Where to Find Screen Time Settings on iPad

Screen Time controls live in the Settings app, not in a separate process. Open Settings, then tap Screen Time in the left menu. If you do not see Screen Time listed, scroll down — it appears below Privacy and above Developer.

The first time you open Screen Time, iPad asks whether you want to turn it on. Tap Turn On Screen Time to begin. You will then choose whether this iPad belongs to you or a child; this choice determines what options appear next.

If you are setting limits for yourself, select This is My iPad. If you are managing a child's device, select This is My Child's iPad. The steps differ slightly depending on which you choose, but both paths let you set daily time limits and block apps after time runs out.

Key Takeaways

  • Screen Time settings are in the Settings app under the Screen Time menu, not in a separate app.
  • You can set different time limits for different app categories, such as Social Networking or Games, rather than limiting all apps equally.
  • Downtime pauses most apps at a set time each day, while App Limits control how many minutes per day you can use a specific category.
  • If you forget your Screen Time passcode, you must reset your entire iPad through Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
  • Changes to Screen Time take effect when ready, but apps already open stay open until you close them manually.

Setting Daily App Limits by Category

Once Screen Time is on, tap App Limits to set how many minutes per day you can use certain types of apps. Tap Add Limit to start. iPad shows you categories like Social Networking, Games, Entertainment, and Productivity.

Choose the category you want to limit — for example, tap Games if you want to restrict gaming to one hour per day. Then use the hour and minute wheels to set your limit. Tap Add when you are done. You can add multiple limits for different categories; Games and Social Networking can each have their own separate limit.

When you reach your time limit, the app dims and shows a message saying time is up. You can tap Ask for More Time to request an additional 15 minutes, or you can close the app. If you set a limit for yourself, you can tap Ignore Limit to override it when ready — but if this is a child's iPad, only the parent can override using their Screen Time passcode.

Using Downtime to Block Apps at Specific Hours

Downtime pauses most apps during hours you choose, such as bedtime or dinner time. During Downtime, only Phone, Messages, and apps you mark as Always Allowed stay open. Everything else shows a lock screen.

Tap Downtime in the Screen Time menu, then toggle it on. Set your start time and end time using the hour and minute wheels. For example, if you want Downtime from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m., set the start time to 21:00 and the end time to 07:00. Tap Set when finished.

If you need to use an app during Downtime, tap Ignore for Today to unlock all apps for the rest of that day, or tap the app itself to request more time. On a child's device, only the parent can grant access using their passcode.

Allowing Specific Apps to Work Anytime

Some apps should stay available even during Downtime — Phone and Messages are included by default. To add other apps to the Always Allowed list, tap Always Allowed in the Screen Time menu.

You see two sections: Allowed Apps and Available Apps. Tap the green plus sign next to any app in Available Apps to move it to Allowed Apps. That app will now work during Downtime and will not count toward your App Limits. Tap the red minus sign next to any app in Allowed Apps to remove it.

This is useful for keeping productivity apps, maps, or emergency contacts available while still blocking games and social media during certain hours.

Setting a Screen Time Passcode

A Screen Time passcode prevents you (or a child) from changing limits without permission. Tap Screen Time Passcode at the bottom of the Screen Time menu, then tap Turn On Screen Time Passcode.

Enter a four-digit code twice to confirm it. You will also be asked to provide an Apple ID and password as a backup recovery method. Write down your passcode in a safe place — if you forget it, you cannot change Screen Time settings without resetting the entire iPad.

Once the passcode is set, anyone trying to change App Limits, Downtime, or Always Allowed apps must enter this code. On a child's device, the parent enters the passcode; the child cannot override it without the code.

Changing or Removing Limits You Have Already Set

To adjust a limit you created, go to Screen Time and tap App Limits. Find the category you want to change and tap it. Adjust the hour and minute wheels to your new time, then tap Save. To remove the limit entirely, tap Delete Limit.

To turn off Downtime, go to Downtime and toggle it off. To change the hours, tap Downtime, adjust the start and end times, and tap Set. Changes take effect when ready — apps that were open stay open, but new apps will be blocked if you have just turned on Downtime or lowered a time limit.

If you set a Screen Time passcode and cannot remember it, you must erase the iPad and set it up again. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. This removes all data, so back up your iPad first using iCloud or a computer.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is setting App Limits but forgetting to set Downtime. App Limits only count minutes used during the day — if you use an app for 10 minutes at 11 p.m., it still counts toward your daily limit. If you want certain hours to be completely app-free, use Downtime instead.

Another mistake is adding an app to Always Allowed and then wondering why it still counts toward your App Limit. Always Allowed apps bypass Downtime but not App Limits. If you want an app to be completely unrestricted, remove it from any App Limit category as well.

If you have a child's iPad and they keep asking for more time, remember that you can tap Ignore Request instead of granting it. Tapping Ask for More Time sends a notification to the parent, but the parent can decline. You do not have to grant every request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set different Screen Time limits for different days of the week?

No. Screen Time limits are the same every day. If you need different limits on weekends, you must manually change the limit each Friday and Sunday. Some families use Downtime instead, setting it only on school nights.

What happens if I reach my App Limit while I am using an app?

The app dims and shows a message that time is up. You can tap Ask for More Time to request 15 more minutes, or close the app when ready. If you have a passcode set, you can tap Ignore Limit to override it, but this requires entering your code.

Does Screen Time track which apps I use the most?

Yes. Tap See All Activity at the top of the Screen Time menu to see a breakdown of how much time you spent in each app and category today and this week. This information is for your reference only and does not affect your limits.

Can I use Screen Time on multiple iPads at once?

Yes, if you use the same Apple ID on multiple devices and have Family Sharing set up. Each device can have its own limits, or you can manage all of them from one iPad using Family Sharing settings. Go to Settings > Family Sharing to set this up.

What if my child deletes an app to avoid the time limit?

Deleted apps can be reinstalled from the App Store, and Screen Time will still track them. You can also use Content & Privacy Restrictions (in Screen Time settings) to prevent apps from being deleted without your passcode.