It looks like Apple with its latest iOS 12 is too on the digital health bandwagon. After Google’s latest “Digital Wellbeing” feature, Apple is bringing screen time and app limit features to iOS 12. These features are the most significant addition to iOS 12. Using Screen Time, users can keep their phone addiction in check. This means iPhone, iPad users running iOS 12 will be able to set daily limits for each app and their device will remind them about the usage of a particular app.
Plus, the Screen Time feature will show notifications about the amount of time, you check your phone and the frequency at which users use the phone for a particular app.
To use this amazing new feature named Screen Time on your iPhone or iPad head to Settings > Screen Time and tap the time text at the top of the screen.
This will show you a complete report of phone usage over the week or day and apps with which you spend most of the time. Plus, it will show your number of notifications and name of the app that have sent most of them.
That’s not it, Screen Time will also show you how many times you used your device.
Liked the new feature? If yes, then we have good news as you can use this feature on multiple iOS devices by enabling the Share Across Devices option.
Note: For this, you need to be signed in iCloud only, then you’ll be able to see consolidated reports across all devices.
How Beneficial is This Feature?
If you think you are becoming a phone addict and are looking for a way to reduce iOS device usage, follow the steps below to limit the time you spend with your iPhone or iPad.
How to use Screen Time Feature to Limit app Usage on iOS 12?
To see detailed graph of phone usage, follow the steps below:
1. Head to Settings > Screen Time.
Note: If the feature is not enabled you need to enable it.
2. Next tap on App Limits > Add Limit.
3. Here choose the apps for which you wish to set limit by tapping the circle next to each app.
Note: If you wish to select an entire category of apps tap the circle next to each category.
4. Next, set time limit for entire category or add limit for each app individually.
Note: You can now set daily limit by selecting hours and minutes. Plus, can also set a limit for daily basis by tapping on Customize Days. This is a way to limit app usage over the weekend or when you have free time. Also, you can limit individual app usage by tapping on time indicator SCREEN TIME.
You’re now all set. Once you reach the app usage limit on your iPhone or iPad, screen will turn white showing a big black hourglass icon with the message “Time Limit.” If you want to override this, you can do so by tapping on the Ignore Limit button followed by tapping on Remind me in 15 minutes or Ignore for Today.
Screen Time also delivers weekly notification with summary of the week.
How to Set Downtime On iOS 12?
Besides, settings app limit you can even limit app usage for a certain amount of time. For example, if you use social media apps when going to bed you can set the time limit to get a nudge for keeping the phone down.
To set downtime on iOS 12 follow steps below:
1. Head to Settings > Screen Time.
2. Next tap on Downtime and enable it to set start and end time for the it.
Additionally, if you want to use certain apps regardless of time limit you set, follow the steps below:
1. Head to Settings > Screen Time.
2. Next tap on Always Allowed and choose the apps you want to allow.
Wasn’t it simple. Screen Time will surely help you to reduce phone usage and limit apps usage too.
Apart from this if you are parent and are worried about your kids using phone too much you can set limit for kids using parental controls in iOS 12.
How to use Parental Control to set Limit for Kids in iOS 12?
Worried about your kids using phones too much and want to limit it? If yes, you can set a Screen Time passcode for your kids. When adults hit the time limit, they see two options: Ignore the time limit for today or get a reminder after 15 minutes.
However, if you want to limit your kid phone usage you need to set Screen Time passcode, the time limit for the app cannot be extended without the passcode. This is effective parental control.
To enable this feature, follow the steps below.
Parental Controls in iOS 12 to Limit Kids app usage:
1. Head to Settings > Screen Time.
2. Next, tap on Use Screen Time Passcode.
3. In the new window that open enter four-digit passcode and confirm it when asked for.
This way you can set a limit to kids’ app usage as they won’t be able to extend it without the passcode.
Apart from this, you can even enable/disable location service, Bluetooth media changes, and more from the Content & Privacy Restrictions option under Screen Time. This will stop others from making changes to the device when it is locked.
How to Disable Screen Time on iOS 12?
If you have free time or you don’t to restrict app usage on weekends you can disable Screen Time on iOS 12. To do so, follow the steps below:
1. Head to Settings > Screen Time.
2. Scroll down > tap on Turn Off Screen Time.
3. When asked to re-confirm disabling by tapping on Turn Off Screen Time.
Hope you liked our step by step guide to limit app usage using Screen Time feature provided by Apple in iOS 12. However, if we missed out on something please let us know. Also, if you would like us to add some more information let us know. You feedback is valuable to us.
This is for iOS user but if you are using Android also we have an amazing app that does more than Screen Time feature. The app is Social Fever, Android users can download from here-
This time tracking app lets you limit app usage, see detailed reports, set interests, show water reminders, and much more. It is worth giving it a try.