Screen Distance uses the TrueDepth camera to notice when an iPhone is held too close to your face for a sustained period. It then covers the screen with a prompt until the device is moved farther away.
Screen Distance requires iOS 17 or later and an iPhone with Face ID hardware. It is not available on Home button iPhones without TrueDepth.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if you or a child often hold the iPhone very close and want a built-in reminder to increase viewing distance.
Turn On Screen Distance
- Open Settings.
- Tap Screen Time.
- Tap Screen Distance.
- Turn on Screen Distance.
- Allow any prompt needed for the TrueDepth camera distance check.
The feature estimates distance on the device. It does not take or store photos for this alert.
Respond to Screen Distance Alerts
- When the iPhone is too close for too long, the screen dims and shows an alert.
- Move the iPhone more than about 12 inches, or 30 cm, from your face.
- The alert clears automatically and your app returns where you left it.
- To disable it, return to Settings > Screen Time > Screen Distance and turn the switch off.
Screen Distance Notes
Children in Family Sharing
Screen Distance may be enabled automatically for children under 13 in a Family Sharing group.
Hardware Requirement
If the setting is missing, the iPhone likely lacks a TrueDepth camera or is not running iOS 17 or later.
Works with Display Features
Screen Distance is separate from Night Shift, True Tone, Dark Mode, and brightness settings, and can be used alongside them.
Privacy
Apple says distance processing happens on the device and camera data is not stored or shared with Apple or apps.
Sources
- Apple Support: What is Screen Distance
- Apple Support: Help protect vision health with Screen Distance on iPhone
- Apple Support: Use Screen Time on iPhone