Where Is macOS Screen Time Data Stored?
macOS Screen Time database, limits and Family Sharing sync notes.
Last updated
macOS records app usage, limits and downtime in per-user Screen Time stores, synced across family devices through iCloud when enabled. Local databases hold the raw usage behind the pretty graphs.
Change limits in Settings while treating database copies as read-only forensics. Passcodes gate changes separately from admin rights.
Where macOS stores this, by platform
~/Library/Application Support/com.apple.ScreenTime
Per-user usage stores and limits state. Family Sharing syncs policies through iCloud while raw history stays local. Manage in Settings Screen Time; query copies, never live files, for audits.
Frequently asked questions
Can kids bypass Screen Time by deleting files?
No, limits in the store above sync from iCloud and reapply. Passcode changes need the organizer account.
Where are Screen Time passcode settings?
Alongside usage in protected prefs near the folder above. Reset through Apple ID recovery, not file deletes.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.