How is my child bypassing screentime limits?

My nearly 13-yo is bypassing screentime limits, and is able to use apps that are clearly not allowed during downtime.

If you Google "how to bypass screentime" there are many blogs which list some of the same methods. As far as I can determine, he's not using any of these techniques. He can't change the time or time zone, can't uninstall and reinstall apps, tricks to use iMessages is not the issue (he's allowed to anyway with selected family contacts), etc. He's obviously not factory resetting the phone, and he's not changing the screentime settings at all (so he doesn't have my screentime passcode).

What is happening: certain apps -- the ones he wants to use like SnapChat and TikTok -- are completely accessible to him after downtime begins, currently at 9:30pm. (I believe he can't override the time limit for screentime, because sometimes he'll request more time, but not sure on that.)

Some clues:

The apps deactivate at midnight and he apparently doesn't know how to get around that
I thought he might be using shortcuts, but can't see how. he's got shortcuts that open some of the apps he likes, but it seems that's just so he can have custom icons for them on the home screen.
only allowed apps are phone, messages, maps (after downtime)
he isn't using anything involving tethering to a computer, because he was doing it when he didn't have access to his computer for a couple days, too.

Some hearsay:

a technique involving asking for 1 more minute and force quitting the app and relaunching it? I tried this and could't achieve the bypass

Any ideas how he is doing this?

Obvs. if he keeps doing this I'm just going to confiscate the iPad, but it would be nice if this system worked and I knew how to prevent him from bypassing it.

FYI here's another similar unanswered thread.

iPad (10th generation)

Posted on Aug 30, 2023 9:04 AM

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50 replies

Jan 22, 2024 12:55 PM in response to Loren Ryter

My teen has admitted to getting around screen time and restricted contacts by turning his phone off. When the phone is powered back on, it gives him access to apps and phone numbers for a few moments (I haven't timed how long) before the regular parental control settings start working again.

Jun 12, 2024 9:31 AM in response to Loren Ryter

I haven’t read the other comments so I’m not sure if anyone has already said this, but when you turn your iPhone off and turn it back up again, it gives you around 30 seconds where all the apps are still loading. In those 30 seconds any app that has a limit on won’t have a limit and will be available to use while the iPhone is still loading everything in the background. Try it yourself: put a limit on an app of 1 minute. Use the app until the limit runs out and when it asks you for 1 more minute, use that minute too to run the app out of time completely. Then turn your phone off and on again. After turning your phone on, quickly go to that same app and try opening it again.

Jun 19, 2024 2:26 PM in response to Loren Ryter

Hello,

Being a child (above 13) myself with Screen Time too, I know exactly what method has been being used. After reading through each post in this thread carefully, I examined the possibilities of what exploit could have been used. Here's the thing: Your child is not using any exploit.

You mentioned that your child does not know the Screen Time passcode but does in fact know your iPhone password. When your child reaches downtime/their limit for the day, they are presented the option to Request Time. Your child can request time and a popup will appear on family organizers' devices. Now, when clicked, this notification will ask for your screen time passcode. However, if you simply hold down the notification, you get four options.

Don't Approve

Approve for 15 minutes

Approve for 1 Hour

Approve for all day

When your child clicks Approve All Day, it does not ask for a screen time passcode and gives access to the app(s) requested until 12am (Midnight).

My recommendation is to change your passcode immediately! This will most likely fix your problem.

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60,860 points

Aug 3, 2024 7:34 PM in response to jocie295

jocie295 wrote:

Where are you finding where your child can change the passcode on their phone

Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Passcode Changes, and set that to Don't Allow to prevent a child from making Passcode changes.

Aug 22, 2024 4:26 PM in response to Loren Ryter

It’s actually a very simple bypass. My daughter restarts her phone and opens the app upon restart whichever she wants to use and from there it doesn’t turn it offf on her. She restarts with each app she uses I believe. It’s been going on for months after downtime and I havent been able to do anything to change that. The only way I knew was by checking her total screen time and it shows the times and amount they are on them. It’s ridiculous. Hope this helps

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How is my child bypassing screentime limits?