Screen time keeps auto resetting

I use screen time to set limits on the usage of games and social apps for the kids, but the feature routinely gets reset or disabled.


Suspecting the kids hacked it, I have changed the password repeatedly. The new password they have never seen, they have never been near me, and I have not written it down.


screen time keeps resetting.


I am guessing some iCloud sync fail safe mode is clearing the settings

Posted on Dec 14, 2022 4:52 AM

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Posted on Dec 6, 2023 11:33 AM

Could not agree with you more. APPLE -- FIX THIS!!!!!!!

Kinda feels like parents and kids have been betrayed. I worry Apple is trying to addict the kids to their devices, rather than protect them.

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71 replies

Mar 15, 2023 10:45 AM in response to trackpoint

We have the very same issues with Screentime. It did work reliably before us until the last update. Now it’s useless. I keep my kids phone with me and can watch the restrictions /always allowed disappear like magic when the phone is in my own hands. Apple has really pooped the bed on this. They could fix this. I see over 100 people complaining of the very same issues. Most parents just set them once and assume they work (ignorance is bliss), but Apple should be ashamed of itself for telling parents their kids are safeguarded by this when they in no way are. It takes constant monitoring by a parent and I’m ready to pull my hair out. I know about the 24hr feature, changing times, and getting 1 more minute kid hacks- none of these are responsible for what people are largely talking about here. Here things I put in “always allow” get reset (no reason for a kid to do that) and there are times communication limits and all app limits duplicate or disappear. Craziness. Fix this Apple!!

Feb 4, 2023 9:39 AM in response to migueldeicaza

Spent 2hrs with escalated Apple support resetting devices and modifying settings blah blah. Fortunately we spent so long doing all this it happened when I was screen sharing with engineer and with kids iPads in front of me. Both limits disappeared and content restrictions turned off. Issue apparently know acknowledged and apparently being looked at. Will keep the group updated.

Dec 22, 2023 2:43 PM in response to akrussell

I think that just means if they use up whatever time you give them in a day the time sets over at midnight. The glitch is that screen time itself… all content restrictions and schedules reset randomly all the time. I have it where My kids shouldn’t be able to change their passcode, turn off their location or delete apps and that resets. It makes everything pointless.

Dec 9, 2023 6:18 PM in response to migueldeicaza

I deleted my kids from the family and added them again to try to address this issue. I had already done the renaming that was recommend. It worked for a few days and is back to resetting every day. This is ridiculous. It’s also resetting the content restrictions we have set up for the kids. This is a long term, ongoing issue and needs to be addressed!!! Ridiculous.

Dec 22, 2023 1:58 PM in response to migueldeicaza

This has been going on for almost a year in different variations. It is incredible that Apple hasn't fixed this, nor committed to a date. I am starting to wonder that this lack of dilligence is actually a way to send a message: don't bother with screen time, it wont be a safe and reliable function ever.


Apple after all lives from selling more hardware. Specifially, new iPhones with newer cameras. Screen time is not great for business in that respect: if people somehow started to user their phones less, there would be less of an incentive to buy a new phone. Screen time is one tool to start using your (or your kids phones) less. Why prioritize something which is bad for business?

Dec 15, 2022 6:44 PM in response to migueldeicaza

Hello migueldeicaza,


This page can help out with providing a good deal of information and steps pertaining to the Screen Time feature: Use Screen Time on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch


This page will help out with providing info and steps with regards to using parental controls: Use parental controls on your child's iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch


You can allow changes to other settings and features, the same way you can allow changes to privacy settings.
1. Go to Settings and tap Screen Time.
2. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions. If asked, enter your passcode.
3. Under Allow Changes, select the features or settings that you want to allow changes to and choose Allow or Don't Allow. 

Here are some features and settings that you can allow changes for:
•Passcode Changes: Prevent changes to your passcode
•Account Changes: Prevent account changes in Accounts & Passwords
•Cellular Data Changes: Prevent changes to cellular data settings
•Reduce Loud Sounds: Prevent changes to volume settings for safe listening 
•Driving Focus: Prevent changes to the Driving Focus
•TV Provider: Prevent changes to TV provider settings
•Background App Activities: Prevent changes to whether or not apps run in the background


•If you're the parent or guardian of your device and want to prevent another family member from changing your settings, tap Use Screen Time Passcode to create a passcode, then re-enter the passcode to confirm. After you confirm your passcode you'll be asked to enter your Apple ID and password. This can be used to reset your Screen Time passcode if you forget it. 

•If you're setting up Screen Time on your child's device, follow the prompts until you get to Screen Time Passcode and enter a passcode. Re-enter the passcode to confirm. After you confirm your passcode you'll be asked to enter your Apple ID and password. This can be used to reset your Screen Time passcode if you forget it. 


If you continue to experience issues you may also wish to reach out to Apple Support for a further investigation: Get Support


Cheers.

Mar 17, 2023 3:57 AM in response to migueldeicaza

Hi all,


I've got told to try this from apple support as it seems it fixed to few people according to their support log.


  1. Change Apple ID name
  2. Change device name
  3. Wait 24hours or so


I have a family group: me, wife, 3 kids.


I changed mine and 3 kids Apple ID name at 'Setting-> Your Name at top -> Name, Phonenumber, Mail ->Name' (just the first name ,did on each device)


and


changed 3 kids device name in General -> About -> Name (just iPhone, all having iPad aswell but it's unchanged)

Change the name of your iPhone - Apple Support


I didn't change anything on my wife's iPhone.


for now, it didn't reset the setting for over 24hours now...hope it will last forever.

Names are still not updated in "Family Sharing" menu but it updated inside the ScreenTime after 12 hours or so.


Screen time keeps auto resetting

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