All you need in order to start using Screen Distance is an iPhone X or newer with iOS 17 installed — or an iPad Pro 11-inch or newer running iPad OS 17. Apple has also stated that Screen Distance should activate by default for children in your Family Sharing group (if you have one set up) who are under the age of 13. Everyone else will have to manually turn it on. Once you’re ready to turn Screen Distance on, here’s what to do:
- Open your iPhone’s Settings app.
- Select Screen Time.
- Select Screen Distance.
- Tap the toggle next to Screen Distance to turn it on (the toggle will appear green for on, and gray for off).
While it may be tempting to turn the feature off after a few screen-obscuring notifications, keep in mind that it’s designed to break you off a potentially harmful (or at least occasionally painful) habit. So if you see this warning often, that’s a pretty good indicator that your eyes will probably benefit from leaving it on.
