Kosher filter vs Screen Time

Apple’s Screen Time can limit websites, apps and purchases. It is free, built in, and genuinely useful — especially on a child’s iPhone in Family Sharing. So why do people still buy a filter?

What Screen Time does well

• Blocks adult websites or limits browsing to approved sites.
• Requires approval for app installs and purchases.
• Sets time limits and downtime.
• Works without a computer or a subscription.

Where it stops

Screen Time is controlled by an Apple account and a passcode. Someone with the passcode can change it. Other browsers, in-app browsers and some apps can avoid the web restrictions. It does not force DNS, lock the profile or filter pictures inside Safari the way a dedicated content filter can.

What a managed filter adds

A supervised profile can lock the filter on, force encrypted DNS, restrict the App Store, close common bypass routes and apply a Safari content filter. It can also add image filtering. The trade-off is setup: a managed filter usually needs a computer and a subscription.

Which should you use?

For a young child with a trusted parent account, Screen Time plus a conversation may be enough. For a teenager, a bochur, or a phone that must stay filtered when the user is motivated to get around it, a managed filter is the stronger choice. Some homes use both: Screen Time for time limits, filttr for the lock.

Frequently asked questions

Is Screen Time a kosher filter?

It can be part of one, but it is not locked to the device and does not cover every route.

Can I use Screen Time and filttr together?

Yes, but avoid conflicting web restrictions. Use one as the main filter and the other for time limits.

Does filttr replace Screen Time?

It replaces the web/app filtering layer for many homes. You can keep Screen Time for downtime.

Related reading: Kosher filter · iPhone filter · All guides