Certain streaming sites like Netflix or Spotify allow you to download media for viewing. This lets you download videos or songs for later, even without an Internet connection. Pretty cool, right? Unfortunately, Circle doesn't track this download when it is actively being viewed and won't count it against a Time Limit.
What does Circle track for Usage and History?
Circle manages time on the Internet. It doesn't track total screentime for a device or family member. Our software tracks network traffic for all kind of apps and websites. Anytime your device creates traffic to the Internet it will track that. Circle won't track content that was previously downloaded or buffered.
Downloaded Content and Circle
Since Circle manages and tracks time on the Internet, it won't keep track when family members are using their devices for watching downloaded videos on sites like Netflix or Hulu, or listening to downloaded music on apps like Spotify or Tidal. So if a family member is downloading the latest episode of something from Netflix and then watching it later, Circle will only count the time it takes to download that episode against their Netflix usage. It won't track activity for previously downloaded content, games, etc.
What should I do about device time that isn't online?
Every family is different, but perhaps one of the tips below can help your family manage offline device time:
- Set aside a specific time where devices are allowed. Perhaps your kiddos can only have devices after their homework is done, but not after bedtime.
- Limit how much content your kiddos are allowed to consume by the number of episodes or a time limit.
- Set up a passcode that only you know on shared devices so that family members have to seek permission before using them.
- Come up with device time goals and rules together so that your family members feel involved and know why limits exist.