Block at Downtime stops apps from opening during the hours you set, but the device stays usable for calls and emergencies

Block at Downtime is a parental control feature that prevents specific apps from launching during times you choose — typically evenings, nights, or weekends. When downtime is active, a child who tries to open a blocked app sees a message saying the app is restricted, and they cannot bypass it without the parent's passcode. The device itself remains on and functional for calls, texts, and emergency features, so a child can still reach you if needed.

The feature works differently from straightforward closing an app or turning off the device. A child cannot swipe it away, force-quit it, or work around it by restarting. The restriction stays in place until the downtime window ends or a parent manually lifts it. This makes it more reliable than asking a child to put the device down on their own.

Key Takeaways

  • Block at Downtime prevents apps from opening during set hours, but calls and emergency features still work.
  • A child cannot bypass the block without the parent's passcode — closing and restarting the device does not remove the restriction.
  • You choose which apps to block and which hours the block applies, so you can allow homework apps but block social media during study time.
  • The feature works on both iOS (Apple) and Android devices, though the exact name and location in settings varies by device type.

How to set up Block at Downtime on your device

On an iPhone or iPad, open Settings, tap Screen Time, then Downtime. Choose the start and end times for when you want the restriction active — for example, 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. Then tap App Limits and select which apps or app categories to block during those hours. You will need to set a Screen Time passcode so your child cannot change these settings.

On an Android device, the process depends on which phone you have. Samsung devices use Digital Wellbeing: open Settings, tap Digital Wellbeing and Parental Controls, then Downtime, and set your hours. Google Pixel phones use the same Digital Wellbeing app. Other Android phones may have a different parental control system built in, or you may need to read a third-party app like Google Family Link, which also offers downtime blocking.

Once downtime is active, your child will see a message on the home screen saying downtime is on, and any app you blocked will show a lock icon if they try to open it. They can request more time by tapping "Ask for More Screen Time," which sends you a notification — you can approve or deny the request from your own device.

The difference between Block at Downtime and other screen time controls

Block at Downtime is one tool among several. App Limits set a total amount of time a child can use an app per day — for example, 30 minutes of TikTok — but the app still opens and counts down. Downtime without app blocking straightforward grays out the home screen and makes apps harder to access, but a determined child can still tap through. Block at Downtime is the hardest to work around because the app straightforward will not open.

Scheduled Downtime (the time window itself) is separate from which apps you block during it. You can have downtime from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. but only block social media and games, leaving messaging and maps open. Or you can block everything except emergency contacts. The flexibility is yours.

Communication apps like iMessage, WhatsApp, and phone calls are often excluded from downtime blocks by default, since parents usually want children to reach them. You can change this if you prefer, but most families leave those channels open.

What happens when downtime is active

When a child tries to open a blocked app during downtime, they see a message saying the app is restricted and cannot be opened. They cannot delete the message, force-quit the app, or restart the device to bypass the block. The only way to use the app is to wait until downtime ends or ask the parent for permission.

If your child asks for more time, you receive a notification on your phone. You can tap Allow Once (which gives them 15 minutes) or Deny. If you allow it, the app unlocks for that session only — when they close it, the block returns. You do not have to respond when ready; if you do not respond within a few minutes, the request expires and they have to ask again.

The device continues to work for everything else: calls, texts, maps, the camera, and any apps you did not block. This is intentional — the goal is to reduce distraction during certain hours, not to confiscate the device or prevent emergencies.

When Block at Downtime works well and when it does not

Block at Downtime works best for younger children and for blocking specific categories of apps (games, social media) during homework time or bedtime. It is straightforward to set up, does not require a separate app, and is built into the device itself so there is nothing to uninstall or disable.

It is less effective for older teens who know their way around settings or who have access to their own Apple ID or Google account. A teenager with their own account can change their own downtime settings if they know the passcode, or they can use a different device. It also does not prevent a child from using a web browser to access social media sites directly, since browsers are not always blocked by default.

The feature also assumes you want the same downtime schedule every day. If your child has sports practice on Wednesday nights or a late study group on Fridays, you have to manually adjust the schedule each time, or leave downtime off on those days.

How to adjust or remove Block at Downtime

To change the hours, go back to Settings > Screen Time > Downtime and edit the times. To add or remove apps from the block list, go to App Limits and toggle individual apps on or off. You can also turn off downtime entirely by toggling the Downtime switch off, though you will need your Screen Time passcode to do so.

If you forget your Screen Time passcode, you can reset it on iPhone by going to Settings > Screen Time > Change Screen Time Passcode and following the prompts to verify your identity with your Apple ID. On Android, the process varies by device, but usually involves signing into your Google account or Samsung account to reset Digital Wellbeing settings.

You can also pause downtime temporarily without turning it off entirely. Some devices allow you to set exceptions for specific days or to create multiple downtime windows (for example, one during school hours and another at bedtime).

Combining Block at Downtime with other parental controls

Block at Downtime works best as part of a larger strategy. Pairing it with App Limits means a child cannot use an app for more than a set amount of time even outside downtime hours. Adding Communication Limits restricts who they can contact during downtime. Using Content Restrictions blocks access to adult websites and inappropriate apps entirely, regardless of the time.

The most effective approach combines technical controls with conversation. Tell your child why downtime exists — not as punishment, but as a way to protect sleep, homework time, or family time. Explain which apps are blocked and why. Ask them what they think is fair. Children who understand the reasoning are more likely to accept the restriction and less likely to resent you for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child call me or text me during Block at Downtime?

Yes, by default. Phone calls and text messages are not blocked during downtime — your child can reach you anytime. If you want to block those too, you can change the settings, but most parents leave communication open for safety reasons.

What if my child knows my Screen Time passcode?

Change it when ready. If they know the passcode, they can disable downtime, remove apps from the block list, or turn off Screen Time entirely. Use a passcode they cannot guess, and do not write it down where they can find it. Consider using a passcode that is different from your device unlock code.

Does Block at Downtime work if my child uses a different device?

No. The block only applies to the device you set it up on. If your child has a tablet, computer, or friend's phone, they can use those devices during downtime. You would need to set up parental controls on each device separately, or use a network-level control (like restricting Wi-Fi access) to block all devices at once.

Can my child bypass Block at Downtime by restarting the device?

No. Restarting does not remove the block. The downtime restriction stays in place until the scheduled window ends or you manually lift it. This is one reason the feature is more reliable than asking a child to self-regulate.

What is the difference between Block at Downtime and just turning off the device?

Turning off the device prevents all use, including emergency calls. Block at Downtime prevents specific apps but keeps the device on and usable for calls, texts, and other functions. It is a middle ground between full access and no access.