VIDEO: How to Set App Limits on a MacBook
Take control of your screen time and build better digital habits by setting app limits right from your MacBook.
I personally struggle with managing my screen time, particularly when it comes to spending excessive amounts of time on certain social media apps. I tell myself I’ll just check X or Instagram for five minutes, and suddenly I’ve lost an hour to doomscrolling or mindless clicking.
It’s frustrating, addictive, and all too common. If you’ve ever promised yourself a quick scroll and ended up deep in the feed rabbit hole, you’re not alone.
Fortunately, macOS offers a simple but powerful solution: App Limits. With just a few settings, you can start building healthier screen habits, cut back on distractions, and take back control of your day without having to give up the apps altogether. Here is how you can do it.
Ogbonda Chivumnovu
How to Set App Limits on a MacBook
- Step 1: Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen, then select System Preferences.
- Step 2: In the System Preferences window, click on the Screen Time icon (it has an hourglass icon).
- Step 3: From the Screen Time window in System Settings/Preferences, click on App Limits in the sidebar.
Video Script & Editing: Kelechi Edeh / Techloy.com | Content Research: Ogbonda Chivumnovu / Techloy.com
- Step 4: If it's not already on, click on Turn On to turn on app limits.
- Step 5: Click the Add sign at the bottom left-hand side of the screen.
- Step 6: Choose Apps, or Categories to Limit. Once you have chosen this app set the Time Limit, you can select between Every Day where you’ll can choose the daily limit of the app, or you can select Custom where you can set a specific date for the app limit.
- Step 7: Click Done to finish.
Ogbonda Chivumnovu
Conclusion
Setting app limits on your Mac isn’t just about productivity; it’s about regaining control over how your time is spent.
Whether you're trying to curb a social media habit, create better focus during work hours, or simply wind down in the evenings without screen fatigue, these built-in tools offer a quiet but powerful way to take charge.
It may feel like a small tweak, but over time, those limits can help you build healthier digital habits that actually stick.
