You can change the screen time limit on your iPad by navigating to the Screen Time settings in the Settings app, specifically utilizing the App Limits feature. This allows you to manage and adjust the daily time allowance for specific app categories or individual applications.
Understanding Screen Time and App Limits
Apple's Screen Time feature provides comprehensive tools to monitor and control device usage for yourself or family members. While there isn't a single "total screen time" switch, the App Limits functionality is designed to help you limit time spent across various apps and categories, effectively managing your overall device usage.
Steps to Change or Set Screen Time Limits
Follow these steps to adjust your iPad's screen time limits:
- Open Settings: Tap the Settings app icon on your iPad's Home screen.
- Access Screen Time: Scroll down and tap on Screen Time in the left-hand menu.
- If this is your first time setting it up, you might need to tap "Turn On Screen Time" and follow the initial prompts.
- Navigate to App Limits: From the main Screen Time menu, tap on App Limits.
To Set a New App Limit:
If you don't have a limit set for a specific category or app, or want to add a new one:
- Tap Add Limit.
- Select Categories or Apps: You can choose from pre-defined app categories (e.g., Social, Games, Entertainment) or scroll down to Apps to select specific individual applications. Tap the checkbox next to the desired categories or apps.
- Tap Next in the top right corner.
- Set Time Amount: Use the picker to set the amount of time allowed per day. You can also customize days if you want different limits for weekdays versus weekends.
- Tap Add in the top right corner to save your new limit.
To Change an Existing App Limit:
If you already have an App Limit set and wish to modify its duration or included apps:
- Within the App Limits section, tap on the existing limit you wish to change.
- Adjust Time: Tap on the current time setting (e.g., "1h 30m") to bring up the time picker and adjust the daily allowance.
- Modify Apps/Categories: You can also tap Edit Apps or Edit Category (depending on the type of limit) to add or remove specific applications from that limit.
- Delete Limit: If you no longer want a particular limit, you can tap Delete Limit at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap Back or exit Settings to save your changes automatically.
Additional Screen Time Features
Beyond App Limits, Screen Time offers other useful features to manage device usage:
- Downtime: Schedule a period of time away from the screen, allowing only phone calls and apps you choose to allow.
- Always Allowed: Select apps that you want to be available at all times, even during Downtime or if they are part of an App Limit.
- Content & Privacy Restrictions: Block inappropriate content, manage iTunes & App Store purchases, and restrict privacy settings.
By regularly reviewing and adjusting your App Limits, you can effectively manage and change the amount of time spent on your iPad, promoting healthier digital habits.
