8 Useful Ways to Fix Screen Time Limits Not Working [iOS 18/17]

The Screen Time feature on iOS devices is designed to help manage app usage by enforcing time limits. However, some users may notice that actual screen time exceeds the set limits. This Screen Time limits not working issue can stem from incorrect settings, system glitches, or device synchronization problems.

If your child's screen time surpasses the limits, it may also indicate that they've found ways to bypass restrictions, such as changing the Screen Time passcode or using other workarounds. In this case, you can get a quick fix on Way 8.

In this guide, we'll explain why it happens and provide effective solutions to fix the issue. Whether you're using an iPhone or iPad running iOS 18, iOS 17, or earlier versions, we've got you covered!

Part 1: Why Is iPhone Screen Time Not Working?

If you found screen time limits not working on your iOS devices, here are some possible causes to check:

1. iOS System Bugs or Glitches.

If your device runs iOS 18/17 and encounter the screen time not working issue, you're not alone. Hundreds of users reported the same issue on forums. In this case, you can update to the latest system or try to recover iOS system yourself.

2. Incorrect or Ignored Screen Time Settings.

Apple offers flexible Screen Time options, such as app limits and scheduled downtime. However, incorrect or conflicting settings can cause issues. So, review all of your configurations to ensure limits are applied correctly and consistently. This article introduces some settings you might ignore, just keep reading to set it correctly.

3. Sync Issues Across Multiple Devices.

If you use Screen Time across multiple devices, unsynchronized settings can cause limits to fail. Make sure all devices are signed into the same iCloud account and properly synced.

4. User Bypasses Screen Time Limits.

Tech-savvy teens may exploit system loopholes to bypass screen time limits, such as changing the time/date, switching Apple IDs, or using another device. In this case, you'd better reset the current Screen Time settings on your child's device to regain control. If you don't know how to do it, check Way 8 in this article for an easy and quick fix!

Part 2: How to Fix Screen Time Limits Not Working?

Way 1. Set a New Screen Time Passcode [For Parents]

While Apple allows you to easily reset Screen Time passcode when you forgot it, your child may also change it easily once they know your Apple Account credentials. Therefore, if you found the Screen Time passcode not working on your iPhone, it's possible that your child has accessed the settings and disabled app restrictions. To prevent such occurrences, set a new Screen Time passcode on your iPhone.

Step 1. Launch Settings app on your iPhone, tap on Screen Time.
Step 2. Scroll down to find Change Screen Time Passcode option, then choose Change Screen Time Passcode again. Then, create a new passcode.

Way 2. Turn Off and Turn On Screen Time Feature

Restarting Screen Time feature may be helpful to fix Screen Time limits not working issue. Because it resets many of the internal elements of this feature. Here's how to turn off and turn on Screen Time on your iPhone & iPad.

Launch Settings app, tap on Screen Time. Simply tap on Turn Off Screen Time, and enter your Screen Time Passcode to disable this feature. Wait a moment, you can tap on Turn On Screen Time to enable this feature back again.

Way 3. Turn On Block at End of Limit on App Limits

By default, Screen Time App Limits allows users to ignore time limits for 1 minute, 15 minutes, or the entire day. This setting can make it seem like App Limits not working. So, to enforce limits without exceptions, you should toggle on the "Block at End of Limit" feature on App Limits settings. This way, you will be blocked from using the app unless you enter a screen time passcode or exceed the limit.

Step 1. Navigate to Settings, select Screen Time, and then tap on App Limits.
Step 2. Tap on Add Limit option, choose apps you wish to set a limit and then tap on Next button.
Step 3. Select the desired time limit, then enable the Block at End of Limit option by switching it on, and finally, press Add to confirm.

Way 4. Set Specific Limits for Each App

Typically, you can set a Downtime to restrict the total screen time for all applications the whole day with scheduled time range. But if the Downtime not blocking apps or it doesn't suit your needs, consider setting individual limits for each app. It allows you to view the duration of use for each app, enabling you to tailor the time restrictions according to your specific usage patterns.

Step 1. Navigate to Settings and select Screen Time. Tap on App Limits.
Step 2. Tap on Add Limit, enter your Screen Time passcode, choose the app from the list you wish to set restrictions. Then tap on the Next button, you can customize the app's time limits from Monday to Sunday. And don't forget to toggle on the Block at End of Limit option.

Way 5. Limit Website Access on Content Restriction

Sometimes, Even if you've restricted apps or categories, children may still access the web versions of these apps through a browser. In this case, you'd better limit website access using the following steps:

Step 1. Tap Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions on your iPhone/iPad.
Step 2. Toggle on Content & Privacy Restrictions.
Step 3. Scroll down and tap Content Restrictions > Web Content.
Step 4. Choose Limit Adult Websites and add websites under Never Allow to block specific sites. Alternatively, select Allowed Websites and add permitted sites for stricter control.

Way 6. Reboot your iPhone or iPad

If you're experiencing iOS 18 Screen Time not working or iOS 17 Screen Time bug on your iPhone or iPad, a reliable solution is to reboot your device. This process will refresh the system and reload all settings and applications. After force-restarting your device, check to see if the problem with the Screen Time limits has been resolved. You can check the picture guide below to force-restrart your iPhone.

Way 7. Fix Screen Time Not Working by Recovering iOS System

If rebooting doesn't resolve Screen Time not working on iOS 18/17 issues, you can also use the professional iOS System Recovery tool to fix system bugs or glitches. Besides, downgrading your iOS system is also a good choice to avoid the screen time bug on iOS 18 beta, iOS 17, or other version. This method is reliable, user-friendly, and ensures your data stays intact with proper settings.

Way 8. Fix Screen Time Issues by Removing Screen Time Passcode

If your child has changed the Screen Time passcode without your knowledge or if you’ve forgotten the passcode yourself, you might mistakenly believe that the Screen Time limits are not working. In such scenarios, you can employ tools like TunesKit iPhone Unlocker, which allows you to reset the passcode on your iPhone or iPad without the need to wipe the device.

In addition to this feature, it can remove Apple ID from iPhone without password, remove MDM restrictions without jailbreaking, easily unlock the screen when you forget your lock screen password and give you full control of your device.

The following will show you how to use TunesKit iPhone Unlocker to remove Screen Time passcode.

Step 1Connect your iOS device to PC

Ensure you install the latest software on your computer. After installation, connect your iPhone to the computer with USB cable, open TunesKit iPhone Unlocker, and select Unlock Screen Time Passcode option.

Step 2Begin to remove your Screen Time passcode

Once TunesKit recognizes your device, proceed by clicking Start button to initiate the removal of the Screen Time passcode. If Find My feature is turned on your device, you must disable it to continue. Simply move to "Settings > Your name > Find My > Find My iPhone" to disable it.

Step 3Set up iOS device again

Once removed, please proceed with the on-screen instructions and configure your iPhone & iPad to avoid any loss of data. Then, you can reset a new password that is memorable to you but unpredictable to your children. Besides, if your Apple Account credentials are known to your children, you'd better create a new Apple Account and set it as the account to reset screen time passcode.

Part 3: FAQs About Screen Time Limits Not Working

Part 4: Conclusion

We hope this guide has helped you resolve Screen Time limits not working issues on your iPhone or iPad running iOS 18, iOS 17, or earlier versions. From resetting passcodes to addressing system bugs, these eight solutions provide effective ways to regain control of Screen Time limits.

If you've forgotten your Screen Time passcode or need to recover access on your child’s device, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker is a reliable and user-friendly tool to help you quickly resolve the issue. If interested, check out other useful apps to limit your screen time for a heathier digital lifestyle!