Screen Time locking apps before time limit

Since the latest update my phone has been prematurely locking my apps that I have on a screen time limit. I’ve checked in settings and I can see it is accurately recording my time use. For example, this morning by 10am my phone has blocked Instagram, which has a 30 minute time limit, but in settings shows I’ve only used for 6 minutes so far.


I've seen a thread on Reddit where a few people are saying the same, but wondered if anyone has a solution?

iPhone 14, iOS 26

Posted on Jan 31, 2026 2:21 AM

Reply
7 replies

Jan 31, 2026 10:56 PM in response to yasminfrombirmingham

yasminfrombirmingham wrote:

Since the latest update

Screen Time and App Limit issues are not always the iOS update's fault!  Many things can cause phone problems.  If you tell people you think it's an iOS update, it might make it harder to fix or find a solution for the real issue.



Remember, the right question often leads to the solution!



Was/Is your device Jailbroken? If that's the situation, please be informed that attributing the issues to iOS updates may not be accurate.



iOS updates aim to enhance user experience, boost security, and fix bugs rather than disrupt core features. The majority of the issues after updates might stem from underlying, unmentioned factors. Updates won't typically alter personal data but may refine settings or features. Backup before major updates for safety. Review Apple's update details and backup advice for a smooth process.


Kindly consider checking your settings and addressing any device issues before attributing the issue to external factors. This could be a pure coincidence that the iOS update affected the iPhone functions.


Before initiating a standard iOS update, it's advisable to create a backup. Have you completed this step? If yes, proceed with the restoration from the backup.



See what each update does: OS — iOS 26, About iOS 18 Updates, About iOS 17 Updates, About iOS 16 Updates, About iOS 15 Updates, About iOS 14 Updates, About iOS 13 Updates, About iOS 12 Updates, and so on...

Feb 1, 2026 3:54 AM in response to SravanKrA

Hi


My phone is not jail broken.


Currently my phone has the iOS 26.2.1. I think it’s a fair assumption to make to be honest. I’ve had the same screen time rules on for years. I did an update and they suddenly are glitching. See attached photo for clear example of what’s happening. All 3 apps had been locked as though I’d been on them too long, but the phone clearly registers that I’ve only used them for a few minutes, and not enough to trigger the restriction


I reset the screen time limits yesterday. Today my phone has blocked them again- I haven’t even opened the apps!


So yes, I’m going to raise as an iOS issue because it’s clearly an issue that other people are having too and needs addressing with the next update.

Screen Time locking apps before time limit

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