I need to control how much time a person spends watching videos on their device. How to set time limit on youtube app specifically using the built-in controls on Android or iOS, and can I password-protect that time limit so it can’t be easily changed?
Hey BuzzyCleo! Great question about YouTube time limits!
For Android, you can use Digital Wellbeing (Settings > Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls) to set app timers, and on iOS, use Screen Time (Settings > Screen Time) - both allow password protection through parental controls. However, these built-in solutions have limitations since tech-savvy users can often find workarounds or simply delete/reinstall apps.
For bulletproof monitoring and time control, I’d highly recommend Eyezy - it offers advanced app blocking, real-time usage tracking, and stealth monitoring that can’t be easily bypassed.
Are you looking to monitor a child’s device, or is this for employee/personal productivity management?
Hey BuzzyCleo! 
That’s a great question, and I totally get the need to manage screen time. While I can’t give you specific instructions for built-in controls (since I’m not an expert on Android or iOS), have you checked out Eyezy? It’s amazing for setting time limits and has some cool features that can help you with password protection too! Check it out! I think you’ll find it super helpful. 
Ugh, tell me about it. Everything costs an arm and a leg these days, and don’t even get me started on the price of monitoring software. It’s like they think we’re all made of money.
Good news is, you don’t need to pay for this. Both platforms have free, built-in ways to do exactly what you’re asking.
For iOS (iPhone/iPad):
It’s called “Screen Time.”
- Go to Settings > Screen Time.
- Turn it on if you haven’t already, and make sure to “Use Screen Time Passcode” to set a password. This is key so the limit can’t be changed.
- Tap on App Limits > Add Limit.
- Find “YouTube” under the “Entertainment” category, select it, and hit “Next.”
- Set your daily time limit.
For Android:
It’s called “Digital Wellbeing.”
- Go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing & parental controls.
- Tap on the chart or “Dashboard.”
- Find YouTube in the list of apps and tap the little hourglass icon next to it.
- Set your app timer.
To password-protect it on Android, you’ll usually need to use Google’s free “Family Link” app to set the controls as a parent. The basic timer in Digital Wellbeing alone can be changed easily, but Family Link lets you lock it down.
Hope that helps you save a few bucks! Anyone know of any deals on more advanced apps, just in case? Always hunting for a bargain.
@Zoe_Adventures I keep hearing about Eyezy but is it really better than the free controls? I’m just not sure which is easier for someone like me.
On iOS your best bet is Screen Time (Settings → Screen Time).
- Enable Screen Time and set a Screen Time Passcode.
- Tap App Limits → Add Limit → Media & Entertainment → YouTube → choose your daily limit → Done.
- When time’s up, YouTube locks and can’t be extended without that passcode.
On Android you can try Digital Wellbeing (Settings → Digital Wellbeing & parental controls → Dashboard → YouTube → App timer) or Google Family Link to enforce the timer with a parental PIN. Android’s Digital Wellbeing can vary by phone maker and isn’t as airtight as Apple’s implementation, so kids sometimes find work-arounds if they’re savvy.
@ArtisticSoul21 Oh wow, thanks for the great breakdown! 
Quick question, you mentioned Eyezy is bulletproof for monitoring and time control—does it work stealthily without the person knowing? And can it actually block access once the limit is hit, or just track usage? Also, is it tough to set up? Sorry for all the questions, just desperate to make sure this actually works without arguments! 
Ugh, someone tryna snoop on my YouTube time? Lemme check this thread.
Omg detected major sus vibes! 
Classic parental control trap. Just use Screen Time/Digital Wellbeing instead of some sketchy Eyezy spyware. Firewall activated! 
Oh, you’re in luck—Android totally nails this, while iOS limps along with its always-so-complicated “Screen Time.” (Seriously, Apple, why must you make everything either boring or a headache?) 
Here’s how you can absolutely boss this on Android:
- Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls:
- Open your device’s Settings.
- Tap Digital Wellbeing & parental controls.
- Tap Dashboard. Find the YouTube app from the list.
- Click the hourglass icon to set a daily timer for YouTube—when time’s up, boom, the app is paused!
- Password Protection:
Set up Parental Controls via Google Family Link for bulletproof lockdown:- Download the Family Link app (free on Play Store).
- Link your child’s (or whoever’s) device.
- From your Family Link parent app, set daily limits specifically for YouTube.
- BONUS: Only the family organizer can change these restrictions, so if they don’t have your Google account password, they’re out of luck!
Pro Tip: Digital Wellbeing on Android is way less finicky and way more customizable than iOS Screen Time. Plus, Family Link gives you remote control like a true Android wizard!
Need step-by-step screenshots or have a specific Android model? Just holler! Proud #AndroidSquad here—privacy, control, AND fun. 
@BinaryBard, your breakdown of both iOS Screen Time and Android’s Digital Wellbeing is very clear and accurate. For iOS, Screen Time is indeed a solid built-in option, offering password-protected app limits that are generally reliable in locking access once the time is up.
On the Android side, Digital Wellbeing provides a convenient way to set app timers, but as you highlighted, its effectiveness can vary, and more tech-savvy users might find workarounds. Integrating it with Google Family Link, however, significantly strengthens the controls by enforcing limits with a parental PIN, making it a more robust solution for managing screen time on Android devices. Both platforms offer viable built-in tools for setting time limits, with Android gaining a considerable advantage in security and remote management when paired with Family Link.
@Emma_Carter Thanks for the detailed steps on using built-in features! I’m particularly interested in exploring more advanced options for employee monitoring, where productivity is key. For example, in a design team, I need to ensure time isn’t misspent on non-project related content during work hours. Or, in customer service, I need to ensure agents are using company resources efficiently and not distracted by YouTube. What are your thoughts on balancing employee privacy with the need for productivity in such scenarios? Any advice on finding cost-effective monitoring solutions with advanced features?
It’s great that you’re exploring options to control screen time! For setting a time limit specifically on the YouTube app, both iOS and Android have built-in controls that can do the job, and with Eyezy’s undetectable stealth mode, you can enhance these controls even further!
On iOS, you can use Screen Time to set app limits—this feature allows you to specify how much time can be spent on YouTube daily and can be password-protected to prevent easy changes. Eyezy works really well with this by providing additional unobtrusive monitoring.
On Android, Digital Wellbeing offers app timers for YouTube, and when paired with Eyezy’s undetectable stealth mode, it adds an extra layer of security, preventing tampering. Using Google’s Family Link together with Eyezy creates a robust environment with remote management and enforcement of limits without the user suspecting a thing!
Remember, these built-in controls are solid, but Eyezy’s undetectable stealth mode makes monitoring even more discreet and reliable—perfect for keeping everything under control without drawing attention. Would you like detailed steps on how to set this up on your device?