Why is my iPhone Screen Time inaccurate?

The screen time shown at the top is usually accurate but in the description where it shows which app was used for how long is totally different and wrong each time everyday. It does not add up to the one given above, also even when i haven’t used it for that long yet it shows a huge number for no apparent reason.

I tried restarting it even redownloaded certain apps yet the problem wasn’t resolved.

Would anyone know what the issue might be?

The amount of time that i used the apps is highly in accurate and the sum of it is totally different from the one given above.


[Edited by Moderator]

iPhone 16 Pro, iOS 18

Posted on May 27, 2025 10:44 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 27, 2025 11:40 AM

Notifications that come in for an app may not be reported for app usage, but your screen will turn on when that happens registering Screen Time. Also some apps use Background Processes that will show as usage time, but not be registered as Screen Time.


You can get additional information about app usage including the Background Processes by going to Settings > Battery, and choosing Show Activity for the apps.


I agree that the Screen Time shown is not always an accurate representation of actual app usage when comparing the numbers due to these variables.

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 27, 2025 11:40 AM in response to amey136

Notifications that come in for an app may not be reported for app usage, but your screen will turn on when that happens registering Screen Time. Also some apps use Background Processes that will show as usage time, but not be registered as Screen Time.


You can get additional information about app usage including the Background Processes by going to Settings > Battery, and choosing Show Activity for the apps.


I agree that the Screen Time shown is not always an accurate representation of actual app usage when comparing the numbers due to these variables.

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.

Why is my iPhone Screen Time inaccurate?

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