Set App Time Limits on iPhone: The Native, Free Method

Updated at: 03/07/2025

Tired of losing track of time on your iPhone apps? Reclaim your precious moments with Apple's built-in Screen Time feature. This guide shows you exactly how to set app time limits, completely free and without downloading any extra apps. Learn how to easily manage your usage, improve your digital well-being, and regain control of your phone. Let's get started!

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Access Screen Time

    • Go to your iPhone's Settings.
    • Scroll down and tap on 'Screen Time'.
    • If it's your first time, follow the initial setup. Choose whether the iPhone belongs to an adult or a child.
    If it's your first time, follow the initial setup. Choose whether the iPhone belongs to an adult or a child. If it's your first time, follow the initial setup. Choose whether the iPhone belongs to an adult or a child. If it's your first time, follow the initial setup. Choose whether the iPhone belongs to an adult or a child.
    Access Screen Time

  2. Set up Screen Time Passcode

    • Tap on 'Lock Screen Time Settings' and create a Screen Time passcode (different from your phone's passcode).
    • Decide whether to enable Apple ID recovery for the Screen Time passcode (not recommended for children's phones).
    Decide whether to enable Apple ID recovery for the Screen Time passcode (not recommended for children's phones). Decide whether to enable Apple ID recovery for the Screen Time passcode (not recommended for children's phones).
    Set up Screen Time Passcode

  3. Configure App Limits

    • Swipe up and tap on 'App Limits'.
    • Tap 'Add Limit' to choose apps or app categories (e.g., Social Networking).
    • Select the specific apps you want to limit.
    • Set your daily time limit (hours or minutes).
    Set your daily time limit (hours or minutes). Set your daily time limit (hours or minutes). Set your daily time limit (hours or minutes). Set your daily time limit (hours or minutes).
    Configure App Limits
    • Customize the days of the week the limit applies to.
    • Ensure 'Block at End of Limit' is enabled.
    • Tap 'Add' to save the limit.
    Tap 'Add' to save the limit. Tap 'Add' to save the limit. Tap 'Add' to save the limit.
    Configure App Limits
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Tips

  • Use a strong, unique Screen Time passcode.
  • Don't enable Apple ID recovery for the Screen Time passcode if the device belongs to a child.
  • The first time you reach the daily limit, you'll get one extra minute. After that, you'll need the Screen Time passcode to extend usage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Ignoring Screen Time Passcode

Reason: Forgetting or not setting a Screen Time passcode allows anyone to easily override the time limits you've set.
Solution: Set a strong, unique Screen Time passcode and remember it.

2. Misunderstanding App Category Limits

Reason: Applying limits to broad categories like 'Social Networking' might unintentionally restrict apps you want to use.
Solution: Carefully review which apps fall under each category and adjust limits individually for greater precision.

3. Forgetting to Enable Downtime

Reason: Setting app limits without enabling Downtime means restrictions only apply during app usage, not when other features are being used.
Solution: Enable Downtime for broader control of device usage, especially during specific times.

FAQs

What happens when I reach my app time limit?
When you reach your set time limit for an app, you'll receive a notification. You can choose to ignore it and continue using the app, or you can choose to stop. Repeatedly ignoring the limit might prompt further reminders or restrictions.
Can I set different time limits for different days of the week?
Yes! Screen Time allows you to set custom limits for each day. This is especially helpful if you use certain apps more heavily on weekends than weekdays.