Help! The iOS 26 Update Ruined My Screen Time Settings
Asked by
TechyTeen99
Hey everyone, I'm 17 and I've been using Screen Time on my Apple devices without any issues. However, ever since I updated to the new iOS 26, it has caused a lot of problems! I primarily did the update because it looked cool, but now I'm facing an annoying issue. For context, I have set my Screen Time limits so that everything is locked at 9:00 PM, except for a few apps like Google and Chrome. I don't have any content or privacy restrictions in place either.
Now, when my Screen Time hits, if I try to search for something or click on any website, it immediately triggers Screen Time, even with my unlocked apps. Additionally, non-browser apps that are unlocked still show ads or link to the web, which also gets blocked. I'm feeling really confused and frustrated because I really liked some of the new features in this update, but this problem is making me consider downgrading back to iOS 18 if it doesn't get sorted out soon.
Answers
Just to clarify, did you actually set these parental controls for yourself? That might be the reason behind all these restrictions.
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It seems like nothing has really changed with iOS that would affect your settings. Have you checked in with your parents about the configuration? They might have adjusted something unwittingly.
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I’m an adult myself, and I have to manage my own screen time to avoid distractions. I’ve had my spouse keep the password for me. I have it all set up how I want, but now Chrome is giving me the same issues as Safari! It's really frustrating that I can't even use the browser without hitting those limits.
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Honestly, Apple won’t let you go back to older versions anymore. You’re kind of stuck on iOS 26 now. This is so frustrating!
TechyTeen99: Right? It’s super annoying!
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Just a heads up, you can’t downgrade to iOS 18 anymore since it’s not being signed. If the settings were locked by your parents, it would be good to ask them if they changed anything during the update.
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CuriousKitty88: Nope, my parents did that for me.
TechyTeen99: If I had the password, I’d remove it instantly!