Before we start this instruction, we need to say that all the information that will be given here is purely hypothetical and there is no guarantee it will work on your specific version of iOS. However, it can be justified by the fact that there is no official way to put apps to sleep on iPhone & iPad.
By the way, to always keep your device safe and sound from any threats, we recommend checking our article about how to detect fake apps.
Not every single app on iOS devices can be put to sleep. But we would say, for around 40% of them it is possible. But you will need to adjust the settings of each separate app to do that.
For example, the Music app. Go to the settings of it. Find the timer right in the app and set the time limit. When the time runs out, the app will be shut down automatically.
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Or, YouTube Kids. You need to set the time limit during which the app can be used so your kids won’t overuse it.
Other apps that feature this type of timer:
- Netflix
- Amazon Video
- Health App
- Pandora Plus
Another way to somehow put all the apps to sleep is to download the auto lock app for your iPhone. Therefore, you will be enabled to set the time limits after which your iPhone or iPad will go down to sleep mode and all its apps will.
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And the classical way of stopping apps on your iPhone or iPad is still the button in the left lower corner of the screen, where you just need to swipe all the app windows up to shut them down. More on how to force stop apps on iPhone you will find in this article.
Key Features
- Built-in app timers that automatically close apps when time limits are reached
- Customizable time settings for individual apps to control usage duration
- Parental controls specifically designed for managing children’s app access
- Works across popular streaming and entertainment apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Pandora
- No jailbreaking required—uses native iOS settings to manage app behavior
Pros and Cons
- Pro: Great for parents who want to limit screen time without constantly monitoring devices
- Pro: Helps extend battery life by preventing apps from running indefinitely
- Pro: Simple to set up once you know where to find the settings in each app
- Con: Only works with about 40% of iOS apps—not a universal solution
- Con: Requires manual configuration for each individual app, which can be tedious
Bottom Line
If you’re a parent looking to manage screen time or someone who wants to prevent apps from draining your battery, this guide is worth exploring. While it won’t work on every app in your collection, the apps that do support timers cover most of the heavy hitters—making it a practical workaround for keeping digital habits in check.
