App limits on iPhone: daily limits per app

App Limits let you decide how much time your child can spend on an app, or on a group of apps, each day. When the time is up the app is blocked until the next day, unless you approve more. Menu names can differ by iOS version.

Set an app limit

1. Open Settings, Screen Time. For your child, tap their name under Family.
2. Tap App Limits, then Add Limit.
3. Choose a category (Games, Social, Entertainment) or pick specific apps.
4. Tap Next and set the time.
5. Use Customize Days for different weekend limits.
6. Turn on Block at End of Limit and tap Add.

Category or single app?

• Category limits are easier: Games covers many apps at once.
• Single-app limits are useful for one problem app, such as a single game or video app.

What happens at the limit

The app icon is greyed and shows an hourglass. Your child can ask for more time, and you approve or decline from your phone.

How to choose a limit

Use age and the day as a guide. See screen time by age. Start with something your child can manage and adjust over a few weeks. A common starting point is less on school days and more at weekends.

Make the limit fair

• Agree on the number together.
• Explain that the limit covers the app, not the child's worth.
• Give warnings before the end. iOS shows a notice five minutes before the limit.

Limits for specific cases

• Roblox: limit the Roblox app itself. See Roblox parental controls.
• YouTube: limit YouTube or YouTube Kids. See YouTube parental controls.

Always Allowed

Some apps should work even after limits: Phone, Messages with trusted contacts, a maps app or a learning app. Use Always Allowed in Screen Time.

When limits are not enough

Limits are about stopping. If you also want children to be motivated, consider letting them earn time through learning. See earn screen time. For the full setup see our iPhone parental controls guide.