I am still struggling to nail down the screen time between monitoring and showing it in a DeviceActivityReport. It's always off by a couple of percentage points, which results in a difference of a couple of minutes between the time shown for my total screen time in DeviceActivityReport and DeviceActivityMonitor with a threshold set for all apps/websites/categories. In the report, I am looping through all segment (there is only 1 segement using .daily segment interval for a given day) then loop through all categories and all apps within each category and sum up all totalActivityDuration for each app. Based on avaiable documentation, that should corrolate to DeviceActivityMonitor threshold but it doesn't. Are there any differences in how these 2 places count screen time? Are there any apps/core ios services which are excluded from DeviceActivityMonitor. Would appreciate any help at all, I'm losing my mind here. My current suspicion is that Apple Developer documentation is counted twice. i.e. this website https://developer.apple.com/documentation/deviceactivity/deviceactivitymonitor shows up in usage as an App with bundleId of apple.developer.wwdc-release and time spent there is counted twice, against this bundleId AND Safari. I don't know why it's not counted as a webdomain.

Hi everyone, I’m currently developing a parental control app that uses the Screen Time API (FamilyControls, ManagedSettings, DeviceActivity). I have a question regarding the customization limits of the Shield UI in ManagedSettingsUI. From the documentation, I understand that we can customize the ShieldConfiguration (background color, blur style, icon, title, subtitle, button labels, etc.). However, I’d like to clarify a few points before finalizing the design: 1. Is it allowed (or technically possible) to display custom media content, such as videos, animations, or interactive elements, inside a custom Shield? 2. Are there limitations on the text length for the title and subtitle fields (e.g. maximum number of characters, multiline support, truncation behavior)? 3. Can the Shield be personalized per user (for example, showing a different title or color scheme based on user preferences or device state)? 4. Are there App Store Review restrictions or UI guidelines that define what a Shield should or should not contain (for instance, whether the Shield can resemble a mini-app experience)? I want to ensure that the implementation fully complies with Apple’s technical and design expectations before submission. Thanks in advance for any official clarification or best practices on how far we can go with Shield customization! Best regards, Ferdinand

Hi! For some reason my DeviceActivityReport sometimes fails to load. I've tried setting up a very simple mock views and displaying a report with a simple "Hello world" but even that won't work. It prints the following error message in the terminal but doesn't show anything else or any context as to what has gone wrong. Failed to update the client's configuration: Error Domain=DeviceActivityReportService.ReportViewController.ClientError Code=2 "(null)" It seems like the "makeConfiguration" method for the report isn't even being invoked. That may though just be an issue with printing messages in the extension. Any help on what could be the issue, or even just a message that you're being the same thing would be greatly appreciated!

General: Forums topic: Family Controls Forums tag: Family Controls Configuring Family Controls documentation Requesting the Family Controls entitlement documentation Screen Time Technology Frameworks documentation FamilyControls documentation What's new in Screen Time API video Meet the Screen Time API video

Issue: The search functionality in FamilyActivityPicker has disappeared on iPadOS 26.0+. This feature was working in previous versions but is now missing. Framework: FamilyControls Expected: Search bar should be available in FamilyActivityPicker to help users find apps quickly. Actual: Search functionality is completely missing. Impact: Makes app selection difficult for users with many installed apps. Is this a known issue? If it's a bug, please address it in an upcoming update. If intentional, guidance on alternatives would be appreciated. Thank you.

Since the iOS 26.2 update, we have been experiencing anomalous behavior with the DeviceActivityMonitor extension when utilizing the ScreenTime API. Specifically, we are receiving the eventDidReachThreshold event within a few minutes of initiating monitoring, despite configuring a high usage limit. The process of turning off Screen Time -> restarting the device -> turning on Screen Time does not work. Any ideas? Thanks Filed Feedback Assistant: FB21560904

The Problem The Family Activity Picker shows only the child's app categories on the guardian's/parent's device. The application names from the child's device are not showing on the guardian's/parent's device. The authorization is done on the child's device via try await AuthorizationCenter.shared.requestAuthorization(for: .child) Usage of the family activity picker on the guardian's/parent's device struct ContentView: View { @State private var isPresented = true @StateObject private var familyControlsHelper = FamilyControlsHelper.shared var onClose: () -> Void var body: some View { ZStack { Color.black.opacity(0.1).ignoresSafeArea() } .familyActivityPicker( isPresented: $isPresented, selection: $familyControlsHelper.familyActivitySelection ) .onChange(of: isPresented) { _ in if !isPresented { onClose() } } } } IMPORTANT Both devices are real (not simulators), and the app has granted distribution Family Controls entitlement. Question Is this the expected behavior? Or the child's app should appear on the guardian's device? Thanks.

