This article will show you how to get started with Safe Surfer's screentime features. We'll demonstrate the basics of how to use the three different types of screentime rules available for protected devices:

1. Override
2. Limit
3. Schedule

Each screentime rule you create is like a cardboard box. For example, you can create a timetable rule, where the rule can hold multiple apps, rather than just one app. In addition, there are three sections for managing rules: Categories, Apps, and Sites. The Categories section refers to both computer networking and app blocking, whereas the Apps section refers to just app blocking. Sites lets you have specific control over individual domains if desired.

Getting started with Screentime

Visit the Blocking menu on the Safe Surfer dashboard (https://my.safesurfer.io/blocking), then tap the Select drop-down box.

Tap the user (or specific device) that you would like to apply screentime rules for. (We'll select the user for this demonstration.)

Tap the blue screentime add rule button.

Override

Select the period of time that you would like to set for the rule, then block or allow specific categories. For demonstration purposes, we'll block the Discord category. Once you're ready, tap the Apply button.

Discord has now been blocked for 15 minutes.

Limit

Tap the Limit option, then set the time and period that you would like to set for this rule. For demonstration purposes, we'll tick the Discord category. Once you're ready, tap the Apply button.

Discord has now been limited to one hour per day.

Schedule

Tap the Schedule option, then select the period and time you would like to set for the rule. For demonstration purposes, we'll tick the Discord category. Once you're ready, tap the Apply button.

Discord has now been blocked between 8:00 pm and 7:00 am.

Edit or delete screentime rules

To edit or delete a screentime rule, select the applicable user or device from the blue drop-down box, then tap the three-dot button on the applicable rule.

You can now edit, delete, or override the rule.

General reference for timers

Android

Screentime rules for Android (such as Samsung) are automatic, where Safe Surfer can automatically start and stop timers. The user of the protected device can view the current screentime rules by opening the Safe Surfer app and tapping the Screentime menu.

By default, when the status of a timer updates, the user will see a message on the screen that mentions the time remaining for this rule.

iPhone and iPad

Screentime rules for iPhone and iPad devices require the device to be supervised (in app blocking mode), where the user can then use semi-automatic screentime timers. This involves the user of the protected device viewing the current screentime rules by opening the Safe Surfer app. If an app is affected by a timer rule on an iPhone/iPad, the app will disappear from the device. Once the user has started the timer, the app will reappear. When the time for the rule has been exhausted, the app will disappear again.

After starting a timer rule, a prompt will appear that mentions how the applicable app will soon appear on the Home Screen of the device.

Windows

Screentime rules for Windows are automatic, where Safe Surfer can automatically start and stop timers. The user of the protected device can view the current screentime rules by opening the Safe Surfer app and clicking the Screentime menu.

By default, when the status of a timer updates, the user will see a notification on the screen that mentions the time remaining for this rule.

Mac

Screentime rules for Mac are automatic, where Safe Surfer can automatically start and stop timers. The user of the protected device can view the current screentime rules by opening the Safe Surfer app.

By default, when the status of a timer updates, the user will see a notification on the screen that mentions the time remaining for this rule.

Wi-Fi Lifeguard network devices

Screentime rules for Wi-Fi Lifeguard network devices are manual, where the user will need to start and stop their own timers. As the account holder, you can visit the Devices page (https://my.safesurfer.io/devices), select a specific Wi-Fi device, and then set a screentime limit. Once you've done this, the dashboard will offer you to copy a self-service link, which can be sent to the user of the protected Wi-Fi device.

Once the user of the protected Wi-Fi device has visited the self-service link on their own device, they can then start and stop their own timers.

Updated on: 29/10/2026