Troubleshooting Communication Limits Not Working on iPhone
Are you a parent or guardian who's been trying to set up Screen Time or Communication Limits on your child's iPhone, only to find that they're not working as expected? You're not alone. This issue can be quite frustrating, but don't worry, we've compiled a comprehensive guide to help you resolve this problem.
Understanding Communication Limits on iPhone
Communication Limits is a feature introduced in iOS 13 that allows parents to control who their child can communicate with during downtime. It's a powerful tool to help manage your child's screen time and encourage healthier habits. However, like any technology, it can sometimes malfunction. Before we dive into troubleshooting, let's ensure you understand how Communication Limits should work:
- During downtime, your child can only communicate with people you've approved.
- They can still receive calls and iMessages from anyone, but they can only respond if the sender is on their approved list.
- Emergency contacts are always allowed, regardless of downtime settings.
Common Reasons Why Communication Limits Might Not Be Working
Before you start troubleshooting, it's important to understand why this issue might be occurring. Here are some common reasons:

- Incorrect iCloud Account Settings: Ensure that both your child's and your own iCloud accounts are set up correctly and that Screen Time is enabled.
- Incompatible iOS Version: While Communication Limits work on most iOS versions, there might be bugs in older or newer versions that cause issues.
- Incorrect Approved Contacts: Double-check that you've added the right contacts to the approved list.
- Incorrect Downtime Settings: Ensure that downtime is scheduled correctly and that it's currently active.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Now that we've identified some potential causes, let's go through a step-by-step troubleshooting guide to help you resolve the issue.
Check iCloud Account Settings
First, ensure that both your child's and your own iCloud accounts are set up correctly:
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Screen Time.
- Turn on Screen Time for both your child's account and your own.
- Ensure that Downtime is scheduled correctly and is currently active.
Update Your iPhone's iOS
If you're running an older version of iOS, consider updating to the latest version. Here's how:

- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- If an update is available, tap "Download and Install".
Check Approved Contacts
Ensure that you've added the right contacts to the approved list:
- Go to Settings > Screen Time > Communication Limits > Always Allow.
- Add or remove contacts as necessary.
Check Downtime Settings
Ensure that downtime is scheduled correctly and is currently active:
- Go to Settings > Screen Time > Downtime.
- Set the start and end times for downtime.
- Ensure that the current time is within the downtime schedule.
Reset Screen Time Settings
If all else fails, try resetting your Screen Time settings:

- Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Screen Time.
- This will reset all Screen Time settings to their default values.
When to Contact Apple Support
If you've gone through all the troubleshooting steps above and are still experiencing issues with Communication Limits not working, it might be time to contact Apple Support. They can provide personalized assistance and help you determine if there's a hardware or software issue with your iPhone.
| Contact Method | Phone Number | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Support | 1-800-MY-APPLE (1-800-692-7753) | support.apple.com |






