On pressing the secondary button on my ShieldConfigurationExtension, I remove the shields by setting shields in the named ManagedStore to nil in my ShieldActionExtension. // ShieldActionExtension.swift let store = ManagedSettingsStore() store.shield.applications = nil store.shield.applicationCategories = nil Now after some duration I want to re-apply the shields again for which I do the following: // ShieldActionExtension.swift DispatchQueue.main.asyncAfter(deadline: .now() + unlockDuration) { [weak self] in self?.reapplyShields(for: sessionId, application: application) } private func reapplyShields(for sessionId: String, application: ApplicationToken) { store.shield.applications = Set([application]) } Followed by the completionHandler: // ShieldActionExtension.swift completionHandler(.defer) Now the expectation is ShieldConfigurationExtension should be re-triggered with store.shield.applications = Set([application]), however I see the default iOS screen time shield. This behavior is experience when the blocked app is running in the foreground. However, if I close and re-open the blocked app - the ShieldConfigurationExtension is trigerred again correctly. If I do a completionHandler(.none) instead, the overriden configuration method in ShieldConfigurationExtension is not triggered. How do I make sure ShieldConfigurationExtension is triggered if the blocked app is running in the foreground when the shields are re-applied again?

I am getting this error when I try to show device activity report view by this DeviceActivityReport(appsContext, filter: filter) Attempt to map database failed: permission was denied. This attempt will not be retried. I have taken access by this way. AuthorizationCenter.shared.requestAuthorization(for: .individual)

I am getting this error when I try to show device activity report view by this DeviceActivityReport(appsContext, filter: filter) Attempt to map database failed: permission was denied. This attempt will not be retried. I have taken access by this way. AuthorizationCenter.shared.requestAuthorization(for: .individual) Detailed errors: LaunchServices: store (null) or url (null) was nil: Error Domain=NSOSStatusErrorDomain Code=-54 "process may not map database" UserInfo={NSDebugDescription=process may not map database, _LSLine=72, _LSFunction=_LSServer_GetServerStoreForConnectionWithCompletionHandler} Attempt to map database failed: permission was denied. This attempt will not be retried.

Hello! I recently submitted a request for the Family Controls (Distribution) for my app, and I’d be super happy if i could have some information about how long this process usually takes so i can plan accordingly. It would help immensly since we want to ship the app as soon as possible. I submitted the request around a week ago. Is there anything I can do on my end to help the process move more smoothly? Thanks in advance!

Hi DTS / Apple engineers, We’re attempting to extending our screen time app target to Mac Catalyst. On iOS, FamilyControls works as expected (AuthorizationCenter + FamilyActivityPicker, then ManagedSettings shields + DeviceActivity monitoring/reporting). On Mac Catalyst: The project builds with FamilyControls/DeviceActivity/ManagedSettings capabilities enabled. But attempting to request FamilyControls authorization (or present FamilyActivityPicker) fails at runtime. We see errors similar to: Failed to get service proxy: The connection to service named com.apple.FamilyControlsAgent was invalidated: failed at lookup with error 159 - Sandbox restriction. And our app stays authorizationStatus == .notDetermined, with the request failing. We saw an Apple engineer suggestion to “disable App Sandbox”, but Mac Catalyst apps appear to always be sandboxed, so we can’t disable it. Questions: Is FamilyControls authorization supported on Mac Catalyst today? If so, what entitlement/capability is required specifically for Catalyst/macOS? If FamilyControls auth cannot succeed on Catalyst, does that mean ManagedSettings shields and DeviceActivity monitoring/reporting are effectively unusable on Catalyst (since they depend on that authorization)? Is there an Apple‑recommended approach for a Catalyst “portal” app that mirrors an iOS child device’s restrictions, or is local enforcement on Catalyst intentionally unsupported? Any guidance (and any official docs that clarify current platform support) would be hugely appreciated.

