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Why is my screen time inaccurate?

Why do some apps count toward screen time even when not in use? Why is Roots showing odd usage? Why is Roots Screen Time higher than Apple?

Updated this week

We're here to help.

First off, we know this can be frustrating. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.


In many cases, these discrepancies are due to irregularities in Apple’s “Screen Time” data, which Roots relies on to show your usage accurately.


Please check if Apple "Screen Time" is reporting correctly:

  • Go to: “iOS > Settings > Screen Time”

  • Use the date picker on the Roots homepage to check a few different days and see how the data compares to Apple Screen Time for those days

  • If Apple is also showing incorrect data, the issue will likely resolve itself within a few days

  • You may consider reporting this "Screen Time" data inaccuracy directly to Apple here

  • We’re also working on a new feature (coming soon!) that will let you manually clean up or edit inaccurate screen time entries—this should help when things slip through


If Apple "Screen Time" is reporting correctly...

Here are a few steps that often help:

1) Refresh your data

Tap the “Refresh” button on the top-right of the Roots homepage (next to “Help”) to reload your screen time data.

2) Reconnect "Screen Time" access

  • Open "Settings > Screen Time"

  • Navigate to "Apps with Screen Time Access"

  • Toggle Roots "OFF", then back "ON"

  • Tap "Continue" to grant Roots "Screen Time" access again

  • Note: Reconnecting "Screen Time" access may lead to the loss of historical screen time data within the app.

3) There are two bugs from Apple that can cause screen time to be too high:

Bug 1) Apps are double counted

If you use the app switcher (shown below) to navigate between apps, screen time can be double counted.


Here's how to prevent this:

  • Go to the home screen first, then tap the app you want to use

  • Avoid using the app switcher to jump between apps

Bug 2) Other screen time is counted

Screen time from other devices can count towards your phone

​Here's how to prevent this:

  • Be sure "Share Across Devices" is OFF on ALL devices

    • Open "iOS Settings > Screen Time"

    • Make sure "Share Across Devices" is turned "OFF" (See image below)

    • If you have multiple Apple devices, disable this on each one. Due to Apple’s limitations, this is required for Roots to track correctly.

    • Learn more how to turn off "Share Across Devices" here.


  • Turn off "App & Website Activity" on other devices even if "Share Across Devices" is already turned off. (See image below)

    • Go to "iOS Settings > Screen Time > Scroll Down > Turn Off App and Website Activity".

    • Note: If your Apple watch is cellular powered, you may need to turn that "OFF" too.​



4) Check linked devices and "Family Sharing"

Do you have a family plan or any other devices, such as a child’s device, connected to your Apple ID? If yes, your child's screen time may count toward total screen time.

5) Disable "Always-On" display

On iPhones with Always-On Display (like the iPhone 14 Pro and newer), the screen can appear active even when you're not actively using the device, which may impact screen time tracking. You can turn this feature off by going to "Settings > Display & Brightness > Always On Display" and toggling it "OFF".

6) Delete and reinstall

As a final step, you can try fully deleting and reinstalling the Roots app. This can reset certain permissions that may not be fixed through a simple reconnect. Just a heads-up — this will erase any historical data within the app.


If the problem persists:

Please send us a screen recording in this format of your:

  • Roots Homepage (scroll down to include the app usage list)

  • "iOS Settings > Screen Time > See All App and Website Activity (scroll down to include the app usage list)

This will help us compare both views and get to the bottom of the issue faster.

Also, let us know which steps you’ve already tried and if this is a one-time issue or happening across multiple days.


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Get personal help from one of our founders here. We know this can be frustrating, and we appreciate your patience. We're happy to assist—and we’ll even reward you for your valuable time!


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