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To get the most out of Roots App, make the following updates:
1) Turn off "Share Across Devices" on ALL iOS devices
Open "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 "Downtimes" 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.
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.
8) 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.
Need more help?
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!