How to Set Downtime in Screen Time Settings on Your iPhone & iPad

Screen addiction is a very real issue for many smartphone users, and Apple is taking the problem seriously. Since the rollout of iOS 12, there's a Screen Time feature that can help iPhone and iPad users become aware of how much time they spend on their devices, then cut back if they feel the need. One of these settings is called Downtime. What does Downtime in Screen Time do? It's exactly what it sounds like; a set time of day where your device reminds you that it's time to unplug and do something else. Let's get started learning how to set up Downtime in iOS 13 now. 

Related: 8 Tips for Raising Healthy Kids in the Age of Screens

How to Set Up Downtime in Your Screen Time Settings:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap on Screen Time and toggle it on if you haven't already.
   
   
    
3. Tap Downtime.
4. Toggle on Downtime, then tap Every Day or Customize Days. If you tap Every Day, Downtime will occur during the same hours each day. If you select Customize Days, you can allow for more device usage during particular times like weekends. 
   
   
    
5. I've chosen Customize Days so that I can tap each day of the week, then tap From and To and scroll to choose when Downtime starts and ends.
6. Tap Downtime at the top of your screen to return to the Downtime schedule and customize more days.
   
   
    
7. You'll receive a Downtime reminder five minutes before Downtime begins; you'll then be notified when Downtime begins.
8. The majority of your apps will be grayed out with an hourglass next to the app name during Downtime.
   
   
    
9. If you tap on a grayed-out app, you'll see a notice that gives you the option to tap OK or Ignore Limit.

10. If you tap Ignore Limit, you can use the app for One more minute, ask to be reminded in fifteen minutes, ignore the limit altogether, or cancel and stick to your Downtime limit.
    
    
     

Can I Change My Downtime Limits?

Of course! You can go into Settings and change or remove your Downtime limits if you wish, or you can tap on an app you want to use, then tap Ignore Limit For Today.