Apple Arcade multiplayer does not work with Screen Time restrictions enabled

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Level 1

7 points

Apple Arcade multiplayer does not work with Screen Time restrictions enabled

Apple Arcade games treat multiplayer as though it is not permitted no matter what setting you choose in screen time for multiplayer restrictions. The settings are in Settings --> Screen Time --> Content & Privacy --> Multiplayer Games (dropdown).

Options in the dropdown are:

Allow with Everyone

Allow with Friends Only

Don't Allow

No matter which of these options you choose, Arcade games deny access to multiplayer. The only way to get around this is to turn off Content & Privacy restrictions entirely.

Related threads / fix ideas (all of which I've read and tried):

Apple Arcade and Screen Time breaking mul… - Apple Community

Here is Apple's documentation on how to manage the settings:

Change Content & Privacy preferences in Screen Time on Mac - Apple Support (AL)

Has anyone found a fix for this? Is there an appropriate way to report a bug to Apple?

Posted on May 28, 2022 7:39 AM

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Answer 1

claire504

Community Specialist

May 29, 2022 9:33 AM in response to Skooozy

Hey there, Skooozy.

Can you tell us what you encounter when trying to play multiplayer games in Apple Arcade? Are you seeing a message indicating this isn't allowed or encountering something else? Additional details can help us understand what might be going on and determine possible steps.

In the meantime, if you haven't already, restarting can seem like a simple step but it can sometimes help resolve unexpected issues:

Also, you'll want to make sure that your device is fully up-to-date, as that might help:

Let us know if those steps help or if you've already tried those.

Take care.

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Answer 2

Jun 23, 2022 9:24 AM in response to Skooozy

Hello Skooozy,

We recommend you Contact Apple for support and service. It will be best for them to assist with you with this issue.

Best Regards.

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Answer 3

Skooozy Author

Level 1

7 points

Jun 23, 2022 8:26 AM in response to claire504

All of the errors are some game-specific version of “multiplayer is not allowed”. It’s not device-specific. It affects multiple devices under multiple kids profiles that are subjected to my Screen Time rules.

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Apple Arcade multiplayer does not work with Screen Time restrictions enabled

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