How do I set a device time limit with Downtime on an iPhone®?

You can use Apple's Screen Time settings to limit time and content on an iPhone® and iPad®! One Screen Time feature, Downtime, lets you set a device time limit.

Before You Begin

• iOS Requirement: You must have at least iOS 12 (iPhone® operating system version) or later to use Downtime. However, this article's steps and screenshots mirror iOS 17.

Turn on App & Website Activity

In order to set up Downtime, first turn on App & Website Activity:

1. Open the Settings app on the iPhone®.
   
2. Tap "Screen Time."
   
3. Tap "App & Website Activity."
   
4. Tap "Turn on App & Website Activity."
   

Set Up Downtime

Set up Downtime to control when you want time away from the screen:

1. From the Screen Time page, tap "Downtime."
   
2. Move the "Scheduled" toggle switch to the right to turn it on (the switch will turn green).
   
3. To set the same schedule away from the screen for every day, tap "Every Day." If you'd like to customize the time away from the screen per day, tap "Customize Days." Read on to select the apps you want available during Downtime.
   

Set up Always Allowed

Choose what apps you want access to when Downtime is on:

1. From the Screen Time page, tap "Always Allowed."
   
2. On the Always Allowed page, tap the (+) button next to the app(s) you want access to when Downtime is enabled. The apps you selected will then move up to the ALLOWED APPS list. If you want the ability to surf the web in the Covenant Eyes browser when Downtime is on, tap the (+) button next to Covenant Eyes.