Nowadays, we rely heavily on devices like phones and PCs, leading us to spend a considerable amount of time engaging with screens. At times, you might find yourself wanting to know how much time you spend on your Mac or other devices to monitor and restrict your screen usage. If that’s the case, you’ve come to the right place. Here, you will learn how to track screen time on a Mac.
All Macs run on Apple’s in-house macOS, which is known for its impressive power and seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem. With every major macOS release, Mac users can look forward to exciting new features. Screen Time is also a useful feature available on Apple devices including Mac.
Screen time has been available on Mac for several years now, and many users are already making good use of it. It is quite easy to use, similar to the digital wellbeing feature on Android, which also provides a device usage report.
Tracking screen time and usage is quite useful as it provides insights into how and where you spend your time on devices, helping you identify areas where you can reduce it to a minimum. While some users may not initially see the value in it, they often find it useful once they start utilizing it and apply it to their advantage. If you are embarking on a new routine, tracking your usage on devices like Mac is an essential first step to follow.
Although there are many reasons to track your screen usage, you don’t need one to track down something you do in your daily life. Let’s start with enabling this feature.
How to Turn On Screen Time on Mac
Yes, you can enable and disable screen time whenever you want. Here’s how to access it.
- On your Mac, click on the Apple icon and then select System Settings.
- Look for the Screen Time option and open it.
- Here you can choose the account for which you want the screen time to use.
- Below you will see the toggle. Turn the toggle to On which is next to Screen Time.
- If you are logged in with your Account, you will be able to select ‘Share across devices.’ This will also show the screen time of other devices signed in with the same Apple ID.
- You can also select ‘Use Screen Time Passcode.’ This will secure Screen Time settings.
This will enable Screen Time on your Mac. And you can use its settings to control your or your children’s devices.
How to Check App Usage and Notifications on Mac
Once you have enabled Screen Time, you will be able to track your usage starting from the time of its activation. It will provide information on the duration of app usage on a daily basis, as well as the number of notifications received and the frequency of device usage for both you and your children.
To access the report, navigate to the Screen Time settings and you will find sections for App Usage, Notifications, and Pickups. These sections contain data that you can view to gain insights into how you allocate your time and what activities receive the most attention.
How to Set Downtime on Mac
When you apply downtime to a device, it restricts the complete use of the Mac, allowing only the specified apps and Phone functionality. You have the option to schedule downtime for both your own Mac and your children’s Mac. To utilize this feature, ensure that Screen Time is enabled.
- On your Mac, Click the Apple icon and select System Settings.
- Now choose Screen Time.
- And from the list of options, select Downtime.
- Here you will be able to choose the time for downtime.
- Enable the Block at Downtime which will not let the selected account from using the Mac until the Downtime passes.
How to Set App Limits on Mac
If you wish to set limits for specific apps and websites, you can do so as well. You have the flexibility to specify the time and day restrictions for each app. Users will only be able to access select apps and websites within the allowed time frame, and the limit will reset on a daily basis.
- Click the Apple icon and choose System Settings on your Mac.
- Go to Screen Time from the side menu.
- Just below Downtime, you will find App Limits, select it.
- Here you would be able to choose specific apps and allow time for apps.
In addition to downtime and app limits, you can also set limits for Communication. You can also set apps that are always allowed, along with content & privacy limitations.
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