How to Set Screen Time Alerts and Blocks

The average screen time for adults in the U.S. is over 7 hours. That is nearly 33% of our day spent on internet-connected devices. Our average weekly media consumption is nearly 60 hours. That's MORE than a full-time job. How can you cut that down? Try setting screen time alerts and blocks.

For some introductory information and details on cutting screen time, check out my "Cut Your Screen Time NOW" blog here.

Downtime Scheduling for iPhone

Setting a "Downtime" schedule will help you stay off your phone during set hours of the day. It's a great way to encourage yourself to stay off your phone at night and to avoid using it early in the morning.

During "Downtime" your phone will ask you to bypass certain functionalities and it will put your phone into "Do Not Disturb" so you won't recieve notifications. There are ways to set certain contacts to still notify you while your phone is in Do Not Disturb. This is ideal for parents, children or other contacts that may need to reach you in case of emergency.

How to Set Downtime Schedules:

1. Go to Settings.

2. Scroll to and Click "Screen Time".

3. Click "Downtime".

4. Toggle "Scheduled" to ON (it'll turn green if ON, grey if OFF).

5. You can then set it to "Every Day" or "Customize Days" and choose your time window.

App Limits for iPhone

Setting App Limits is a great way to minimize scrolling. App limits allow you to set specific lengths of time that you can spend on an app per day. This is great for anyone who'd like to cut down on their social media time.

You will be able to bypass the app limits, so do not worry about being unable to access your apps on days you may actually need them.

How to Set App Limits:

1. Go to Settings.

2. Scroll to and Click "Screen Time".

3. Click "App Limits".

4. Toggle "App Limits" to ON.

5. Click "Add Limit" and customize the app you want to limit and the length of time you want to limit yourself to.

Screen Distance Alerts for iPhone

Turning on your screen distance alert can help you if you experience eye strain and headaches from too much screen time. Your phone will alert you when you're holding it too close to your face and make you extend the distance before you can continue use.

How to Turn Screen Distance On:

1. Go to Settings.

2. Scroll to and Click "Screen Time".

3. Click "Screen Distance".

4. Toggle "Screen Distance" ON.