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Why are daily limits kicking in too early?

If your apps are blocking before you've reached your time limit (for example, blocking after 10 minutes when you set a 1-hour limit), here's how to fix it:
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Here are a few things to try:

1) Reload blocking

Go to "Roots > Blocking (bottom tab) > Tap Help (top right) > Tap Reload blocking." You can also tap "Reload blocks" below your blocks on the "Blocking" tab.


If you are having to reload constantly, please contact us by tapping the chat bubble below!
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2) Turn off "Share Across Devices" on ALL iOS devices

This is the #1 reason time limits kick in too early:

  • Open "iOS Settings > Screen Time"

  • Make sure "Share Across Devices" is turned "OFF"

  • Important: Do this on ALL your Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, etc.)

Due to Apple limitations, having this on can cause usage from other devices to count toward your limits.
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3) Update your iOS version

You can check your current iOS version by going to "Settings > General > About > iOS Version".
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If you're on an older iOS, we recommend updating to iOS 26.5 (or above) if you haven't already.
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To update iOS:

  • Go to "Settings > General > Software Update"

  • If iOS 26.5 (or above) is available, tap "Download and Install"
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4) Turn off "App and Website Activity" on other devices

Even if "Share Across Devices" is OFF, you may need to:

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

  • Do this on ALL other Apple devices except your phone

  • This ensures only your phone is tracking app usage
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5) Double-check your block type

Make sure you're not using "Always blocked" by mistake:

  • Go to "Roots > Blocking (bottom tab)"

  • Check if your block says "Daily limit" (not "Always blocked")

  • "Always blocked" will block immediately with limited unblocks, rather than after a time limit
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6) 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 "ScreenTime" access again.
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  • Note: Reconnecting may result in the loss of historical screen time data within the app.

  • Seeing Roots twice in Screen Time settings?
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If the problem persists:

Please send us:

  • A screenshot of your "Roots > Blocking" page

  • Which apps are blocking too early and after how many minutes

  • A note about which troubleshooting steps you've tried

  • Please contact us by tapping the chat bubble below

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