Assistive access overrides screen time restrictions

I have actually reached out to Apple Support. There is no way to restrict it. They just directed me to provide a feedback on Apple’s site. Maybe it will be fix in a future release.

maxjrr wrote:

I have actually reached out to Apple Support. There is no way to restrict it. They just directed me to provide a feedback on Apple’s site. Maybe it will be fix in a future release.

Good to know. If enough reports are submitted, Apple might assign resources to investigate and resolve the issue.

For the benefit of others, comments and bug reports are submitted to Apple using its Product Feedback portal. For iPad and iPadOS:

Feedback - iPad - Apple

If submitting a Bug Report, ensure that you include details of your iPad model and installed version of iPadOS within the body-text of your report. Don't rely upon the pick-list - as this rarely includes the current versions.

Dear all parents,

I researched all possibilities and considering the basic concept of screen time settings. Assistive Access feature under setting menu would get currently accessible apps on iPhone. this means you would not to allow the apps what your kids to play. There is a useful setting under screen time menu. Go to Settings -> Screen Time -> 'Your Kids' -> Content & Privacy Restrictions and there is 'Store, Web, Siri & Game Center Content' menu.

You can see 'Apps' options and click it then you can see Several Options you can choose. I chose 'Don't Allow' or '4+' options because the Most of games should be over '12+' then return the top menu of Screen Time.

1.Click 'Content & Privacy Restriction'

2.Click 'Apps'

3.Click 'Don't Allow' or '4+'

I tried to set up Assistive Access feature on my son's iPhone iOS 18.0 and iPad 17.7. the Setting App during the setup of Assistive Access feature would NOT show any games those are required over '12+' anymore. my son cannot choose his games in the step of 'Select App' of Assistive Access Feature activation.

Please send me email if you have any problem on this.

Now my son is wondering what I did on his Apple Devices.

Alex

In the mean time, you could set up assistive access with the necessary apps and a password only you know. That way, he can contact you if he needs to, do school if he needs to. And then you can just set it up so he can’t access the settings app with it on so he can’t reset it. That way, he only has the necessary functions of a phone and no games. And then, when he wants game time, you can turn it off for how long you’re okay with, and turn it back on when screen time is up.

Hi, I have same trouble on this overriding screen time restrictions for kids. my son cannot setup assistive access feature on iPhone before updating iOS 18.0. Now iOS 18.0 on my son's iPhone allow for my son to change the assistive access passcode instead of parental screen time passcode. Screen time feature of iPhone and iPad is nothing to do anymore. I consider new android phone would be better than this for my son.

I am facing the same challenge with assistive access. No way to block, restrict or limit the downtime. Same solution so far is to take iPad away until Apple notices it.

FYI for anyone else, this doesn't work. Even using a parent apple ID the assistive password can still be reset. This feature completely negates Screentime.

patrickobnrw wrote: "...or let me know where I can voice my issues towards apple."

Here:

Product Feedback - Apple

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I am having the same issue. My son can just bypass all the screen time limits. And changing the assistive access password doesn’t do anything because he can just reset it. At this point he’s not allowed his iPad on non screen time because I can’t set any limits.

the thing is that I never want him to use assistive access as I have screen time control in place… now with assistive access feature, my son use it to bypass the screen time… I hope you can see our pain points here… :)

It is simply mind-blowing that this thing wasn't fixed in iOS 18. Simply add it to the content restrictions under screen time. It cant be the answer to "criple" the iPad by activating Assistive Access yourself.

Apple should fix this ASAP. If there has been so much feedback, why isn't this issue publicly addressed?

Please keep us updated if you see something in the betas or let me know where I can voice my issues towards apple.

Also: I don't have the time searching the internet how to fix an issue that was created by apple. Its their job to fix it. Solutions should be fairly straight forward and simple

Yes, You are right. Blocking app installed apps is NOT the solution. It should be fix as soon as possible. There are some good apps for kids over 4+ I hope my son loves to use them.

I would file this uncomfortable issue on Apple support Team too.

Thank Alex.

I tried to use your method. It does work in a way, however, my son is not able to find his game apps even not during assistive access. In this way, he cant play at all. And as a result, i need to always change the age group everytime.

Sharon Tan,

I am very glad to hear that.

I was curious my post was helpful to other parents!

We all know this is NOT recommended method to prevent overriding two colliding policies. It would be just temporarily use only until Apple solve this issue. I hope Apple must fix this bug next updates

There is one more tip for you.

I shared my purchased app with my son. He can see my purchased game apps and install his iPhone and iPad.

I decided to stop sharing family purchasing option in an Apple setting app.

Thanks.