To me, the biggest highlight of iOS 12 is the more superior “Parental Controls.” The addition of “Screen Time” has made controlling the device and app usage more convenient. From letting you keep track of how much time you spend on your iPhone to restrict explicit contents, you can use Screen Time in iOS 12 to have immaculate command over the way your kid uses the device.
Don’t want your kid to use social networking apps too much? Well, you can impose the limitation on social apps and even put the same restriction on games categories. Besides, you also have the option to set a daily time limit for an app so that your child doesn’t overuse it. Beyond enhanced parental control, Screen Time can also play a pivotal role in keeping your smartphone addiction in check! More after the break:
How to Use Screen Time in iOS 12 on iPhone or iPad
Screen Time sends your weekly report about the usage of your device as well as the set time limits regarding the apps you would like to have better control. If you have set it up as a parent, you will get reports for your child’s screen time. And then based on the insightful report, you will be able to apply restrictions for apps, content, and privacy accordingly.
How to Turn on Screen Time
By default, Screen Time is enabled, but if you had turned it off earlier, you could always get started with it.
Step #1. Launch Settings app → select the Screen Time option.
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Step #2. Now, hit Turn On Screen Time.
Step #3. Next, you have two options:
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Tap on Continue.
Use Screen Time Passcode
You can set Screen Time Passcode to prevent others from making any changes to the Screen Time settings. To do so,
Step #1. Tap on Use Screen Time Passcode.
Step #2. Enter new Passcode and Confirm.
How to Enable Downtime in iOS 12
Downtime is a very impressive feature that lets you set a schedule for time away from the screen. Once enabled, only the apps you choose and phone calls will be available to be used.
An important thing you need to know that Downtime will automatically come into action on all of your iOS 12 devices synced with the same iCloud account.
Step #1. Launch Settings app on your iOS device → Tap on the Screen Time.
Step #2. Now, tap on Downtime → Enter the Screen Time Passcode.
Step #3. Turn On the Switch next to Downtime.
Step #4. Next, Tap on Start and set the time then tap on End and set the preferred time.
While Downtime is ON, your device Home screen will get a bit dim, and the approved apps will be highlighted.
If you tap an app to open it, “Time Limit Reached” screen will appear.
You have the option to ignore the restriction by tapping Ignore Limit. Then, you will have to set a reminder in 15 minutes or set to ignore the limit for the day. Enter your Screen Time Passcode.
As soon as Downtime is finished, the screen will come back to its normal look and brighten up again. Besides, you will be able to re-access your apps.
Now, you can choose the apps you want to allow during Downtime. To do so, go back and select Always Allowed → Enter Passcode.
Then, tap on the green “+” button to the left of the app you want to allow.
If you want to disallow some apps during Downtime, tap on the red “-” button to the left of any app and then tap on Delete.
How to Set App limits in iOS 12
Don’t want your kid to overuse an app or play games too much? You can set a time limit for app categories to allow your child to use a particular category of apps only during the limited time.
Important: Another thing worth noting is that App Limits will affect all the iOS 12 devices connected to the same iCloud account.
Step #1. Open Settings app on your iOS device → Now, tap on the Screen Time.
Step #2. Next, tap on App Limits and then enter your passcode.
Step #3. Next up, tap on Add Limit.
Step #4. Up next, select the app categories. You have multiple options to choose from like games, social networking, education, Health & Fitness → Once you have selected the app categories, tap on Add at the top.
Step #5. Now, set the time limit.
Check out the option to Customize Days as well. You can choose to keep the app restriction every day or allow your kid to use apps with complete freedom on a few days. Again, you get the option to set the time limit.
Do note that App limits reset every day at midnight. You will receive notification when you near your daily limit to keep you in the loop. After the time limit is over, you will get “Time Limit Reached” screen. Then, you have the option to ignore the restriction by tapping Ignore Limit.
You will also have the option to set a reminder in 15 minutes set to ignore the limit for the day.
How to Enable Content & Privacy Restriction in iOS 12
You can ideally customize content and privacy restriction to block inappropriate content.
Step #1. Launch Settings app on your iOS device → Tap on Screen Time.
Step #2. Tap on Content & Privacy Resrtictions. Next, enter your Screen Time Passcode.
Step #3. Turn On the switch next to Content & Privacy.
Next up, you can make necessary changes based on your requirements. For instance, you will be able to restrict iTunes and App Store purchases, disallow particular content, apps, explicit language.
Besides, you also have the option to prevent your kid from making any changes to volume limit, Do not disturb while driving feature, etc.
There is also an option to set up Screen Time for Family. When it’s enabled, you will get weekly reports and set time limits on your child’s device.
How to Set Up Screen Time for Family
Note: Make sure to enable family sharing to use this feature.
Step #1. Open Settings app on your iOS device → Tap on Screen Time.
Step #2. Now, scroll down and tap on Family Member’s name. Now you can Set up Screen Time for the Family member.
How to Disable Screen Time Passcode
Every time you want to make changes to Screen Time options, you are asked to enter the passcode. However, if you don’t want to have it, you can disable it.
Step #1. Open Settings app → Tap on Screen Time.
Step #2. Now, tap on Disable Screen Time Passcode. Enter Screen Time passcode.
How to Clear Screen Time Usage Data
At times, you may want to wipe out all the existing Screen Time usage data to start afresh.
Step #1. Open Settings app → Tap on Screen Time.
Step #2. Now, scroll down and tap on Clear Usage Data, enter your Screen Time Passcode and confirm.
How to Turn Off/ON Screen Time in iOS 12
If you ever decide to disable Screen Time, you have the option to turn it off with ease.
Step #1. Launch Settings app → Tap on the Screen Time.
Step #2. Now, tap on Turn ff Screen Time and enter your passcode → Next, tap on Turn Off Screen Time to confirm.
If you changed your mind later, return to the Screen Time section and tap on “Turn On Screen Time.” Then, you can choose to set it up as Parent.
Video Walkthrough of Screen Time
That’s it!
Have your say
Now, it’s time to make the most of this enormously user-friendly feature to have greater control over device usage and prevent your kid from breaking the set boundaries. Have any feedback? Shoot it in the comments below.
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