Screen Time on an iPhone 12 can be a useful feature to track your device usage, but sometimes you just want to turn it off. Whether it’s because you find it intrusive, unnecessary, or you’re just taking a digital detox, turning off Screen Time is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can do it in a few simple steps.
Step by Step Tutorial: Turning Off Screen Time on an iPhone 12
Before we dive into the steps, let’s briefly talk about what we’re about to do. By following the steps below, you’ll be able to disable the Screen Time feature on your iPhone 12, which will stop your device from tracking your usage and sending you weekly reports.
Step 1: Open Settings
Open the ‘Settings’ app on your iPhone 12.
In ‘Settings’, you’ll find a list of options for customizing your iPhone experience. Navigate through these options to find ‘Screen Time’.
Step 2: Tap on Screen Time
Scroll down and tap on ‘Screen Time’.
‘Screen Time’ is usually located a little way down in the ‘Settings’ menu. Once you find it, tap to open the ‘Screen Time’ settings.
Step 3: Scroll Down and Tap ‘Turn Off Screen Time’
At the bottom of the ‘Screen Time’ menu, you’ll find the option to ‘Turn Off Screen Time’.
When you tap ‘Turn Off Screen Time’, your iPhone may ask you to enter your Screen Time passcode if you have one set. This is to ensure that it’s really you who wants to turn off the feature.
Step 4: Confirm by Tapping ‘Turn Off Screen Time’
A pop-up will appear asking you to confirm your decision. Tap ‘Turn Off Screen Time’ again.
By confirming this action, you’re telling your iPhone that you no longer want to track your screen usage. It’s like saying goodbye to a nosy friend who keeps tabs on how much time you spend on your phone.
After completing these steps, Screen Time will be turned off, and your iPhone will no longer track your usage data or send you weekly reports. You can always turn it back on if you change your mind later.
Tips for Managing Screen Time on an iPhone 12
- If you’re turning off Screen Time temporarily, remember to turn it back on if you want to continue monitoring your usage.
- Consider using Downtime and App Limits within Screen Time to manage your device usage instead of turning it off completely.
- If you’re a parent managing your child’s device, make sure to adjust their Screen Time settings according to their needs.
- You can still view your past Screen Time data even after turning it off.
- Remember to set a passcode for Screen Time to prevent others from changing your settings without permission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will turning off Screen Time delete my usage data?
No, turning off Screen Time will not delete your existing usage data.
You can still view your past Screen Time reports in the ‘Settings’ app under ‘Screen Time’ unless you choose to reset them.
Can I turn Screen Time back on after disabling it?
Absolutely! If you decide you want to track your device usage again, simply follow the steps above but choose ‘Turn On Screen Time’ instead.
Does Screen Time affect battery life?
Screen Time runs in the background and shouldn’t have a significant impact on your battery life.
However, if you’re looking to save battery, turning it off won’t hurt.
Can I set a passcode for Screen Time?
Yes, you can set a Screen Time passcode to keep your settings secure.
It’s a great way to ensure that only you can make changes to your Screen Time settings.
Will turning off Screen Time affect other users on the same Apple ID?
No, turning off Screen Time on your device will not affect other devices using the same Apple ID.
Each device’s Screen Time settings are managed individually.
Summary
- Open the ‘Settings’ app
- Tap on ‘Screen Time’
- Scroll down and tap ‘Turn Off Screen Time’
- Confirm by tapping ‘Turn Off Screen Time’ again
Conclusion
Turning off Screen Time on your iPhone 12 is a quick and painless process that gives you freedom from usage tracking and reports. Whether you’re doing it for a short break or as a permanent change, remember that you always have control over your device and how you use it. Just like any other tool, Screen Time is there to serve you, and you can choose how and when to use it. If you decide to turn it back on, it’ll be there waiting for you, ready to help you manage your screen time effectively. So, go ahead, take control of your iPhone experience, and make it work for your lifestyle.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.