Screen time work around

I have found that my child is bypassing/ resetting app limits by turning the device off then on. Also doing this during screen time allows messages to be read

iPhone 12 mini

Posted on Mar 8, 2023 1:08 AM

Similar questions

Screen time limitations not working My child is using iPhone 13 mini with latest iOS update. Parental controls are in use, I have limited installing and removing apps, purchases, some content, etc. But most important thing is that I have limited screen time. Parental controls and screen time limitations are surprisingly poorly designed for an Apple product. But now, for some reason, screen time limitations have stopped working completely. In the settings (visible from my phone and also from my child´s phone) screen time has been limited to 1hr per day for all apps. Phone and messages apps are allowed without limitations. With these limitations in use, my child can use apps beyond the limited amount. For example, WhatsApp can be seen in the screen time menu. If I open the WhatsApp from the most used list, there can be seen that the limit is 1hr per day. Still the app can be used without limitation. For example today, the app has been in use for 2hrs now. So now this feature is useless. How can I limit phone use for my child? It is important for him to have the phone and be able to use it. But for me, it is not possible to control the amount he is using it by taking the phone away always.
3490 3
Screen time communication limits crashing I have screen time enabled on my daughters phone from 10pm to 7am. I realized that Messages was not a part of this and suspected she has been texting all hours of the night. I wanted to go in and change it so that my husband and I can contact her no matter downtime or not and every time I open that screen, I put in the passcode and it just crashes and takes me back to the Home Screen. This has been going on for months. I have done the latest updates thinking it’ll fix it, but it doesn’t. Not sure what else I can do.
523 1
Screen time limits disappearing Since iOS16, I noticed that my kids' screen time limits keep getting disabled on a daily basis, that includes app limits, downtime and content restrictions. I was finally able to figure out the bug that allows kids to bypass screen time from their devices. Parent sets Screen Time limits: downtime, app limits (all Games and Entertainment categories), content restrictions Child clicks on 1st app that is locked. It shows the message that the app is locked and they have the option to select "One more minute". Child clicks "One more minute" on 1st locked app. Exits screen. Child clicks on a different locked app and selects "One more minute". Exits the screen. Child clicks on a 3rd locked app and selects "One more minute." Exits the screen. Child's apps are now fully unlocked, and parent's device shows that Screen Time app limits have disappeared. I noticed that in Reddit, parents are baffled how their toddlers and tweens are hacking their screen time passcodes. This bug needs to be addressed.
6295 6

1 reply

Lindsay_B.

Community Specialist

Mar 9, 2023 6:44 AM in response to Questions_and_Answers

Thanks for stopping by the Apple Support Communities Questions_And_Answers,

Based on the issue you've described, we recommend getting in touch with Apple Support directly. They will have the knowledge and resources needed to investigate what is happening with Screen Time. You can reach them here: Get Support.

Have a lovely day.

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.

Screen time work around

Welcome to Apple Support Community

A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.

Learn more Sign up