Protect Your Eyes While Using Your Phone: How to Activate the iPhone Screen Distance Feature

Step-by-Step Guide to Turn On Apple’s Screen Distance Tool for Better Eye Protection

iOS 17 introduced several new features aimed at improving digital wellbeing, and one of the most useful among them is the Screen Distance feature. This tool is designed to help users maintain a healthier distance from their smartphone screens and reduce eye strain caused by prolonged close viewing.

With increasing screen time in everyday life, many users tend to hold their phones too close to their eyes. Over time, this habit can lead to eye fatigue, discomfort, and other vision-related issues. Apple’s Screen Distance feature addresses this problem by automatically warning users when the device is held too close for an extended period.

The feature works using the TrueDepth camera system

, which measures how far your face is from the screen. If the phone detects that the screen is closer than about 12 inches (30 cm) from your eyes for too long, it shows a full-screen alert prompting you to move the device farther away.

What Is the Screen Distance Feature?

Screen Distance is a digital wellness tool within the Screen Time settings on iPhones and iPads. Its main purpose is to encourage safer viewing habits and reduce strain on the eyes.

When enabled, the feature continuously checks the distance between your eyes and the screen using Face ID technology. If the device is held too close, a warning appears that says “iPhone is Too Close.”

You will need to move the phone farther away before continuing to use it normally.

This simple alert helps users develop healthier device-usage habits, especially for children and teenagers who spend long hours on smartphones.

Devices That Support Screen Distance

The feature works only on devices equipped with Face ID and the TrueDepth camera system. This includes:

• iPhone models with Face ID

• iPad models with Face ID

Devices without this camera system cannot use the Screen Distance feature.

How to Enable Screen Distance on iPhone

If you want to activate this feature on your device, follow these simple steps.

Step 1: Open the Settings App

Unlock your iPhone and launch the Settings application.

Step 2: Tap on Screen Time

Scroll down and select Screen Time from the list of options.

Step 3: Select Screen Distance

Within Screen Time settings, look for the Screen Distance

option and tap on it.

Step 4: Turn On Screen Distance

Tap Turn On Screen Distance, then toggle the switch to enable the feature.

Once enabled, your iPhone will start monitoring the distance between your face and the screen automatically.

What Happens When the Phone Is Too Close?

After activating the feature, your device will display a full-screen warning message

if it detects that the screen is too close to your eyes.

The alert typically reads:
“iPhone is Too Close.”

To continue using the device, you must move the phone farther away from your face and tap the Continue button.

This encourages users to maintain a safe viewing distance.

How to Turn Off Screen Distance

If you decide you no longer want to use this feature, you can disable it easily.

Follow these steps:

Open Settings

Tap Screen Time

Select Screen Distance

Turn off the Screen Distance toggle

The alerts will stop immediately once the feature is disabled.

Why This Feature Matters

Excessive smartphone usage has become common, and many people unknowingly hold their devices too close to their eyes. Over time, this can contribute to eye strain, headaches, and vision discomfort

.

By reminding users to keep a safer viewing distance, Apple’s Screen Distance feature promotes healthier screen habits and better eye care.

For parents, this feature can also help ensure that children use their devices more responsibly and avoid unhealthy viewing practices.

Final Thoughts

The Screen Distance feature in iOS 17 may seem simple, but it can make a meaningful difference in protecting your eyes from unnecessary strain. By encouraging users to maintain a safe distance from their screens, it supports healthier smartphone habits.

If you frequently spend long hours on your iPhone or iPad, enabling this feature is a smart step toward better digital wellbeing and eye protection.