How to Maximize Your Accountability on iOS

Want stronger accountability on your iPhone? Here's the key: two layers are better than one.

Accountable2You works well for monitoring, especially your browsing activity. But on iOS, it can't track every app in detail (more here). That's where Apple's Screen Time comes in.

Think of it this way: Accountable2You watches your browsing activity, while Screen Time locks down your other apps. Monitoring plus blocking equals stronger accountability.

Ready to set up both?

If you haven't already, go ahead and install Accountable2You on your iOS device. This will provide the monitoring layer of accountability:

• Install the Monitoring App for iPhones and iPads

To add the blocking layer of accountability with Screen Time, follow the steps below:

1. Identify any apps on your device that present a temptation.
2. For each one, tap and hold it and delete the app.

This will prevent you from being able to re-download the apps you just deleted.

1. Open Settings.

2. Scroll down until you see Screen Time, and tap that.

   

3. Scroll down and tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.

   

4. Toggle on Content & Privacy Restrictions.

   

5. Tap iTunes & App Store Purchases.

   

6. Tap Installing Apps.

   

7. Tap Don't Allow.

   

8. Tap the back button at the top left until you get back to Content & Privacy Restrictions.

First:

1. Tap App Store, Media, Web & Games.

   

2. Select Web Content.

   

Next: Choose one option:

This blocks your chosen sites while keeping the rest of the internet accessible.

1. Select Limit Adult Websites.

   

2. Under Never Allow, tap Add Website.

   

3. Add each website that has presented a temptation (e.g. facebook.com   ).

   

4. Tap the checkmark to save.

This automatically blocks all websites except your approved sites.

1. Tap Only Approved Websites.

   

2. Tap Add Website.

   

3. Add any websites you use regularly that do not present a temptation.

   

4. Tap the checkmark to save.

Finally: Tap the back button at the top left until you get back to the main Screen Time menu.

1. Tap Lock Screen Time Settings.

   

2. Have a trusted friend who also has an Apple device set your Screen Time passcode.

   

3. On the Screen Time Passcode Recovery screen, have your friend enter their own Apple ID (not yours) so they can reset the passcode if needed without giving you access.

   

4. Restart your device to apply the changes. ✅

You can update existing apps or install a new app (e.g. Kroger for Kroger Pay) when your friend is present by following these steps:

1. Open Settings > Screen Time.
2. Go to Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases > Installing Apps.
3. Tap Allow.
4. Have your friend enter the Screen Time passcode.
5. Once allowed, exit the Settings app, swipe down from the center of your screen, and search for the App Store.
6. Tap your profile picture in the top right.
7. Scroll down under Upcoming Automatic Updates and select Update All.
8. If you need to install any additional helpful apps, you can also do this at this time.
9. When you're finished, follow steps 1-4 again, except change the Installing Apps setting back to Don't Allow.

Have questions? Feel free to check out Apple's documentation on Screen Time for even more options:

• Use Screen Time to manage your child's iPhone or iPad | Apple Support
• Use parental controls to manage your child's iPhone or iPad | Apple Support