Are you one of those who gets very close to the screen without noticing? The brand new iPhone Screen Distance feature is here to help you out and protect your eyes! Apple’s latest feature will warn you when you get too close to the screen and this way, you will protect your eye health!
Apple’s iOS 17 has brought forth a new feature called “Screen Distance.” This handy tool is all about helping us maintain a healthier relationship with our iPhones and iPads, especially when it comes to our children. In this article, we’ll break down what Screen Distance is and how you can make the most of it.
What is iPhone Screen Distance feature?
Screen Distance is an innovative function that allows us to keep a safe and healthy distance from our iPhone screens. It uses the TrueDepth camera, which is generally used for Face ID authentication, to identify when our devices are held closer than 12 inches (30 centimeters) from our faces for lengthy periods of time. When Screen Distance detects this pattern, it gently nudges us to alter our screen-to-face distance, reminding us that our iPhone may be a little too near for comfort.
Screen Distance is enabled by default for children under the age of 13, if they are members of a Family Sharing group. This considerate feature demonstrates Apple’s dedication to ensuring the safety of our youngest digital fans.
“Viewing something like a device or book too closely for an extended period of time can increase eye strain and the risk of myopia. The Screen Distance feature in Screen Time uses the TrueDepth camera to detect when you hold your iPhone closer than 12 inches for an extended period, and encourages you to move it farther away. Screen Distance can help children engage in healthy viewing habits that can lower their risk of myopia and can give people of all ages the opportunity to reduce digital eyestrain,” says Apple’s official description.
How to use iPhone Screen Distance feature
Now that we understand the essence of Screen Distance, let’s explore how to activate and configure this feature on your iPhone or iPad. It’s a straightforward process that puts you in control of your device usage. Here’s how to do it:
Navigate to Settings
To begin, unlock your iPhone or iPad and select the “Settings” icon. Scroll down until you locate “Screen Time” and pick it once you’re in the Settings menu.
Read the explanation
When you choose “Screen Time,” you’ll find a new option called “Screen Distance.” To access the feature settings, tap on it. You will be given an explanation of how Screen Distance works. Take a few moments to go through the material presented.
Enable Screen Distance Feature
After you’ve gotten a feel for how the function works, press the “Continue” button. This step will enable the Screen Distance function, which will allow your smartphone to measure the distance between your screen and your eyes on a regular basis.
If Screen Distance detects that you’re holding your iPhone or iPad too close for a lengthy period of time, it will show a helpful message: “iPhone May Be Too Close.” This helpful reminder encourages you to adjust the distance between your screen and your face. A comforting checkmark will display on the screen once you’ve relocated your smartphone to a safer distance. You may then return to your previous activities by tapping the “Continue” option, knowing that you’ve made a step toward developing a better screen habit.
Privacy assurance
Concerned about your privacy? Rest assured that the iPhone Screen Distance feature doesn’t capture photos or videos, and it doesn’t collect any data. Everything happens locally on your device, ensuring your personal information remains secure.
iOS 17 Screen Distance not working: How to fix
If the new iPhone Screen Distance feature is not working for you, make sure you have updated your phone to iOS 17. Another thing you can try is restarting your iPhone, which pretty much resets all the possible bugs and glitches. This way, you can also get rid of other problems too.
If these didn’t work for you, try contacting Apple Support and ask for professional help. Apple is known for being very helpful to its customers and maybe the employees can find you a solution.
In conclusion, Apple’s iPhone Screen Distance feature is a commendable addition to iOS 17, offering a helping hand in our quest for a balanced digital life. By following these simple steps to enable and configure Screen Distance, you can take control of your device usage and ensure that you and your loved ones maintain a safe screen-to-face distance. Here’s to healthier and more mindful tech interactions!
Featured image credit: Daria Nepriakhina/Unsplash