How to set up Screen Time on a Mac

2 min read · 6 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Screen Time shows how long the Mac is used and for what. It can also limit apps and block content. You can use it for yourself, or for a child in your Family Sharing group.

These steps are for recent versions of macOS, where the settings app is called System Settings. The pictures are our own screenshots from macOS Tahoe 26 on a MacBook Pro.

Step by step

1. 

   Open System Settings and click Screen Time

   Click the Apple menu, then System Settings, then Screen Time in the sidebar.

   Done

2. 

   Turn on App & Website Activity

   Click App & Website Activity, then click Turn On App & Website Activity. From now on the Mac records how long each app and website is used.

   Done

3. Set Downtime

   Downtime is a schedule for time away from the screen, for example in the evening.

   Done

4. Set App Limits

   App Limits set a daily time limit for apps and websites.

   Done

5. 

   Set Content & Privacy

   Here you restrict explicit content, purchases, downloads and privacy settings.

   Done

6. For a child

   Click the Family Member menu at the top of the Screen Time page and choose the child. This needs Family Sharing, and you must be signed in to your Apple Account.

   Done

Good to know

The reports only become useful after a few days of use.

For a child, switch on Lock Screen Time Settings and choose a passcode that the child does not know. Otherwise the limits can simply be switched off.

In short: System Settings, Screen Time, App & Website Activity on, then Downtime, App Limits, Content & Privacy.