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How do I set up Roots so that I can get the most out of it?
How do I set up Roots so that I can get the most out of it?
Updated over a week ago

Make the following updates:

1) Turn off Share Across Devices on ALL iOS devices

  • Open your iOS Settings > Screen Time

  • Be sure Share Across Devices is turned off on your iPhone.

In some cases, we have seen this needs to be turned off on all devices. Due to limitations with Apple Screen Time this is required for using Roots.

Learn how to disable share across devices here.

2) Turn off any app limits or downtime in Apple Screen Time

  • Go to iOS Settings > General > Screen Time

  • If you have any limits or downtime enabled, turn them off

This will help things run more smoothly.

3) Remove screen time permissions from other apps

  • Go to iOS Settings > General > Screen Time

  • Scroll down to 'Apps with screen time access'

  • Turn off access for any apps besides Roots

Having multiple apps with screen time permissions enabled can lead to blocking issues.

4) Update to the latest version of iOS

  • Go to iOS Settings > General > Software Update

  • Update to the latest (non-beta) version

There are some bugs in the older iOS version that can lead to blocking issues.

5) Turn off 'Low Power Mode'

As much as possible, turn off Low Power Mode. When Low Power Mode is enabled it can cause delay in blocking and unblocking

6) Exclude apps from Roots screen time reports

  • If there are certain apps you don't want to be included in your usage reports within Roots, you can exclude them (ex: baby monitors, navigation, etc)

  • Go to Roots Profile > Settings > Excluded Apps and add them here

Note: Excluded apps can still be blocked.
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7) Keep certain apps from being blocked (if applicable)

If there are app you know you always need access to and don't want Roots to block, please follow these instructions

  • Go to iOS Settings > Screen Time > Always Allowed

  • Add the apps you don't want to block here

Due to limitations in the Apple Screen Time API we cannot handle this directly in the Roots app.


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8) Check Linked Devices and Family Sharing

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


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