Manage Allowed Contacts During Downtime in iOS 12

This guide explains how to manage communication access and restrict contacts during Downtime on an iPhone or iPad running iOS 12. While iOS 12 introduced the Screen Time suite to limit app usage, granular per-contact restrictions require coordinating Screen Time’s Always Allowed app list with the Do Not Disturb contact filters. Following the steps below ensures that only vital individuals can reach you when Downtime is active.

Configure Always Allowed Apps in Screen Time

In iOS 12, Downtime blocks access to most applications, but you can choose which communication apps remain functional.

1. Open the Settings app on your iOS device.
2. Tap Screen Time.
3. Select Always Allowed.
4. Under the Allowed Apps section, review the applications permitted during Downtime.
5. To allow calls or texts, ensure Phone and Messages have a green minus icon next to them. If you want to block all general communication during Downtime, tap the red minus icon next to these apps to remove them from the list.

Restrict Specific Contacts During Downtime

iOS 12 does not include individual contact filtering directly inside Screen Time (a feature introduced in later iOS versions). To limit incoming communication to specific people during your Downtime hours, use the Do Not Disturb settings:

1. Open Settings and tap Do Not Disturb.
2. Toggle the Scheduled switch to on, and set the quiet hours to match your Downtime schedule.
3. Tap Allow Calls From.
4. Select Favorites to allow only pre-selected contacts to reach you, or choose a specific contact group created in iCloud.
5. Return to the Phone app, open the Favorites tab, and add only the specific contacts you wish to hear from during your Downtime.

Calls and alerts from anyone outside your Favorites list will be silenced automatically during these hours, effectively restricting Downtime communication to your chosen contacts.