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Why are my time limits kicking in too early?

Updated today

We're here to help.

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

NOTE: If your app limits are kicking in too early after the recent iOS 26.2 update, please read this article.
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Steps to troubleshoot:

1) Reload blocking

Tap "Help" (top of any screen) > Reload Blocking


If you are having to reload constantly, please contact us!
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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) 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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4) Double-check your block type

Make sure you're not using "All Day (Limited Unblocks)" by mistake:

  • Go to "Roots > Blocking"

  • Check if your block says "Time Limit" (not "All Day")

  • "All Day" blocks will block immediately with limited unblocks, rather than after a time limit
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5) 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?


6) If that doesn't work, 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 iOS 26.2, we recommend updating to iOS 26.3 if you haven't already.
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To update iOS:

  • Go to Settings > General > Software Update

  • If iOS 26.3 is available, tap "Download and Install"
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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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