How to Choose Always Allowed Apps in Screen Time Settings on iPhone & iPad

* This article is from our Tip of the Day newsletter. . *

Apple's new operating system, iOS 12, has a set of Screen Time features that can be used to combat smartphone and device addiction by setting app limits. There are some apps, though, that you may want to have constantly available; luckily you can choose some apps that will always be allowed in your Screen Time settings. Let's get started learning how to set Always Allowed apps on iPhone and iPad. 

Related: iOS 12 Roundup: Memojis, ARkit, Smarter Siri, Group FaceTime, More!

iPhone Life
Discover your iPhone's hidden features
Get a daily tip (with screenshots and clear instructions) so you can master your iPhone in just one minute a day.

To choose Always Allowed apps:

  • Open the Settings app.
  • Tap Screen Time.
parental control apps
parental control ipad
  • Tap Always Allowed.
  • You'll see Phone, Messages, and FaceTime under Allowed Apps; you can tap the minus to take Messages and FaceTime out of the Always Allowed category, but Phone will stay there no matter what.
iphone parental control app
online timer for kids
  • To add an app to Always Allowed, tap the green circle with the white plus sign to the left of the app icon.
  • The apps you selected will be added to Always Allowed at the top of the page; you can always take apps away or add more later if you like.
best parental control app for iphone
best parental control app

Top image credit: guteksk7 / Shutterstock.com

Master your iPhone in one minute a day: Sign up here to get our FREE Tip of the Day delivered right to your inbox.

Topics

Author Details

Leanne Hays's picture

Author Details

Leanne Hays

Leanne Hays has over a dozen years of experience writing for online publications. As a Feature Writer for iPhone Life, she has authored hundreds of how-to, Apple news, and gear review articles, as well as a comprehensive Photos App guide. Leanne holds degrees in education and science and loves troubleshooting and repair. This combination makes her a perfect fit as manager of our Ask an Expert service, which helps iPhone Life Insiders with Apple hardware and software issues.
In off-work hours, Leanne is a mother of two, homesteader, audiobook fanatic, musician, and learning enthusiast.