What is Screen Distance?
Starting in iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, Screen Distance is turned on by default for children under 13 in a Family Sharing group.
Viewing something like a device or book too closely for an extended period of time can increase eye strain and the risk of myopia. The Screen Distance feature in Screen Time uses the TrueDepth camera to detect when you hold your iPhone closer than 12 inches for an extended period, and encourages you to move it farther away. Screen Distance can help children engage in healthy viewing habits that can lower their risk of myopia and can give people of all ages the opportunity to reduce digital eyestrain.
Screen Distance is turned on by default for children under 13* in a Family Sharing group. If you don't want Screen Distance turned on, you can turn it off in iPhone or iPad settings.
To make sure that your Screen Distance settings sync across devices, update all of the devices in your Family Sharing group to the latest software version before changing your Screen Distance settings.
* Age varies by country or region.
How to turn Screen Distance on or off
Go to Settings > Screen Time.
Tap Screen Distance, then turn Screen Distance on or off.
Each time your child updates a device signed in with their Apple ID to iOS 17, iPadOS 17 watchOS 10, or macOS Sonoma for the first time, Screen Distance is turned back on for all their devices.
What to do if you see a Screen Distance alert
When you hold your iPhone or iPad screen too close to your face, Screen Distance covers the screen with an alert, preventing you from continuing. To remove the alert, you can:
Move your iPhone or iPad to a distance greater than 12 inches from your face.
Tap Continue.
Which devices work with Screen Distance
Screen Distance is only available on devices with a TrueDepth camera, the same camera used for Face ID, updated to iOS 17 or iPadOS 17 or later.