Screen Time Communication Limits - Unapproved contacts being added to "Specific Contacts" list

I have Screen Time enabled my daughter's device with Communications Limits set so that only Specific Contacts can be contacted During Downtime. There is a Screen Time passcode set up on the device. Somehow, a contact is being added to that list without my approval. I have gone in and removed it, but it magically appears again short while later. Of course, my daughter denies doing this. I am at a loss of how this is happening as I have changed the Screen Time passcode after every instance of this happening (it is being changed on my device and while she is out of the room). Additionally, when you look at "Manager Scree Time" field, where you can see a time stamp of when the Screen Time passcode was last used my daughter's device, the date and time listed is before I made the latest change. If she did actually discover and use the new screen time passcode, then the date and time should be AFTER I made the last passcode change. I am at a loss at how contacts are getting added without using the screen time passcode. Some things to note:


  • "Don't Allow" is set for Accounts and Passcode & Face ID, so she cannot make changes to iCloud status, Date/Timer, device passcode, etc.
  • The ability to install apps is disabled, so the App Store cannot be accessed.
  • Siri & Dictation is turned off


Any help or suggestions would be welcomed.

iPhone 15 Pro, iOS 18

Posted on Sep 7, 2025 5:03 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 7, 2025 11:18 PM

If you notice that your child’s Screen Time restrictions are being altered without your knowledge, it’s important to review the list of people who have been assigned as parents or guardians in the Screen Time settings. Anyone added as a parent has the authority to change or override restrictions. Go to Settings > Family and carefully check who is listed as having parental control. If you find any entry that looks unusual or that you did not authorize, remove their permission immediately to ensure that only trusted individuals can manage your child’s Screen Time restrictions.



4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 7, 2025 11:18 PM in response to seattlitehere

If you notice that your child’s Screen Time restrictions are being altered without your knowledge, it’s important to review the list of people who have been assigned as parents or guardians in the Screen Time settings. Anyone added as a parent has the authority to change or override restrictions. Go to Settings > Family and carefully check who is listed as having parental control. If you find any entry that looks unusual or that you did not authorize, remove their permission immediately to ensure that only trusted individuals can manage your child’s Screen Time restrictions.



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Screen Time Communication Limits - Unapproved contacts being added to "Specific Contacts" list

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