You can block apps on iPhone using Screen Time, which lets you restrict access to specific apps or entire app categories

Apple's Screen Time feature is built into every iPhone and lets you prevent certain apps from opening. You can block individual apps (like social media or games), entire categories (like Entertainment or Social Networking), or set time limits that lock apps after a set number of minutes per day. The blocks stay in place until you remove them or the time limit resets.

Screen Time works by requiring a passcode to open a blocked app or to change the restrictions themselves. This means if you're blocking apps for yourself, you need to remember your Screen Time passcode. If you're blocking apps for someone else — like a child — they can't bypass the block without that passcode.

There's also a second method: Restrictions (called Parental Controls on some devices), which is older and less flexible but works similarly. Most people use Screen Time because it offers more control and better reporting.

Key Takeaways

  • Screen Time is the main tool for blocking apps on iPhone and requires a passcode to open blocked apps or change restrictions.
  • You can block individual apps, entire app categories, or set daily time limits that automatically lock apps after a certain number of minutes.
  • If you forget your Screen Time passcode, you'll need to reset your iPhone or use your Apple ID to recover it.
  • Blocked apps don't delete — they just won't open until you remove the block or enter the passcode.
  • Screen Time also tracks how much time you spend in each app, which can help you decide what to block.

How to block individual apps using Screen Time

Open Settings on your iPhone, then tap Screen Time. If this is your first time using Screen Time, tap Turn On Screen Time and choose whether this is your device or a child's device. You'll be asked to create a Screen Time passcode — write this down somewhere safe, because you'll need it to change or remove blocks later.

Once Screen Time is on, go back to Settings > Screen Time and tap App Limits. Tap Add Limit, then select the app or category you want to block. Set the time limit to 0 minutes — this will block the app entirely. Tap Add, then confirm. The app will now require your Screen Time passcode to open.

If you want to block multiple apps, repeat this process for each one. You can also tap an existing limit and adjust it, or swipe left on a limit to delete it.

How to block entire app categories

Instead of blocking apps one at a time, you can block whole categories. Go to Settings > Screen Time > App Limits > Add Limit. You'll see categories like Entertainment, Social Networking, Games, and Productivity. Tap a category to see which apps are in it, then set the time limit to 0 minutes to block all apps in that category at once.

This is useful if you want to block all games without having to list them individually, or if you want to restrict access to all social media apps. You can still open individual apps in that category if you enter your Screen Time passcode.

How to set daily time limits instead of complete blocks

If you don't want to block an app entirely but want to limit how much time you spend in it, set a time limit above 0 minutes. Go to Settings > Screen Time > App Limits > Add Limit, choose the app or category, and set a time in minutes. For example, setting a 30-minute limit on Instagram means you can use Instagram for 30 minutes per day, then it locks until the next day.

When you reach your time limit, the app icon will show a clock symbol and you'll see a message saying time is up. You can tap Ask for More Time to request additional minutes (useful if you're the parent and your child is asking), or enter your Screen Time passcode to ignore the limit for that day.

How to block apps during specific times of day

Screen Time also has a Downtime feature that blocks most apps during hours you choose — like bedtime or work hours. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Downtime and turn it on. Set a start time and end time (for example, 9 PM to 7 AM). During Downtime, only phone calls, messages, and apps you've marked as Always Allowed will work.

To allow specific apps during Downtime, go to Settings > Screen Time > Always Allowed and tap the plus sign to add apps. This is useful if you want to block everything except phone, messages, and your health app during sleep hours.

What to do if you forget your Screen Time passcode

If you set up Screen Time with your Apple ID, you can reset the passcode by going to Settings > Screen Time > Change Screen Time Passcode > Forgot Passcode? and signing in with your Apple ID. If you didn't link it to your Apple ID, you'll need to reset your entire iPhone using a computer or iCloud.com, which will erase all data unless you have a backup.

To avoid this, set up Screen Time with your Apple ID from the start. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Screen Time Passcode and make sure Use Apple ID to reset is turned on.

How to remove or change app blocks

To remove a block, go to Settings > Screen Time > App Limits, find the app or category you blocked, and tap Edit in the top right. You can increase the time limit, change which apps are included, or swipe left and tap Delete to remove the block entirely. You'll need to enter your Screen Time passcode to make any changes.

If you want to temporarily ignore a block for one day, open the blocked app and tap Ask for More Time or Ignore Limit. If you're the device owner, you can enter your passcode to unlock it immediately. If you're a child and the device is managed by a parent, your request goes to them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else remove my app blocks without my passcode?

No. Removing or changing any Screen Time restriction requires your Screen Time passcode. The only exception is if they know your Apple ID password and you set up Screen Time with your Apple ID — then they could reset the passcode. Keep both your Screen Time passcode and Apple ID password private.

Will blocking an app delete it from my iPhone?

No. Blocking an app just prevents it from opening. The app stays on your home screen and in your app library. When you remove the block, the app opens normally and all your data in that app is still there.

Can I block apps on someone else's iPhone?

Yes, if you set up their device as a child's device in Screen Time. Go to Settings > Screen Time, choose their name from the list, and set up restrictions. You'll need a separate passcode for their device. If it's an adult's device, you can't block their apps without their permission.

What's the difference between Screen Time and Restrictions?

Screen Time is newer and more detailed — it shows time spent in each app, lets you set daily limits, and has Downtime for blocking apps by time of day. Restrictions is older and simpler, mainly blocking entire app categories. Screen Time is the better choice for most people.

Can I block apps only during work hours?

Not automatically. You'd need to manually change your app limits or Downtime schedule each day. A workaround is to set Downtime for your work hours and add only work-related apps to Always Allowed, but this requires changing the schedule daily if your work hours vary.