ThisCalculator

Everyday

Set Time Limits on Mac Computer Use (macOS)

Updated · Standard formula, shown below

Set Time Limits on Mac Computer Use (macOS)

To set time limits on a Mac, use the built-in Screen Time feature in System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions). You can limit app categories, specific apps, and websites, and schedule downtime when only chosen apps and calls are available.

How Screen Time Limits Work

Screen Time, introduced in macOS Catalina (10.15) and refined in later versions, tracks usage across apps and websites. It lets you set two kinds of limits:

  • Downtime: A scheduled block of time (e.g., 10 PM to 7 AM) when only apps you explicitly allow and phone calls are available. You can change the schedule for individual days.
  • App Limits: Daily time caps for categories (Social Networking, Games, Entertainment) or individual apps. Once the limit is reached, the app is blocked for the rest of the day unless you grant more time.

Both features sync across your Apple devices if you use the same Apple ID and have iCloud enabled for Screen Time.

Setting Up Screen Time on Modern macOS (Ventura and Later)

The steps below apply to macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia, where the settings live in System Settings.

  1. Open System Settings (Apple menu  > System Settings).
  2. Click Screen Time in the sidebar.
  3. Click App & Website Activity and turn it on if it isn’t already.
  4. To set downtime: Click Downtime, toggle it on, choose Every Day or Custom, and set start and end times.
  5. To set app limits: Click App Limits, click Add Limit, choose categories or individual apps, set the time (e.g., 1 hour), and click Done.
  6. To allow specific apps during downtime or after a limit: Click Always Allowed and add apps like Messages or Maps.

Setting Up on Older macOS (Monterey and Earlier)

If you’re on macOS Monterey, Big Sur, or Catalina, the steps are similar but inside System Preferences:

  1. Open System Preferences > Screen Time.
  2. Click Options in the bottom-left corner and enable App & Website Activity.
  3. Use the Downtime and App Limits tabs to configure your limits.
  4. Click the lock icon to prevent changes without a password (useful for parental controls).

Using Screen Time for Parental Controls

Screen Time is the primary way to manage a child’s Mac usage. To set it up for a child:

  • Create a child account in System Settings > Family (or use Family Sharing).
  • Go to Screen Time and select the child’s name.
  • Set a Screen Time passcode so the child can’t change limits or ask for more time without your approval.
  • Use Communication Limits to restrict who they can contact during downtime.

You can also view weekly activity reports to see which apps are used most.

What Happens When a Limit Is Reached

When an app limit expires, the app’s icon grays out and a notification appears. You have three options:

  • Ignore Limit: Continues using the app for the rest of the day (if you’re the adult owner).
  • Remind Me in 15 Minutes: Grants a short grace period.
  • Enter Screen Time Passcode: Only works if you know the passcode; used to approve extra time for a child.

During downtime, apps not in your Always Allowed list will not open. Phone calls and apps you’ve allowed (like Clock or Calculator) remain available.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

If Screen Time isn’t working as expected, try these fixes:

  • Limits not applying: Make sure App & Website Activity is turned on. If it’s off, no limits are enforced.
  • Time not counting correctly: Screen Time counts usage across all devices signed into the same Apple ID. If you use the same apps on iPhone, the limit is shared.
  • Forgot the Screen Time passcode: You can reset it using your Apple ID password (if you set that option) or by erasing the Mac and restoring from backup (last resort).
  • Limits resetting every day: App limits reset at midnight by default. You cannot change the reset time in macOS; it’s tied to your device’s time zone.

Alternatives to Screen Time

If you need more granular control or want to limit computer use entirely (not just apps), consider:

  • macOS Parental Controls (legacy): In older macOS versions, Parental Controls in System Preferences offered time limits for the whole computer. In modern macOS, this is replaced by Screen Time.
  • Third-party apps: Apps like Cold Turkey, Focus, and SelfControl can block websites or entire apps more aggressively. They are not built-in and may require a paid license.
  • Router-level controls: Some routers allow you to schedule internet access for specific devices. This limits all network activity but not offline usage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set a time limit for the entire Mac, not just apps?

No, Screen Time only limits app and website usage. There is no built-in way to shut down the Mac after a certain time. You can use Downtime to block all apps except the ones you allow, which effectively makes the Mac unusable for most tasks.

Does Screen Time work if the Mac is turned off?

No, Screen Time only tracks usage when the Mac is on and unlocked. If the Mac is off, no time is counted.

Can I set different limits for weekdays and weekends?

Yes, when setting Downtime or App Limits, choose Custom instead of Every Day. You can then set different times for each day of the week.

How do I remove a time limit?

Go to Screen Time > App Limits, find the limit you want to remove, and click the delete (minus) button or turn off the toggle. You may need to enter the Screen Time passcode.

Why is my Mac not showing Screen Time?

Screen Time is available on macOS Catalina (10.15) and later. If you have an older version, you won’t see it. Also, ensure you’re signed in with an Apple ID and that the device is not managed by an organization (e.g., a work Mac with a configuration profile).

Related

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.