Screen Time

Catalina’s Screen Time problems show an Apple stretched too thin

Screen Time is coming to macOS Catalina

macOS Catalina introduces new features and functionality for the Mac. Among them is Screen Time, the tool that enables users to see what apps and services they're spending time using. Screen Time follows the convention of features that make their debut on iOS later migrating to the Mac. Unfortunately, Screen Time's Mac implementation leaves something to be desired.

Screen Time's intent is to make you more aware of where you're spending your time – reading news, surfing the web, using social media apps, playing games. Just as important, Screen Time can provide essential details for parents concerned about their kids' device usage. The app also provides parents with lock-out and limitings features to help reign in their kids' use.

Understanding the usage reports in Screen Time on Mac

App Usage Report Mac

If you’ve set up Screen Time on Mac, whether for yourself or a child, you likely created limits, scheduled downtime, restricted content, or all three. But another great part of the Screen Time feature is its reporting.

If you want to see exactly how long your child spent using an app or how many times you picked up your own device, these interactive reports can be really handy. They can help you makes adjustments based on what you learn.

Let’s walk through those usage reports in Screen Time on your Mac so that you can decide if you need to make changes or if the settings you put in place are working.

How to use Screen Time on Mac

Screen Time on Mac

In this tutorial, we will explain how to turn on and use Screen Time on your or your child's Mac to understand device activity, limit app and website usage, set communication limits, and enable restrictions.

macOS Catalina brings Screen Time to Mac

Screen Time is coming to macOS Catalina

Screen Time was introduced in iOS not too long ago, and the app, while it has its limitations, is a solid foundation for a tool that allows users to control app and device usage on their iOS devices. For parents, it's an easy, built-in way to help monitor and control their child's usage, too. And now Screen Time is coming to Mac.