How to schedule Downtime on iPhone

2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Downtime blocks most apps for a set part of the day, usually the evening and night. Calls still come through, and you choose which apps stay open. It is the simplest way to stop scrolling in bed.

Step by step

1. 

   Open Settings and tap Screen Time

   Scroll down the Settings list to the purple hourglass.

   Done

2. 

   Tap Downtime

   It is the first row under Limit Usage. If you do not see it, turn on App & Website Activity first.

   Done

3. 

   Switch on Scheduled

   Tap the switch next to Scheduled. New rows appear for the days and times.

   Done

4. Set the days and times

   Choose Every Day or Customise Days, then set From and To. A common choice is 22:00 to 07:00. The phone shows a reminder five minutes before Downtime starts.

   Done

5. Choose the apps that stay open

   Go back one page and tap Always Allowed. Tap the green plus next to any app you still need at night, such as your alarm, music or a reading app.

   Done

Good to know

To start Downtime right now without a schedule, tap Turn On Downtime Until Tomorrow on the same page. It ends at midnight.

During Downtime, blocked apps show an hourglass. You can still open one by tapping Ignore Limit unless a Screen Time passcode is set.

In short: Settings, Screen Time, Downtime, Scheduled, set the hours. Add the apps you need to Always Allowed.