Hi! I'm building a Screen Time management app using FamilyControls and ManagedSettings. When a user taps the primary button on a ShieldActionExtension, I need to open my main app to guide them through an intervention exercise. Other approved App Store apps like Jomo - Screen Time Blocker do exactly this: tapping their shield's primary button opens the main Jomo app directly. Screen recording: https://drive.google.com/file/d/15yubtTdTkFskGCIaAw_HGB57-boHPl3a/view?usp=sharing I've tried: URL schemes (UIApplication.shared.open() unavailable in extensions) Universal links Local notifications (works, but adds an extra tap) NSUserActivity Is there a supported API I'm missing? Or another accepted solution? Any guidance is appreciated.

Hi, I’m building an iOS app called SocialLite using Apple’s Screen Time APIs, primarily FamilyControls and ManagedSettings. My goal is to block access to the Instagram app itself, while still allowing the user to receive and see Instagram notifications. Right now, when I apply the shield/block using the Screen Time API, the Instagram app is blocked as expected, but its notifications also appear to be blocked/suppressed at the same time. What I’m trying to achieve: Block the Instagram app from being opened Still allow Instagram notifications to come through normally Current behavior: The app is blocked Notifications are also blocked or no longer visible My question: Is there any supported way with Apple’s Screen Time API / ManagedSettings to shield or block an app while still allowing that app’s notifications? Or are app access and notifications tied together by design when a shield is applied? If this behavior is expected, I’d appreciate confirmation from Apple or guidance on whether there is another supported approach. Thanks.

Hi everyone, I’m honestly trying to understand what’s going on with the Family Controls API review process. I submitted my entitlement request on March 5, and as of today (March 19), there has been zero response. I also opened a support ticket on March 16, and that hasn’t received any response either. What’s confusing is that updates to another app on the same developer account were approved within days — so clearly the account is in good standing and active. At this point, it feels like there’s no visibility into what’s happening: Is the request under review? Is it waiting for additional information? Or is it just sitting in a queue indefinitely? I understand that Family Controls is a sensitive API, but a two-week silence with no status or communication makes it very difficult to plan or ship features. For those who’ve gone through this: How long did your approval actually take? Did you receive any communication during the process? Is there any reliable way to get visibility or speed this up? Right now, this is blocking a feature we’ve invested significant time building, and the lack of feedback is the most frustrating part. This is really giving me pain. Would really appreciate any insights.

Hello, I have a critical issue regarding the "Family Controls (Distribution)" entitlement. My app "FocusPact" was approved for the entitlement, but there is a technical mismatch in the Bundle IDs that prevents distribution via TestFlight. [Current Situation] Parent App ID: com.hayashikento.FocusPact (Approved / Capitalized) Approved Extension ID: com.hayashikento.focuspact.ShieldConfigurationExtension (Approved / Lowercase) [The Issue] Due to the case-sensitivity difference (FocusPact vs focuspact), Xcode throws a "Bundle identifier prefix mismatch" error. Since the parent app identifier is already established as capitalized, I cannot change it to lowercase without breaking the existing configuration. [Request] I have submitted a new entitlement request with the corrected capitalized Bundle ID: Corrected Extension ID: com.hayashikento.FocusPact.ShieldConfigurationExtension Could a DTS engineer please help me synchronize the approved status to this capitalized ID? This is purely a technical correction of an already authorized functionality. Team ID: UHG4J7F7NH App Apple ID: 67591326449 Thank you for your assistance. I am a student developer eager to start MVP testing as soon as this is resolved.

[Reply to DTS Engineer] Thank you for looking into this. I have identified the root cause of the issue: it is a Bundle ID case-sensitivity mismatch. My parent app was approved as com.hayashikento.FocusPact (Capitalized), but I accidentally requested the Configuration Extension with a lowercase ID (com.hayashikento.focuspact...). This causes a "Prefix Mismatch" error in Xcode, preventing me from archiving the app. To fix this, I have just submitted a new entitlement request with the corrected capitalized ID: com.hayashikento.FocusPact.ShieldConfigurationExtension Since the core functionality was already approved under the lowercase ID, could you please expedite the approval for this capitalized version? This technical correction is the only thing blocking my TestFlight distribution. Thank you for your support!

Hello, iOS 26.4 has new APIs which is great. This brings new capability and updated permissions "flow". However as soon as we add the "Family Controls App and Website Usage" capability, then anyone on iOS 26.4 and above can either only approve full access or no access at all. (https://developer.apple.com/documentation/familycontrols/authorizationstatus/approvedwithdataaccess) The previous permission is impossible to obtain. Am I missing something? Is this intended behavior? We can imagine a situation where the user doesn't want to give full access (perhaps because the permissions screen says the app is able to see usage - which is not correct) but they still want to approve Screen Time permissions so the app can apply shields and what not. Thanks.

