Secret iPhone ‘eye setting’ warns you for holding phone dangerously close to your face – why you shouldn’t ignore it

You can avoid holding your iPhone too close to your face by using a LITTLE-KNOWN option.

Turning it on doesn’t cost anything, and no additional downloads are needed.

That’s because iOS 17 last year brought this basic Apple functionality to the iPhone.

Unless you’re a youngster under 13 in a Family Sharing group, Screen Distance is disabled by default.

According to Apple, the feature is intended to safeguard your eyes.

“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 company warned.

“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.”

Apple went on to say: “Screen Distance can assist kids in adopting good viewing practices that can reduce their risk of developing myopia.

“And can give people of all ages the opportunity to reduce digital eyestrain.”

HOW TO USE SCREEN DISTANCE

You must first confirm that you are running iOS 17 or later.

It’s likely that your iPhone is ready because we’re already on iOS 18.

Navigate to Settings > General > Software Update to verify.

Additionally, you should confirm that your iPhone has a TrueDepth camera, which is used for both Screen Distance and Face ID.

Navigate to Settings > Screen Time after you have the most recent software (and the appropriate iPhone model).

After that, flip the setting on by tapping on Screen Distance.

After that, use your iPhone normally. If you hold it too close, you’ll get an alert.

Note that it will not appear when you hold your iPhone up to your face.

To keep the feature from becoming obnoxious, it takes a little while before the alert is triggered.

When the pop-up does show up, it will cover your screen. This prevents you from acting until it is cleared.

Move your iPhone more than 12 inches away from your face, then press Continue to remove it.

You have the option to disable the function at any moment if you decide you no longer want it or find it really unpleasant.

Toggle the feature off by returning to Settings > Screen Time.