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FuzzyBunny13 Author

Level 1

20 points

Assistive access overrides screen time restrictions

I have screen time restrictions set up on my kid’s iPad, and it was working great until the new assistive access feature showed up in the iOS 17 update (I believe). There doesn’t seem to be a way for me to restrict their ability to manipulate the assistive access feature; there is no password control on assistive access or settings.

Basically when they run out of screen time allowed apps or when downtime starts (I still allow certain apps like Libby to run during downtime) they just go into settings, assistive access, set up a new password, and enter assistive access. Then they just add whatever apps they want and screen time controls don’t have any affect.

I have tried to look it up on general Google search, Reddit, Apple and I usually just get an answer pointing me to “how to set up assistive access”.

How can I stop them from having access to assistive access or how do I stop them from being able to change the assistive access password?

iPad, iPadOS 17

Posted on May 20, 2024 7:57 PM

Top-ranking reply

patrickobnrw

Level 1

20 points

Posted on Oct 1, 2024 8:24 AM

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

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24 replies

Sep 28, 2024 10:16 PM in response to FuzzyBunny13

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.

Oct 2, 2024 5:50 AM in response to patrickobnrw

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.

Oct 27, 2024 7:36 PM in response to sharon_tan

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.

Alancito

Level 7

28,325 points

Oct 1, 2024 9:01 AM in response to patrickobnrw

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

Here:

Product Feedback - Apple

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Oct 2, 2024 5:54 AM in response to braeleigh224

the problem is your kids can change the Assistive Access Password anytime.

cubeover

Level 1

8 points

Oct 7, 2024 8:05 PM in response to FuzzyBunny13

On one side, we are blessed with clever and inquisitive kids.

On another, have Apple Accessibility team tested their features under ScreenTime limitations like DownTime and App Limits?

Jun 18, 2024 3:16 AM in response to maxjrr

Have you considered setting-up the Assistive Access Passcode yourself - and while doing so, associate your own AppleID (for which the Password is known only to you) with it? Once set, your children will not be able to reset the Assistive Access Passcode that will also only be known to you.

Similarly, when setting-up the ScreenTime Passcode on your children's devices, associate this with your AppleID - not that of your children.

Sep 1, 2024 6:17 AM in response to terka27

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.

Oct 15, 2024 5:48 PM in response to SmartMagician

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.

Assistive access overrides screen time restrictions