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Screen time keeps turning off

We have been using screen time successfully for several years to manage our kids devices. Recently, I upgraded to the iPhone 14 pro and now all their screen time settings keep resetting and turn off almost daily. Downtime, content restrictions and time limits - all off. 4 kids - two iPhones and two iPads. Each has a different screen time passcode that were all reset. Software has been updated on each device. Still keeps happening. Please advise!

iPhone 14 Pro

Posted on Nov 16, 2022 3:29 AM

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Posted on May 18, 2023 1:46 PM

Guess what. Apple apparently has decided to reset screen time EVERY SINGLE DAY AT MIDNIGHT. It just finally showed up as a comment when you turn on app limits at the top of the screen. I’m beyond angry as no one has told costumers, Apple Support has no freaking clue this is a new “feature” and the entire reason for parental control on devices is for the parents to choose, NOT APPLE. I shouldn’t have to update my kids permissions, every single day!!!!!! Not happy at all.

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Feb 27, 2023 11:02 AM in response to garretfromlivingston

Struggle with this since iPhone 14 pro. Not sure why it takes so long to fix. Are there no Apple employees with kids using it? Don’t understand why is it working for some and doesn’t for other. My brother have 4 devices running new iOS 16 but all are pre 14 generation and have no issues ?


so tired of this now and resetting daily 🤦🏻‍♂️🤬

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Mar 1, 2023 8:11 PM in response to garretfromlivingston

Came to add to the bunch.


it’s happened twice now, set downtime on my sons phone and two days later it’s all turned off. Was starting to think he figured out some trick but then also noticed that my usage wasn’t showing up/turning off. Safe to say reading all these comments, it’s Apple.

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Mar 2, 2023 1:44 PM in response to garretfromlivingston

I have the exact same problem after upgrading to iPhone 12 Pro 5 months ago. Been in contact with Apple support on several occasions but they just keep telling me to upgrade mine and the kids (3) devices, turning off/on phone, screen time, swapping code for screen time. I have done that and the problem is still there. Why can’t they just fix the problem!? I just don’t want my kids to watch adult content and they really need to have their phones with them to school, practise, to friends etc.

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Mar 2, 2023 2:23 PM in response to garretfromlivingston

Glad this isn’t just me, but really sad there are so many with this but Apple don’t seem to be prioritising it. Screentime worked fine for years, I think the problem started around iOS 16, but I didn’t notice straight away. I recently got an iPhone 14 Pro, but it definitely happened before this because I was hoping the new phone would fix it. I have three kids and one or more of their Screentime (or parts of it) will turn off randomly. It can stay on a minute, hour, week or even fortnight, but that’s pretty much as long as you can get. I’ve watched it turn off or reset features in front of my eyes. It is next to useless now. I have a reminder to check each one every few days, but it is such a pain!

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Mar 2, 2023 11:45 PM in response to garretfromlivingston

Its really really annoying and frustrating. I was following this thread to have an update or solution but nothing so far. I dont know how Apple can sleep over it. I too have iPhone 14 Pro Max and recently changed my kid’s iPad from iPad Air to iPad Mini and everyday screentime gets reset. I’ve been using screentime to control my kid’s device since years and it always worked. Its definitely not the issue with iPhone 14 but with iOS/iPadOS 16. I am using Macbook and iPad as well with the same apple id and can see the screentime gets reset even there.

I contacted apple support and with screensharing i showed the exact problem and showed them this thread as well. Hoping to have the fix ASAP.

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Mar 7, 2023 8:39 AM in response to garretfromlivingston

Finally, I have found a workaround. The case with Apple is still ongoing and they have not provided any solution yet.


However, I discovered this workaround myself, and so far it is working on my devices to control my kids' screen time, as well as on my brother's device to control his kids' screen time.


To implement the workaround, completely turn off Screen Time for yourself and your kids' devices. Make sure to do this on all of your devices (Mac, iPhone, iPad) and confirm that it is not configured anywhere.


Then, set up Screen Time again for your kids' devices from scratch, and it should work properly.

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Mar 8, 2023 6:59 AM in response to trackpoint

I think I’ve tried every solution mentioned and work around. I’m still struggling. And if it doesn’t just randomly turn off - she is able to power the phone off she’s figured out and it’ll just reset that way and the parental controls most of the time won’t be on once the phone powers back on. Then she can just have free range.

In my case my daughter is special needs and just smart enough to get herself in trouble so the whole reason I use apple products has been for the control it has been giving me. But now I’m just frustrated and exhausted dealing with this for months.

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Mar 8, 2023 7:15 AM in response to C_Flo73

Why isn't Apple acknowledging this?


One website recommends that you turn off "Share Across Devices" toggle under Screen Time on the adult devices and then just limit it to just 2 or less. We all have phones, Ipads, Imacs, notebooks etc. switch it all off and limit it to 2 or less.


this is the article and so far it has worked for us: https://www.droidwin.com/screen-time-not-working-on-ios-16-2-fix/

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Mar 8, 2023 9:26 AM in response to ddsJ5

I will try turning off share across devices - however I only have it on 2 devices. My daughters iPhone and iPad. So - I’m not sure if that will be the work around for me. I have tried every other suggested - I may as well give this one a go too.


I would just love a permanent fix - like everyone else. Since like I said - she seems to be able to turn the phone/iPad off sometimes and trigger a reset and all the settings go away. 🤦🏻‍♀️

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Mar 8, 2023 10:23 AM in response to amy_k11

I agree. There is no way to currently fix this problem, other than a software update by Apple. I have done all of the recommended things to correct the problem, but every single night I have to reset all of the screen time settings. As soon as my child hits one more minute, it removes the screen time controls, the app limits and the content & privacy restrictions. Apple needs to get it together. They are offering a service that is essentially useless.

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Mar 8, 2023 1:53 PM in response to Akhil Abrol

I found this works as well. Turn screentime off on all devices, including parents’ devices. Then on the child’s device turn on screentime and set it up. Doing it this way the child will NOT be able to request more time by sending the parent a request. The parent will have to enter the passcode directly on the child’s device to allot more time after downtime. I’ve been doing this for over a week now with no glitches. Not ideal but at least they are safe until apple fixes this.

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Mar 8, 2023 1:55 PM in response to garretfromlivingston

Just reposting a reply for maximum visibility. This work around worked for me:


Turn screentime off on all devices, including parents’ devices. Then on the child’s device turn on screentime and set it up. Doing it this way the child will NOT be able to request more time by sending the parent a request. The parent will have to enter the passcode directly on the child’s device to allot more time after downtime. I’ve been doing this for over a week now with no glitches.

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Screen time keeps turning off

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