Your phone is an incredible tool—but it can also become a distraction. That’s where Digital Wellbeing comes in. Available on most Android devices, this suite of tools helps you understand your phone habits and take control of your screen time.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to access and use the most powerful Digital Wellbeing features. Whether you’re trying to focus, get better sleep, or just spend less time scrolling, this step-by-step tutorial will show you how to make the most of it.
By the end, you’ll know how to set limits, schedule focus times, and get useful insights about your digital habits.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Open Settings
- On your Android device, tap the Settings icon (gear symbol).
- Scroll to Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls
- Look for Digital Wellbeing & parental controls and tap it.
- View Your Dashboard
- Tap Dashboard to see a summary of how much time you spend on each app daily.
- You can tap any app to get more details.
- Set App Timers
- In the Dashboard, tap an app and choose App timer.
- Set a daily time limit. Once reached, the app will pause until the next day.
- Turn on Focus Mode
- Tap Focus mode.
- Choose distracting apps to block and set a schedule or turn it on manually.
- Use this for study time, work hours, or whenever you need to stay focused.
- Enable Bedtime Mode
- Under “Ways to disconnect,” select Bedtime mode.
- This dims the screen and mutes notifications during sleep hours.
- You can link it with your alarm or set a custom schedule.
- Use Do Not Disturb for Extra Focus
- Go to Sound & vibration > Do Not Disturb (or find it in Quick Settings).
- Customize who and what can interrupt you.
- Check Notifications Insights
- In the main Digital Wellbeing screen, tap Notifications received to see which apps interrupt you most often.
- Try Heads Up (If Available)
- Some Android phones include Heads Up to remind you to stay alert while walking.
- If available, turn it on under the Reduce interruptions section.
- Enable Parental Controls (Optional)
- Tap Parental controls to set content and screen limits for children.
- This uses the Family Link app.
Pro Tips & Workflow Improvements
- Use Quick Settings Tile: Add Focus mode or Bedtime mode to your quick settings for faster access.
- Use Google Assistant: Say “Hey Google, turn on Focus mode” to activate it hands-free.
- Combine with Productivity Apps: Pair Focus mode with apps like Forest or Pomodoro timers for structured work sessions.
- Automate with Routines: Use Google’s Routines or third-party automation tools (e.g., Tasker) to trigger Focus or Bedtime modes automatically.
- Review Weekly Reports: Check weekly insights to spot patterns and adjust your digital habits.
Advanced Use Case
Batch Schedule App Timers:
- Use third-party apps like ActionDash to replicate and expand Digital Wellbeing’s timers across multiple devices or schedules.
- You can also export usage data for deeper analysis.
Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes
- Feature Missing? Some devices (especially older or non-stock Android) may hide or lack Digital Wellbeing. Check for software updates or use a third-party alternative like ActionDash.
- App Timer Not Working? Timers reset at midnight; ensure the system clock is accurate.
- Focus Mode Doesn’t Block Notifications? It blocks apps, not notifications—use Do Not Disturb in tandem for best results.
- Battery Optimizations Disable Features: Ensure Digital Wellbeing isn’t restricted by battery saver settings.
- No Heads Up? Not all models support it. It’s more common in Pixel and newer Android One devices.
Conclusion
Digital Wellbeing on Android is a powerful ally in your quest for balance. With just a few settings, you can take back control of your attention, improve sleep, and reduce stress from screen overload.
Now that you know how to use timers, Focus and Bedtime modes, try them for a week and see how your habits evolve. Next, explore how to integrate these tools with productivity apps or build a custom digital detox routine!