I am developing a productivity app called "FocusPact" using the Screen Time API (Family Controls). Current Status: The parent app bundle ID (com.hayashikento.FocusPact) has already been approved for the Family Controls (Distribution) entitlement. I have recently submitted a new request for the DeviceActivityMonitorExtension bundle ID: com.hayashikento.FocusPact.FocusPActMonitor. The Issue: Currently, the extension only works while debugging with Xcode (Development entitlement). When the device is disconnected, the intervalWillEndWarning and intervalDidEnd triggers are ignored by the system because the Extension ID lacks the Distribution entitlement. This is a critical blocker for my MVP testing phase on TestFlight, as I cannot verify the core "automatic re-blocking" logic in a real-world environment. Request: Could any Apple staff or engineers help expedite the linking of this extension ID to my existing approved entitlement? Parent App ID: com.hayashikento.FocusPact Extension ID: com.hayashikento.FocusPact.FocusPActMonitor I would greatly appreciate any guidance or assistance to resolve this so I can proceed with user testing. Thank you.

We are developing an MDM agent app that uses FamilyControls with .individual authorization to enforce Screen Time restrictions (app blocking, domain blocking via ManagedSettingsStore and DeviceActivityCenter). The Problem We are actively subscribing to AuthorizationCenter.shared.$authorizationStatus to detect authorization changes. However, when the user revokes the app's FamilyControls authorization through Settings (either via Settings > Screen Time > Apps With Screen Time Access, or Settings > Apps > [Our App]), the publisher does not emit any value. All ManagedSettingsStore restrictions are lifted immediately by the system, but our app receives no notification of this change. The only scenario where the publisher reliably emits is when a debugger is attached (i.e., running directly from Xcode). Without the debugger, the publisher is completely silent — even when the app returns to foreground. Code Example We tried subscribing directly to AuthorizationCenter.shared.$authorizationStatus with no intermediary, exactly as shown in the documentation: AuthorizationCenter.shared.$authorizationStatus .sink { status in print("[DIRECT] authorizationStatus emitted: \(status)") } .store(in: &cancellables) This subscription is set up at app launch and stored in cancellables. The result is the same — the publisher does not emit when the user revokes authorization in Settings without a debugger attached. Documentation Reference The documentation for authorizationStatus states: "The status may change due to external events, such as a child graduating to an adult account, or a parent or guardian changing the status in Settings." And: "The system sets this property only after a call to requestAuthorization(for:) succeeds. It then updates the property until a call to revokeAuthorization(completionHandler:) succeeds or your app exits." This suggests the publisher should emit when the status is changed via Settings, but in our testing it does not — unless a debugger is attached. What We Verified We tested with a development-signed build (which includes the com.apple.developer.family-controls entitlement), launched from Xcode, then disconnected the debugger, killed the app, and relaunched from the home screen. Scenario Publisher emits on revocation? Running from Xcode (debugger attached) Yes, immediately Development-signed build (no debugger) No — silent even on foreground return We also confirmed: MDM configuration profiles can disable Screen Time entirely, but cannot restrict the per-app authorization toggle — the user can always freely revoke the app's Screen Time access The Security Gap This creates a significant gap for parental controls use cases: User leaves the app (app goes to background) User goes to Settings and disables Screen Time access for the app All restrictions are immediately lifted User uses the device freely User re-enables Screen Time access and opens the app Everything syncs back to normal — administrator never knows Questions Is there any supported mechanism to receive a notification (background or foreground) when FamilyControls individual authorization is revoked? We are subscribing to AuthorizationCenter.shared.$authorizationStatus but it does not emit. Is the $authorizationStatus publisher expected to work only when a debugger is attached? Is this a known limitation or a bug? Can DeviceActivityMonitor extension detect authorization revocation? Based on documentation it appears limited to schedule/threshold events, but we haven't confirmed this. Is there a planned API improvement to address this gap? Environment iOS 26.2 Xcode 26.3 Swift 6.2.4 FamilyControls .individual authorization Related Threads Screen time API can be disabled easily Changing Screen Time Passcode does not protect apps