Use screen time on your Mac and monitor device usage

Just like on the iPhone or iPad, you can also use the Apple Mac from macOS 10.15 Catalina Screen time to monitor and limit your device usage. In this little guide you will find a quick guide. You can find more extensive information about time-out settings, app limits, details on communication and so on Screen time guide for iPhone remove. In the following, I will explain how to activate the function on the Mac computer for the first time and how to use it with multiple devices. Do you have any questions, tips or experiences with the function that you want to share? Feel free to leave a comment;)

Call up Screen Time on your Mac: Here's how!

If you want to monitor how your usage behavior is on the Apple Mac, the following step-by-step instructions will help you to activate the "Screen Time" function of macOS. It works as simple as this:

1. Click on the  symbol in the top left of the Mac menu bar
2. Select the from the menu that pops up System settings ... from
3. Then click on the hourglass symbol with Screen time as a signature
4. An introductory text now appears; click the Continue-Button to continue
5. Now you have made it to the main window of the macOS function

Instructions: Activate Screen Time on macOS

When you go to the Settings window, Mac Screen Time is not yet activated. In the window shown above, click on the one at the top right Activate…-Button. You have now completely completed the activation process, and you can adjust more precise settings for the usage overview and for restricting app and Mac use.

The first checkmark for “Share across devices” is automatically set when activated, at least if your Apple ID is assigned to other devices such as an iPhone or iPad in addition to the Mac, iMac or MacBook you are using. If all devices are registered with iCloud, the Mac settings are adopted by the cross-device function and restrictions also take effect there. 

Finally, here are the most important things about the options in the left sidebar:

• time-out: Set time-out schedule to define times when notifications and phone calls are not allowed
• App limits: Set maximum usage times for all apps, certain categories (e.g. games or messenger) or individual programs so that they are not used for too long
• Communication: Set communication restrictions to block phone calls, FaceTime calls, text messages, etc. from individual or all contacts
• Always allowed: Set exceptions so that you don't miss emergency contacts
• Content & data protection: Limit app and other purchases, and objectionable content and downloads; for example for the use of the device by children

Jen Kleinholz( Founder & Sir Apfelot )

Jens has been running the blog since 2012. He acts as Sir Apfelot for his readers and helps them with technical problems. In his spare time he rides electric unicycles, takes photos (preferably with the iPhone, of course), climbs around in the Hessian mountains or hikes with the family. His articles deal with Apple products, news from the world of drones or solutions to current bugs.