The most common reason is a lasting iOS software problem (especially in iOS 17 and 18). Other frequent causes include Low Power Mode, problems with the “Share Across Devices” option, or issues caused by Screen Time passcodes or MDM (Mobile Device Management) profiles. Now that you know the causes, let’s discuss the solutions.
1. Force Restart the Devices
A temporary communication glitch between the Screen Time devices (like between the parent and child devices) can stop Screen Time from working right. Force restarting all involved devices can often resolve this. Before you begin, make sure the child isn’t using any tricks to bypass Screen Time.
2. Update the Devices’ OS to the Latest Version
If the OS on any device (parent/guardian or child) is outdated, incompatibility issues between devices can prevent Screen Time from applying rules correctly. Updating to the latest version of the operating system often solves this.
3. Update the Apps on the Device to the Latest Version
If a specific app (like Chrome) is out of date, it may not work with Screen Time properly. Updating the app can usually fix this.
4. Disable Low Power Mode on the Devices
Low Power Mode on Apple devices restricts non-essential background functions, including some Screen Time activities. Turning off Low Power Mode can often restore full Screen Time functionality.
5. Disable the Share Across Devices Feature in Screen Time
The Share Across Devices setting causes all devices signed in with the same iCloud account to share the same Screen Time configuration. Sometimes, this can confuse Screen Time, especially if it treats a child’s device as a parent’s. Disabling this setting may fix the issue.
6. Disable and Enable Apple Screen Time
A temporary issue with Screen Time can sometimes be resolved by turning the feature off and then turning it back on.
7. Remove the Guardian/Child from Blocked Contacts
If the parent or child has blocked the other person using an Apple service (like FaceTime), Screen Time rules might not sync correctly. Apple may treat the blocked relationship as one where monitoring isn’t trusted or needed. Removing each other from Blocked Contacts can help.
8. Enable “Block at End of Limit” in Screen Time
If you have set an app limit but Screen Time only gives a “time’s up” warning and does not actually block the app, make sure “Block at End of Limit” is enabled.
9. Rename the Child’s Device
If a child’s device was restored from an old backup, an outdated device name can confuse Screen Time. Renaming the device is a simple fix.
10. Clear the Browser History
If Screen Time displays excessive use for a particular website, your browser history may be causing issues. Clearing it can help.
11. Enable Screen Time Integration in Chrome
If Chrome isn’t showing up correctly or being managed by Screen Time, you might need to manually enable its Screen Time integration.
12. Disable and Re-enable “Ask to Buy” in Family Sharing
If you use Family Sharing for managing Screen Time on a child’s device, a hiccup in Family Sharing authentication could cause issues. Disabling and re-enabling “Ask to Buy” often refreshes the connection.
13. Set Date and Time to Automatic and Enable Block at Downtime
If your child’s device has the date or time set manually, Screen Time may not function properly. Setting time automatically fixes this. Also, make sure “Block at Downtime” is enabled, so apps are actually blocked and not just grayed out.
14. Remove Problematic Apps from the “Always Allowed” List
If an app is on the “Always Allowed” list, Screen Time rules (including Downtime) won’t apply to it. Remove problematic apps from this list to ensure they’re properly restricted.
15. Use App Limits to Manage Problematic Apps
If Downtime or category-based blocking isn’t working, setting specific app limits might be the solution.
16. Use Content & Privacy Restrictions in Screen Time
If other Screen Time settings aren’t working, try using Content & Privacy Restrictions for stricter control.
17. Re-log into iCloud
Screen Time relies on iCloud to sync data between devices. If iCloud is not functioning correctly, Screen Time won’t either. Signing out and back in can help.
18. Re-pair the Apple Watch with the iPhone
If Screen Time isn’t functioning on an Apple Watch, the issue might be with the connection between the watch and its paired iPhone. Re-pairing the devices can help. Make sure both devices are fully charged and close to each other.
19. Reset Devices to Factory Defaults
If none of the previous steps helped, the device’s operating system might be severely corrupted. As a last resort, a factory reset can restore proper operation. This will erase all data, so make sure to back up your device first. If none of the above solutions solve your problem, you may want to contact Apple Support or consider using a different screen time management app.
