How to Exclude Apps From Screen Time in iPhone and iPad

By Dilum Senevirathne Updated August 23, 2024 Reviewed & Updated by Arshmeet Hora

Quick Tips

If you want to exclude an app from Screen Time downtime and app limits, go to Settings > Screen Time > Always Allowed > add the app.
To exclude an app from app limits, go to Settings > Screen Time > App Limits > select app bunch > Edit List > uncheck the app from the list.
For a Child’s device, the setting has to be altered from the parent/guardian’s device.

With Screen Time you can schedule downtime or set up app limits to stop access to all or certain apps. But due to work or personal reasons, you have to exclude certain apps from Screen Time, allowing you unhindered access.

Now, there are two ways to do so, you can choose any of the following methods to get your important apps excluded from Screen Time

Method 1. Allow the App To Be Connected at All Times

As the name suggests, the said app will be allowed to access the internet and send you notifications at all times, irrespective of whether downtime or app limits are enabled or disabled.

Step 1: Open Settings. Go to Screen Time.

Step 2: Here, select Always Allowed.

Step 3: Under the Choose Apps section, tap + next to the app you want to add.

And just like that, the app will excluded from any Screen Time limit you’ve added now or may add later.

Note: You can also add contacts that can communicate with you at all times from this menu. Simply, tap Contacts and add them to the list.

Method 2. Exclude Apps From the App Limit

As mentioned above, the previous method excludes the app from both downtime and app limits. However, if you want the app to follow downtime but not app limits, this method is more suitable.

Moreover, say you’ve set a limit for social media apps, but you don’t want the time spent on WhatsApp and Messages to be counted in that time limit. For that, you’ll have to specifically exclude these apps from app limits.

Step 1: Go to Settings > Screen Time.

Step 2: Tap App Limits. Select the app bunch you want to exclude the app from.

Step 3: Here, select Edit List.

Step 4: Uncheck the box next to the app bunch (for example Social). Tap the > arrow next to it.

Step 5: Now, select all the apps you want to include. Keep the apps you want to exclude unchecked.

Step 6: Tap Add to save the changes.

Select app, except the one you want to exclude

Note: If you’re using Screen Time for a child’s device, the changes have to be done from the parent’s device, plus, you’ll have to enter the Screen Time passcode before proceeding.