# Screen Time Sync

# Screen Time Sync

Screen Time Sync imports iPhone and iPad activity into Chronoid so reports, timelines, and device filters can show your desktop and mobile usage together.

![Ignore rule](/docs/screen-time-1.png)
![Ignore rule](/docs/screen-time-2.png)

## What It Does

- Imports Screen Time sessions from selected iPhone and iPad devices
- Keeps syncing in the background while Chronoid is running
- Lets reports and menu bar totals filter by device
- Can backfill Safari URLs when the local Safari history database is available on your Mac

Imported sessions behave like other Chronoid activity, so you can review them in reports and use them in project workflows.

## Requirements

Chronoid depends on Apple's local Screen Time data on your Mac. For setup to work well:

- Screen Time must be enabled on your Mac
- Screen Time must be enabled on each iPhone or iPad you want to import
- Apple device sharing must be enabled
- Chronoid needs **Full Disk Access**

An initial sync can take time. It is normal for Apple data to appear with a delay.

## Guided Setup

1. Open **Settings → Screen Time**.
2. Turn on **Enable Screen Time sync**.
3. Follow the status guidance shown in the pane.
4. Grant **Full Disk Access** if Chronoid requests it.
5. Wait for Apple to expose available devices.
6. Select one or more devices to import.
7. Click **Sync Now** for the first import.

The Screen Time pane now uses a more guided step-by-step flow, so the **Next Step** card is the best place to look if something is missing.

## Device Selection

Chronoid can now import from multiple devices instead of forcing a single active phone or tablet.

That is useful if you regularly split time across:

- an iPhone and an iPad
- a work iPhone and a personal iPad
- multiple family-shared devices tied to your Apple account

Use the selected devices summary in the Screen Time pane to confirm what Chronoid is currently importing.

## Sync Controls

The Screen Time pane includes these actions:

- **Sync Now** to import the latest available Screen Time data immediately
- **Refresh** to reload device and status information
- **Backfill Safari URLs** to enrich imported Safari sessions when history data is available

## Reporting And Filtering

Imported mobile activity appears in Chronoid reports and can be filtered by device.

This matters in two places:

- **Reports** can compare This Mac against imported iPhone or iPad activity
- **Menu bar totals** can be scoped to all devices, only this Mac, or selected devices

## Limitations

- Screen Time import remains dependent on Apple's sync timing
- Initial imports can be delayed
- Safari URL backfill only works when the local history database is readable
- Imported mobile data may not appear instantly after activity happens on the device

## Troubleshooting

If Screen Time Sync is stuck:

1. Re-open **Settings → Screen Time** and read the **Next Step** message.
2. Confirm Screen Time is enabled on the Mac and every selected device.
3. Confirm device sharing is enabled in Apple's settings.
4. Confirm Chronoid has **Full Disk Access**.
5. Click **Refresh**, then **Sync Now**.

For help, email [support@chronoid.app](mailto:support@chronoid.app)

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Source: https://www.chronoid.app/docs/settings/screen-time-sync