Due to a screen time restriction bug that allowed children to use their devices unrestrictedly, many users complained. Apple, which received criticism from parents trying to limit their children’s electronic device usage, stated that they resolved this issue with the iOS 16.5 update. However, the problem resurfaced in the iOS 17 Beta version. Apple is now working to fix this error.
Apple is trying to fix the issue of screen time resetting
The issue is affecting iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch devices. It impacts a feature called “Downtime,” which allows parents to remotely set times when children cannot use their devices. An Apple spokesperson stated, “We are aware of an issue where some users are experiencing unexpected resets of their Screen Time settings.”
According to the spokesperson, Apple takes these reports very seriously and is making updates and will continue to do so to improve the situation. Parents who control the feature have noticed that the scheduled hours either revert to old settings or get completely removed, allowing their children to use the devices whenever they want. This has understandably caused significant frustration among thousands of users who filed complaints.
One user even changed their password to ensure their children couldn’t override it, but they found that they had to reset the feature “two or three times a week.” As you might expect, children are not eager to report this issue promptly, so only some vigilant parents are noticing it. Approximately 2,300 people mentioned experiencing the same error on an Apple discussion page related to the subject.
Apple was already aware of the issue. In fact, they reported that the problem was resolved with the release of iOS 16.5 in May. However, some users found the issue in subsequent versions, including the iOS 17 Beta version. According to an Apple spokesperson, they are now working to fix this bug, and it will be addressed in upcoming iOS 17 updates.
Screen Time was introduced at Apple’s developer conference in 2018, allowing parents to remotely monitor their children’s Activity Reports and manage app usage times. Specific apps can be selected to be available during certain time periods. These features are widely used by parents, especially in today’s digital age.