[Guide] Turning off Screen Time on iPhone and iPad in 3 Easy Ways
Last Updated on September 20, 2025 by Peter Wood
In today's digital age, smartphones and tablets have become indispensable tools in our daily lives. However, with the convenience they offer comes the temptation to spend a lot of time staring at a screen. Fortunately, Apple's Screen Time feature enables users to monitor and manage their device usage. But what if you find that screen time limits are too limited or unnecessary? Fear not! In this article, we'll explore 3 effective ways to turn off Screen Time on your iPhone and iPad, giving you back full control over your device usage.
Part 1: What is Screen Time and its Function
Screen Time is a feature Apple introduced in iOS 12 to help you better understand and manage your device usage. Its main functions include:
1. Usage insights: Screen Time provides detailed insights into the amount of time users spend on their devices and in specific apps. It breaks down usage by categories, such as productivity, social networking, entertainment, and more.
2. App limits: You can set time limits for specific apps or app categories. Once the set limit is reached, the app will be blocked until the next day unless the user exceeds the limit.
3. Downtime: You can schedule time slots to restrict access to certain apps or app categories. Downtime is often used for bedtime or other designated periods to minimize distractions and promote healthier digital habits.
4. Content and privacy restrictions: Screen Time includes features for parents or guardians to set content and privacy restrictions for their child's device. This allows them to control what content can be accessed, restrict certain features such as in-app purchases or explicit content, and manage screen time limits.
5. Usage History: Screen Time maintains a usage history that allows you to view device activity over time and track changes in its usage patterns.
Part 2: 3 Ways to Turn Off Screen Time on iPhone and iPad
Method 1: Turn Off All Apps
Screen Time imposes restrictions that are, at some point, too limited for your needs or preferences. Turning it off allows them to use their device without any restrictions.
Steps: On your phone go to Settings app, scroll down the page, find Screen Time, and click on it to go to the details page. Click the Turn Off Screen Time button at the bottom of the page and confirm in the prompt to be able to turn off Screen Time on iPhone and iPad.
Method 2: Turn Off Screen Time for Some Apps
Turning off Screen Time for certain apps can help individuals focus on specific tasks or activities without being interrupted by notifications or the urge to check other apps. That's why there's a special feature in iPhone and iPad that allows you to turn off Screen Time for some apps individually to ensure your overall focus.
Steps: Still open Settings scroll down the page and click the Screen Time button to get to the details page. At the bottom of the page, find App Limits and click on it to enter the details page. The apps with screen time settings will be shown on the page. For the apps you want to turn off screen time, swipe to the left and click the Delete button to turn off Screen Time for that app.
Method 3: Turn off Downtime alone
Downtime is part of the Screen Time feature that helps you manage your device usage and build healthier digital habits. This feature allows you to set periods that limit access to certain apps or features on your device, and if you need to turn it off individually, you can do so by following these steps.
Steps: In Settings, click the Screen Time button to access the details page. Scroll down the page and click the Downtime button to access the Downtime settings page. On this page, click the Turn Off Downtime button, you can turn off the downtime individually.
Part 3: How to Directly Turn Off Screen Time on iPhone and iPad in Locked
Method 1: Turn Off All Apps
When you get a message on your iPhone or iPad, you want to check the details, but then you find that the pop-up window tells you that your phone has been restricted by Screen Time, and you can't access the phone to check the content and use it. So at this time you need to turn off Screen Time, but the device is in a locked state, how can you turn off Screen Time, Aiseesoft iPhone Unlocker is a very good choice, Aiseesoft iPhone Unlocker is a software tool designed for iPhones, iPad or iPod touch users, which can help you unlock Screen Time, Apple ID or iCloud account when it is locked.
1. Support and compatibility with different models of iOS versions.
2. Remove screen lock passcode when you can't unlock your device.
3. Unlock Apple ID and iCloud account.
4. Bypass Screen Time restrictions on your device.
Step 1: Download and install Aiseesoft iPhone Unlocker on your computer, after the installation is complete, launch the software. At this time on the homepage of the software, click the Screen Time button to enter the detailed operation page, note that previously you needed to install iTunes on your computer successfully.
Step 2: You need to use the lightning to connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer. After the connection is successful, some prompts will appear on the screen, read them carefully to prevent unacceptable consequences. Click the Start button, the software will start to unlock Screen Time.
Step 3: After you have canceled Screen Time, follow the warnings on the page to set up your iPhone or iPad, this will ensure that your mobile phone won't have problems when you turn off Screen Time. Click the OK button to turn off Screen Time when the phone is locked.
Part 4: FAQ of Turning Off Screen Time on iPhone and iPad in Locked
Conclusion
Controlling device usage is essential to maintaining a healthy balance between technology and life. While Screen Time can be a valuable tool for managing screen time, it's not for everyone. Whether you need more flexibility, have privacy concerns, or just want unrestricted access to your device, knowing how to turn off Screen Time on your iPhone and iPad is a valuable skill. By following the approach outlined in this article, you can regain ownership of your digital experience and use your devices in a way that best suits your needs and preferences.