How to Fix the “Ignore Limit” Screen Time Bypass for App Limits
The "Ignore Limit" bypass is a common problem for both adults and parents who are trying to restrict an iPhone via Screen Time. Fortunately, it is possible to remove this option completely.
Whether you’re an adult or parent, you might have noticed that any app limits set by Screen Time can be skipped by default, even if the limit was created by a parent and is intended to block an app entirely. It makes sense that you might want to allow some leeway so whoever is using the iPhone can finish up what they’re doing, but parents especially want to ensure that the limits they’ve configured are enforced properly. Fortunately, it’s possible to prevent app limits from being skipped.
Normally, when an app limit is reached, you might see a notification like the one below:
The problem is that you can easily tap “Ignore Limit”, then add 15 more minutes or even skip the limit for the rest of the day without any kind of confirmation:
Fix “Ignore Limit” by locking Screen Time
If you’re an adult (or an accountability partner helping an adult), the default behavior for app limits is to allow them to be skipped. If enforced properly, when the app limit expires, you would see the menu pictured below:
Sure, you can use the app for one more minute to finish up what you’re doing, but after that minute, you’ll need to enter your Screen Time passcode.
Here’s what to do:
Note that if you’re working with an accountability partner or are a parent of a teen, you’ll likely need to help enforce this passcode for Screen Time . You can skip this step if you’ve already added a passcode.
Note that the “Block at end of limit” check or toggle only appears if a Screen Time passcode is set.
Fix “Ignore Limit” with Apple Family Sharing
If you’re a parent setting up a child’s iPhone, you usually need to enable a similar “Block at end of limit” restriction, although this can be done from your own device if you’ve set up Apple Family Sharing .
Follow these steps on either your own device or your child’s iPhone:
Frequently Asked Questions
I changed the App Limit schedule and now the time limit can be ignored again…
Unfortunately, you often have to double-check that “Block at end of limit” is toggled on each time you make a change to either your passcode or the App Limit.