Why Is My Screen Time App Limit Not Working and Ways to Fix

Penny Warren Published on June 11, 2025Unlock iOS3-min reading

Set a Screen Time app limit only to find out if your child can continue scrolling on TikTok and playing games. This not only makes parents feel helpless, but also exposes the instability of iOS parental controls. Many users set the time limit, but the system does not set the limit as expected, which may affect the children's work and rest, study, and even challenge the trust management of parents. Instead of double-checking settings, dive into why is my Screen Time app limits not working and what you can do to fix them. This article will start with common problems, step by step, to help you solve this annoyance.

Part 1: How Does Screen Time Work

Screen Time is a digital wellbeing tool built into Apple devices designed to help users manage device time, especially for parents who want to control their child's iPhone or iPad. With Screen Time, you can view app usage statistics, set App Limits, set Downtime, and even prevent inappropriate content or bypass controls by setting Content & Privacy Restrictions.

When you turn on App Limits, apps are automatically locked based on the daily time limit you set. For example, if you set a one-hour daily limit for a social app, when the time runs out, the app icon will be grayed out, a "It's time" prompt will pop up, and you won't be able to use it unless you enter your Screen Time password.

However, many users find that these restrictions don't always take effect. Even if the time is set, the child can continue using the restricted app, or the time limit is not triggered. This begs the question: Why is my screen time app limit not working?

Part 2: Why Are Screen Time App Limits Not Working

Although Screen Time is designed to precisely limit the amount of time you spend using the app, many users have reported that their iPhone Screen Time app limit is not working. Still, it is ineffective in social media, gaming, or video apps. This may seem like an occasional problem, but there are multiple potential reasons behind it.

• Sync Issues Across Multiple Devices

If you turn on Sync Screen Time with iCloud for multiple of your child's Apple devices and your settings don't sync in time, some devices may not be affected by the limit, leading you to think app Limits not working on Screen Time is abnormal.

• User Bypasses the Restrictions

It's not difficult for kids who know how to bypass app limits. For example, changing the system time, uninstalling and reinstalling apps, and unlocking the iPhone with Siri to open restricted apps can all cause the Screen Time app limit to not work.

• App Compatibility

Sometimes you set a time for a certain type of app, but the app isn't accurately categorized or included. For example, YouTube Kids and the main YouTube app may be recognized as different types, resulting in some apps being unrestricted.

• iOS System Error or Bug

Apple's system updates occasionally cause unexpected glitches. Especially after updating to the new version of iOS, some users find that the normal restriction function suddenly fails.

• Incorrect Settings

Some network settings, such as VPNs or proxies, may interfere with the execution of throttling rules, especially when using third-party management tools, and some of the control logic may be skipped by default.

Part 3: How to Fix Screen Time App Limit Not Working - 5 Methods

When you find that the Screen Time app limits are not working, try these five most effective fixes instead of repeating the settings. These actions are suitable for iPhone Screen Time app limit not working scenarios, but also solve some hidden configuration issues and make the restriction feature work.

Set a Screen Time Passcode

The restrictions are almost non-existent without a password, and users can skip the time prompt anytime.

Once enabled, the restriction can only be changed or bypassed through this password. Ensure your password is secure and kept safe so others can't easily guess it. And don't worry if you forget—just learn how to reset screen time passcode on iPhone.

Toggle ON Block at End of Limit

It's not enough to set the time; you must also ensure that access is forcibly blocked after the time is up.

Set a specific limit per app

Some apps may be omitted category by category, so it is recommended to set separate limits for frequently used apps.

Limit Website Access on Content Restriction

Even if an app is restricted, users may still be able to access websites through Safari. Thus, you should limit website access to address the extended vulnerability of the iOS Screen Time app, which is not working.

Restart your iPhone or iPad

In some cases, throttling doesn't take effect because the system cache isn't updated promptly. Rebooting is the easiest way to fix temporary system exceptions, such as why my Screen Time app limit is not working.

With the above five methods, most of the Screen Time app limit not working issues can be mitigated or solved completely. However, if you still find that your child is able to bypass the restrictions or if they don't work at all, then you may need to take a more aggressive approach.

Part 4: Going Further with Bypassing the Screen Time Lock

Even if you set a password, turn on Block Use After Timeout, or even fine-grained restrictions for each app, some kids or more tech-savvy users may still find a way to bypass the restrictions. If you're faced with this limiting situation that still doesn't work, it's time to consider using a professional tool like imyPass iPassGo for thorough control.

IPassGo offers a more straightforward and reliable solution than fighting cumbersome settings or system bugs. Especially for users who still find iOS screen time app limit not working after multiple attempts, this is undoubtedly the best choice.

Conclusion

It's not uncommon to encounter the Screen Time app limit not working, and it may not work if it's set correctly. In this case, try imyPass iPassGo to bypass restrictions with one click and help you regain control of your device. It's simple, secure, and available to all iOS users.