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How to set Downtime in Screen Time on iPhone

Go to Settings > Screen Time > Downtime, turn it on and set the hours. Only apps in Always Allowed work during Downtime, and calls still come through.

How to do it

  1. Open Settings > Screen Time. Turn Screen Time on if it is off.

  2. Tap Downtime, turn it on, and set the hours.

  3. Open Always Allowed and add the apps that should keep working, such as Maps or Phone. Phone is allowed by default.

  4. During Downtime you can ignore the block for a minute, or for the day, if you have not set a Screen Time passcode.

A Screen Time passcode stops the easy override. Set one only if you want the friction. If you forget it, changing it is a recovery, not a toggle.

Questions people ask

Can I get around Downtime?

Yes, unless there's a Screen Time passcode. Without one you can ignore the limit for a minute or the rest of the day.

What's the difference between Downtime and a Focus?

Downtime blocks apps. A Focus silences notifications from people and apps. They work fine together.

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