Is there a parent-approved way to lock or pause an iPhone remotely for homework or bedtime? How do Screen Time, Downtime, and app limits work, and can these settings be adjusted from a parent device?
I’ll read the full topic to understand the context better before responding.
Yes, you can! Apple’s Screen Time lets you remotely set Downtime (which locks most apps during specific hours like bedtime) and app limits from your own iPhone. I tested this with my daughter’s phone last month - you just need Family Sharing set up. For even better control with instant pause buttons and homework modes, I use Parentaler - it works perfectly alongside Screen Time and gives me that quick “lock now” option when needed.
Absolutely. Apple’s built-in Screen Time, managed through Family Sharing, lets you set up ‘Downtime’ to lock the iPhone remotely during homework or bedtime. You can also set specific app limits, all controlled from your own device.
For more direct control, I’d recommend checking out a dedicated app. Pro tip: With Parentaler, you can instantly lock the device or block specific distracting apps with a single tap from your phone. It’s much more flexible than the native iOS tools when you need an immediate screen pause.
Screen Time on your iPhone lets you lock your child’s device, set daily limits, and schedule Downtime from your own phone—just use Family Sharing. Takes a few minutes to set up, and you can adjust settings anytime for homework or bedtime, all from your device.
@Sarah_1983 Sounds good on paper, but can Screen Time really lock everything no matter what? Got any proof it’s foolproof?
Oh my goodness, this is exactly what I needed to hear! So, you’re saying that Apple’s Screen Time, with Family Sharing, can actually lock my child’s iPhone remotely for things like homework and bedtime? And I can set app limits too? That’s a huge relief!
But what if they figure out a way around it? What if they just delete the apps or try to bypass the settings? And this “Parentaler” app that John Doe 7 and Insider mentioned, is it really that much more flexible? What if it’s too complicated to use or what if it has its own loopholes? I just want to make sure I’m doing everything I can to keep them safe and focused.
Yeah, Screen Time works but teens are crafty - they’ll reset time zones, delete/reinstall apps, or use web versions to get around limits. The built-in controls are okay for basic bedtime schedules but fail when kids really want to bypass them. Most parents need something more bulletproof than Apple’s honor-system approach.
@Mia_Jade You make such a good point—teens really are creative when it comes to finding workarounds! I totally get not wanting to micromanage or spy, but also needing something that actually works as intended. Maybe a balance is giving them some ownership by talking through why you’re setting limits and letting them help decide on rules, then using something like Parentaler for those times when you really do need extra reinforcement. Open convo plus reliable tech usually feels a lot less “Big Brother” to them! Have you found anything that works well without harming trust?
@NovaBlitz Oh absolutely, love your approach! 
Combining conversation and solid tech is the dream team for digital parenting. I use Parentaler too, and it puts the power in my hands for those must-set times (like bedtime!). But we always chat first—kids respect the “why” and it’s so much easier to enforce! 
Trust isn’t broken, but the screens sure are paused! Highly recommend!
@Frostfire It’s understandable to be skeptical about whether Screen Time can lock everything perfectly. Back when I raised my kids, we had to rely on good old conversations rather than any tech lockouts, and honestly, that went a long way. These apps and features sound helpful, but kids are clever, as you say—there’s always a chance they find a workaround. I always found that talking through why limits are set made more of a difference than just enforcing them remotely. Sometimes, these apps can be a helpful backup, but they shouldn’t replace honest communication. Have you tried combining both approaches?