iOS 12 comes with new screen time management features. These features tell you just how much you’re using your device and provide you with tools to help you reduce your smartphone addiction. Two main features that help you do this are App Limits and Downtime.

App Limits is the feature that lets set limits for an app. You can say you only want to use Instagram for 30 minutes a day and when the time is up, iOS won’t let you open the app. Except that’s not completely true. You can still get 15 minutes extension or remove the limit for the day.

What Does Downtime Do?

The Downtime feature is more severe. It will disable access for all apps except the essential ones. So you can say that for this particular time, from 10 PM to 10 AM, disable all distracting apps. This will considerably help you with your sleep issues as well.

Check out our guide for how to use App Limits to limit your app usage. In this article, we’re talking about the nuclear option that will directly cut you off from addicting apps and help curb your smartphone addiction.

How to Use Downtime Feature

Step 1: Open the Settings app and go to Screen Time.

Step 2: Here, tap on Downtime.

Step 3: Turn on the Downtime feature.

Step 4: Set the start time and the end time.

Step 5: Go back to the Screen Time section and select Always Allowed.

Step 6: Here, you can add apps that you’ll have access to even when Downtime is turned on. You can add a third party messenger app or your podcast player to the list here. But make sure you don’t add something like Instagram to this list.

Combine With Do Not Disturb During Bedtime

Do Not Disturb feature in iOS 12 has a new Bedtime mode. Go to Settings -> Do Not Disturb and after setting a schedule, turn on the Bedtime Mode.

Now, when Do Not Disturb is active, the Lock screen will turn black. You don’t hear notification sounds and the screen won’t light up either.

We recommend that you keep the same schedule for Downtime and Do Not Disturb mode. This way you’ll be able to go bed in peace. Start the DND mode 2 Horus before your bedtime and keep it enabled for 2 hours after you wake up. This way your late night and early morning experience will be much better.

Are You Addicted To Your iPhone?

Have you looked at the Screen Time statistics for your iPhone yet? How bad is it? Do you pick up your phone never 5 minutes? Do you spend over 5 hours on your iPhone? Share with us in the comments below.