Screen time requests not coming through?

How Apple’s Screen Time requests work

When your child hits a Screen Time limit, they can send you a request for more time. According to Apple’s guide, Approve your child’s purchases, downloads, and Screen Time requests:

• You tap the request in Messages, then choose Approve for 15 minutes, Approve for 1 hour or Approve all day.
• To say no, tap Not Now. Your child sees that the request was declined.
• If you’re with your child, they can tap Approve on Device. You enter your Screen Time passcode and choose how long.

When Apple’s requests don’t arrive

Start by checking that every device is up to date. Try these steps in order:

1. Update every device in your family. Apple says that for its newest Screen Time features, every device in your Family Sharing group must be on version 27 or later of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS or visionOS. That includes your phone. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
2. Can’t update every device? Apple says you can keep using the previous version of Screen Time, or change the settings on your child’s device. See Use Screen Time to manage your child’s iPhone or iPad.
3. Check Messages on your device. Apple sends the request there.
4. Know your Screen Time passcode. You need it to approve on your child’s device.
5. Restart both devices. Turn each one off, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on.

Your child needs their own Apple Account in your Family Sharing group. Apple explains this in Set up parental controls to manage your child’s iPhone or iPad.

How requests work in SteadyBounds

SteadyBounds is a parental control app for iPhone and iPad where kids earn extra screen time through learning lessons and chores their parents approve. Requests stay inside the app, so they don’t need iMessage, and kids can ask even when their apps are locked.

1. When your child’s time is used up, the blocked app shows an Ask or earn time button. It opens SteadyBounds. Your child can also open SteadyBounds and tap Rewards.
2. Your child taps Ask for more time, chooses an amount and taps Send Request.
3. You get a notification. The request also waits on your Rewards tab.
4. Tap Approve or Decline. Only a parent can add time. There’s no “One More Minute” button.

You see “Applied” only after your child’s device confirms the change. Requests, approvals and extra time are all free.

When SteadyBounds requests don’t work

Your child can’t send a request

• If your child sees “Your parent has turned off extra-time requests,” requests are off. On your phone, open your child’s Controls page, tap the ••• button, then App setup & websites. Turn on Ask for more time.
• If nothing happens when your child taps Ask or earn time: with iOS or iPadOS 26.5 or later, it opens SteadyBounds right away. On older versions, it leaves a notification your child taps. Turn on notifications for SteadyBounds on their device (Settings > Notifications > SteadyBounds), or have your child open SteadyBounds and tap Rewards.

You don’t get a notification

• On your phone, tap your profile picture on Home to open Settings, then tap Notifications. Turn on Notifications from SteadyBounds.
• Requests also wait on your Rewards tab, even if no notification shows up. You can check there anytime.

You approved, but your child’s apps are still locked

1. Make sure your child’s device is turned on and connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data.
2. Open SteadyBounds on your child’s device and leave it open for a moment.
3. On your phone, open your child’s Controls page, tap the ••• button, then tap Check child’s devices for updates.
4. Check the time of day. Approvals follow today’s limit and bedtime. During bedtime or app-free time, apps stay locked.
5. Check Extra time allowed on your child’s Controls page. It’s the most that learning and approved requests can add in a day.

Still stuck? See A change says it’s waiting for the device, or email hello@steadybounds.com.

Questions parents ask

More for parents

• Screen time not updating on your child’s iPhone
• Chores for screen time: how to set it up
• Let kids earn screen time with learning
• Help with SteadyBounds

This guide is general information for families, not medical advice. If you have questions about your child’s health or habits, talk with your child’s doctor.