How to set app limits on iPhone

Set a daily limit for distracting apps using Apple Screen Time, and understand what happens when time runs out.

By Until Red · November 1, 2026

To set a daily app limit on an iPhone, open Settings → Screen Time. On iOS 26 and earlier, choose App Limits → Add Limit. On iOS 27 and later, look for Time Allowances. Choose what to limit and how much time to allow. The exact options depend on your iOS version.

First, decide what to limit

Open Settings → Screen Time and review your app activity. Pick the apps or categories you want to spend less time in. Decide whether you want one shared allowance for several apps or a different rule for each. A shared limit can help if you tend to switch between feeds.

Set an App Limit on iOS 26 or earlier

1. In Settings → Screen Time, turn on App & Website Activity if needed.
2. Tap App Limits → Add Limit. Select categories, or expand a category to select individual apps.
3. Tap Next and choose a daily duration. Use Customize Days if you want a different allowance on certain days.
4. Save the limit. Apps selected together share that allowance.

Apple’s Screen Time guide for iOS 26 explains App Limits and Downtime.

Set a Time Allowance on iOS 27 or later

Open Settings → Screen Time → Time Allowances. Apple’s newer Screen Time design lets you set a daily total and allowances for categories. An app can reach either its category allowance or the daily total. Follow the options on your device and check Apple’s current guide for device and Family Sharing requirements.

What happens when the limit is reached?

Screen Time can show a limit screen or restrict access, depending on your settings and iOS version. Review the blocking and passcode options on your device and try your setup before relying on it. A limit on one iPhone may behave differently across your other Apple devices depending on whether Share Across Devices is enabled.

How much time should I allow?

There is no universal right number. Start from your own Screen Time report and choose a reduction that leaves room for the things you want to do. Try it for a week and adjust if necessary. Our guide to choosing a limit and calculator can help put a daily number in context.

How Until Red approaches the limit

Until Red is an upcoming iPhone app centered on a shared daily limit for selected apps. Its screen changes as the allowance runs down, and an Apple Screen Time shield appears when time is up. The app offers a two-minute extension when the selected rules allow it. Its Pro emergency pass can temporarily lift shields, including during Strict Mode. See how Until Red works.