Limit Screen Time for Contacts in iOS 12 Messages

Apple introduced the Screen Time feature in iOS 12 to help users manage their device habits, but you cannot limit screen time for specific contacts in the Messages app on this operating system version. In iOS 12, Screen Time controls apply strictly to applications as a whole or broad app categories, rather than individual contacts within an app. This guide explains why this limitation exists in iOS 12, when contact-based controls became available, and the workarounds you can use instead.

Screen Time Capabilities in iOS 12

When Screen Time debuted in iOS 12, its primary tools were Downtime, App Limits, Always Allowed apps, and Content & Privacy Restrictions.

If you set an App Limit for the Messages app in iOS 12, the restriction applies universally. Once the designated time limit expires, the entire Messages application is locked behind a passcode, blocking access to all conversations rather than targeting specific individuals.

When Were Contact Limits Introduced?

Apple recognized the need for contact-specific restrictions and introduced Communication Limits in iOS 13.3. This feature allows users—primarily parents using Family Sharing—to control who a device can communicate with via Phone, FaceTime, and Messages during both regular screen time and Downtime. Because this feature is absent in iOS 12, users on older operating systems cannot natively restrict messaging time for individual people.

Workarounds for iOS 12 Users

If your device cannot update past iOS 12, you can manage interactions with specific contacts using alternative methods:

• Hide Alerts for Specific Contacts: Open the conversation thread in the Messages app, tap the contact's name or info icon at the top, and toggle on Hide Alerts. This silences notifications from that person, reducing the urge to check and reply to their messages constantly.
• Block the Contact: If communication with a specific person needs to stop entirely, you can block them. Go to Settings > Messages > Blocked Contacts > Add New, and select the contact.
• Set General Limits for Messages: Go to Settings > Screen Time > App Limits > Add Limit, select Social Networking (or Messages specifically), and set a daily threshold. While this affects all contacts, it reduces overall time spent inside the app.
• Update Your iOS Version: If your device supports it (iPhone 6s and newer), update to iOS 13.3 or later by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update to gain access to dedicated Communication Limits.