The fastest way to limit iPad use
You can set a time limit on an iPad using Screen Time, a built-in tool in iPadOS that lets you cap how long certain apps or categories of apps can be used each day. When the time runs out, the app closes and your child (or you) must enter a passcode to keep using it. The limit resets at midnight unless you change the schedule.
Screen Time also tracks which apps are used most and for how long, so you can see patterns before you set limits. You do not need to download anything — it is already on every iPad running iPadOS 12 or newer.
Key Takeaways
- Screen Time is built into iPadOS and lets you set daily time limits for individual apps or entire app categories like Games or Social Media.
- You can set different limits for weekdays and weekends, and choose whether the app closes or just sends a warning when time is up.
- A separate Screen Time passcode (different from your iPad passcode) prevents anyone from changing or removing the limits without permission.
- You can see exactly which apps were used and for how long in the Screen Time report, updated every 24 hours.
How to turn on Screen Time and set your first limit
Open Settings on the iPad and tap Screen Time. If you have never used it before, tap Turn On Screen Time. The iPad will ask whether this is a parent's device or a child's device — choose based on who will be setting the limits.
If you choose "This is my child's iPad," you will set up a Screen Time passcode right away. This is a four-digit code that prevents anyone from turning off Screen Time or changing limits without entering it. Write it down somewhere safe — if you forget it, you will need to reset the entire iPad to remove Screen Time.
Once Screen Time is on, tap App Limits and then Add Limit. You will see categories like Games, Social Media, Entertainment, and Productivity, or you can pick individual apps. Select the category or app, then set the daily time limit in hours and minutes. Tap Add when you are done.
Setting different limits for weekdays and weekends
By default, the time limit you set applies every day. To change this, go back to Screen Time and tap the limit you just created. You will see a toggle for Customize Days — turn it on.
Now you can set separate limits for weekdays and weekends. For example, you might allow 30 minutes of games on school days but two hours on Saturday and Sunday. Each day's limit is independent, so you can also set limits for only certain days if you want — just turn off the days you do not want a limit.
What happens when time runs out
When an app hits its time limit, the app closes and a screen appears saying time is up. The user can tap Ask for More Time, which sends a notification to whoever set up Screen Time (usually a parent). That person can approve 15 more minutes from their own device without the child needing the passcode.
If you want the app to just warn the user instead of closing it, go back to the limit settings and turn off Block at End of Limit. With this off, the app stays open but a warning banner appears when time is almost up and again when time is out. The user can keep using the app, but you will see it in the Screen Time report.
Using Downtime to block all apps at once
If you want to block almost everything during certain hours — like bedtime or dinner — use Downtime instead of individual app limits. Go to Screen Time, tap Downtime, and turn it on.
Set the start and end times. During Downtime, only phone calls and apps you mark as Always Allowed will work. Everything else closes. This is useful for enforcing a no-screens rule during specific hours without having to set limits on dozens of apps. You can set different Downtime schedules for weekdays and weekends the same way you do with app limits.
Checking what apps are being used
Open Screen Time and look at the top of the screen. You will see a bar graph showing total screen time for today and the average for the past seven days. Scroll down to see Most Used, which lists every app and how much time was spent in it today.
The report updates once per day, usually in the evening. If you need to see real-time usage, you can check the graph at the top, but the detailed breakdown of individual apps updates on a 24-hour cycle. This is useful for spotting patterns — for example, if you notice someone is spending three hours a day in one app, you might set a limit on that category.
Changing or removing limits later
To edit a limit, go to Screen Time, tap App Limits, and tap the limit you want to change. You can adjust the time, turn on or off Customize Days, or toggle Block at End of Limit. Tap Save when you are done.
To remove a limit entirely, tap App Limits, swipe left on the limit, and tap Delete. You will need to enter your Screen Time passcode to confirm. Downtime works the same way — tap Downtime, then turn it off or adjust the times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I forget my Screen Time passcode?
You will need to reset the iPad using a computer or another Apple device. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. This erases everything on the iPad, so back up your data first if possible. After the reset, you can set up Screen Time again with a new passcode.
Can my child turn off Screen Time without the passcode?
No. To turn off Screen Time or change any limits, they need the passcode. If they try to change settings, the iPad will ask for the code. The only exception is if they know your Apple ID password — they could try to reset the iPad that way, but that also erases everything.
Does Screen Time work if the iPad is in airplane mode?
Yes. Screen Time runs on the device itself, not through the internet. Airplane mode does not affect it. The limits will still enforce even if Wi-Fi and cellular are both off.
Can I set limits on FaceTime or phone calls?
FaceTime and calls are not part of app limits. If you want to block them during certain hours, add them to Downtime instead. During Downtime, only the apps you mark as Always Allowed will work, so you can exclude FaceTime if you want calls to go through but block everything else.