I free fed for years. Then Ginger developed allergies and Kirby got overweight. So our days of freefeeding were gone.
So, I switched to scheduled feedings. The trick to getting them to eat is to stick to the schedule. If they are used to being free-fed they won't initially understand that the food won't always be available. Put the food out, after about 20 minutes, put it back up. And that's it
until the next scheduled feeding. After a few days they figure it out. I have found it's easier to control their weight, have regular potty breaks, etc., this way.
Good luck whatever you decide to do!