How to Activate Screen Distance on Your iPhone for Eye Protection

Some Noticeable Information

To enable Screen Distance on your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Screen Time > Screen Distance. Follow the prompts to complete the setup.

Starting from the fragment

Utilizing the TrueDepth camera, Screen Distance identifies instances when the device is positioned excessively near your face for an extended period. To ensure optimal usage, the device restricts access until your eyes are positioned at a distance of more than 12 inches away from the screen.

In the latest iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 updates, your iPhone and iPad possess the capability to inform you about proximity issues. Learn about the functioning of the Screen Distance feature and how to activate it.

What Is Screen Distance (And Who Should Use It)?

The TrueDepth camera, which is responsible for FaceID on iPhones and iPads, is utilized by Screen Distance to continuously evaluate the distance between your eyes and the screen. If the system detects that this distance has remained below 12 inches for an extended period, it will issue a warning and prevent you from using the device. It is important to note that the alert cannot be bypassed by simply averting your gaze from the screen. You must physically face the screen and move at least 12 inches away in order to regain device access.

Screen Distance is exclusive to devices equipped with a TrueDepth camera, such as iPhone X or newer models, and iPad Pro 2018 or more recent versions. Additionally, devices must be running iOS 17 or a later operating system version.

Worried about your privacy? Rest assured, the feature solely utilizes the TrueDepth camera, completely avoiding the use of your device's front camera. As a result, no images are captured, and no facial data is stored on your phone.

How to Enable Screen Distance on iPhone and iPad

Screen Distance can be enabled by anyone using a compatible iPhone and iPad in order to ensure safe screen usage from a distance. However, for children under the age of 13 who are part of a Family Sharing plan, Screen Distance is automatically activated. It should be noted that children within the Family Sharing plan still have the option to disable this feature on their individual phones, and the family organizer of the plan cannot override their decision. The only way to re-enable Screen Distance is through the child's phone.

To activate Screen Distance on your iPhone, simply open the Settings app.

Navigate to the Screen Time setting.

Inside Screen Time, open the Screen Distance setting.

Upon first enabling Screen Distance on your iPhone or iPad, your device will present two additional steps. The initial screen (depicted below) provides a concise overview of Screen Distance. Press the Continue button to proceed with the setup.

Proceed to the following page for a more detailed explanation and functionality overview of the Screen Distance feature. To finalize the setup and activate Screen Distance on your iPhone, simply click on the Continue button.

Screen Distance is now enabled on your iPhone.

What Screen Distance Alerts Look Like (And How to Dismiss Them)

Although Apple does not provide a specific timeframe for when the alert will appear, we have observed that it usually takes less than 5 minutes. When you hold your device near your eyes for approximately 5 minutes, a full-screen alert will be displayed.

Observe the disabled state of the Continue button. In order to dismiss the alert, simply relocate your iPhone or iPad to a distance exceeding 12 inches away from your face, or until the grayed-out "Continue" button transforms into a blue hue. Afterward, proceed by clicking on the Continue option.

The error will now disappear, and you can resume using your device.

How to Disable Screen Distance Alerts

If you wish to disable the Screen Distance alerts temporarily (or permanently) you could do that by disabling the toggle found in Settings > Screen Time > Screen Distance.

The device setup is a one-time requirement. To disable or re-enable the Screen Distance alerts in the future, simply toggle this button without going through the setup process again.

Editor's P/S

As a hard fan of Apple products, I am always excited to learn about new features that can improve my user experience. The Screen Distance feature on the iPhone is a great example of how Apple is constantly innovating to protect the health and well-being of its users.

The TrueDepth camera on the iPhone is used to measure the distance between your eyes and the screen, and if it detects that you are holding the device too close to your face for an extended period of time, it will issue a warning and prevent you from using the device until you move it away from your face. This feature is especially useful for children, who may not be aware of the potential dangers of holding their devices too close to their eyes.

Overall, I think the Screen Distance feature is a great addition to the iPhone, and I am glad that Apple is taking steps to protect the health of its users.