


As we have all discovered on this thread, the feature does not work. Insterad of fixing it, Apple are entering into misleading conduct by trying to blame 3rd party vendors. The 3rd parties are not promoting the feature, Apple are.


This has been going on long enough and Apple are not making an effort to fix it.


Maybe its time for us to make it real for Apple by seeking compensation via a class action for their misleading conduct?


Is there a lawyer out there who can comment on this?

Jul 4, 2022 2:03 PM in response to DeadlySin29

We all agree... something is not working.


The only thing that seems to work is the following config: Content Restrictions / Apps / Don't Allow Apps.


This blocks everything except for Allowed Apps (under content restrictions) or Always Allowed (under the main menu). Painful manual process but at least it works.


Forget about time restrictions and downtime... Snapchat, Instagram, etc... have found a work around to keep the app active.


My question to Apple : Is the data privacy protection facing the same failures?

Screen Time not working on Tiktok, Snapchat, Instagram?

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