Stop your child getting around Screen Time limits

Why it happens

Without a passcode, anyone using the account can switch limits off in System Settings. An administrator account can also undo Screen Time or set up a new account with no limits. Locking Screen Time and making their account Standard closes both doors.

How to fix it

1. Open System Settings and click Screen Time. If you manage your child from your own account through Family Sharing, choose their name in the menu at the top first, and look under Manage Screen Time.

2. Turn on Lock Screen Time Settings and pick a 4-digit passcode your child doesn't know. Avoid birthdays and patterns like 1234.

   Screen Time›Lock Screen Time Settings

3. Make their account Standard. In Users & Groups, click the info button next to your child's name and turn off Allow this user to administer this computer.

   Users & Groups›ⓘ›Allow this user to administer this computer

4. Open Downtime and make sure it blocks apps rather than only showing a reminder. That switch is called Block at Downtime.

   Screen Time›Downtime

Still not fixed?

1. Think they've seen the passcode? Click Change Passcode next to Lock Screen Time Settings and choose a new one.

2. Using the Guest User to escape limits? Turn off Allow guests to log in to this computer in Users & Groups.

   Users & Groups›Guest User›ⓘ›Allow guests to log in to this computer

3. Limits work on the Mac but not their iPhone or iPad? Turn on Share across devices so the same rules apply wherever they're signed in.

   Screen Time›Share across devices

4. On macOS 27, limits for a child in Family Sharing are set in Family settings. Open Family and choose your child to check them.

   Family

5. If your child still gets past the limits with a passcode set and a Standard account, contact Apple Support.