How to quickly pause your child’s iPhone with Screen Time in iOS 27

The redesigned Screen Time experience in iOS 27 makes it easier for parents to temporarily restrict a child’s device when they want them to take a break from apps and the web.

Rather than having to permanently change a collection of individual limits, parents can make immediate adjustments from their child’s Screen Time controls. Apple suggests this can be useful during meals, outdoor activities and other family time.

The same Screen Time dashboard also gives parents an overview of average device usage and frequently used apps, helping them decide when changes may be useful.

How to pause your child’s device using Screen Time in iOS 27

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Go to Screen Time and select your child.
3. Review the Screen Time dashboard.
4. Choose the control to temporarily limit or pause your child’s access to apps and the web.
5. Confirm the change to apply it to your child’s device.

You can restore access when appropriate, allowing temporary restrictions to be used without having to rebuild your child’s usual Screen Time settings afterwards.