How to Set Screen Time Limits on iPhone
A step-by-step guide to iPhone Screen Time: app limits, Downtime, Always Allowed, a Screen Time passcode and the settings that make limits actually stick.
Digital Wellbeing on Android: A Setup Guide
How to set up Digital Wellbeing on Android: the dashboard, app timers, Focus mode and Bedtime mode, plus Family Link for kids and tips that make limits stick.
Key takeaways
- Digital Wellbeing lives in Settings on most Android phones; names vary slightly by manufacturer.
- App timers and Focus mode cut daytime scrolling; Bedtime mode protects your evenings.
- You can remove your own timers at any time, so combine them with physical friction or an app blocker.
On this page
Most Android phones include Digital Wellbeing, Google’s toolkit for seeing and limiting your phone use. You’ll usually find it under Settings > Digital Wellbeing & parental controls. Samsung and some other manufacturers use slightly different menus, so if you can’t spot it, search Settings for “Digital Wellbeing” or “screen time.”
Step 1: Read your dashboard
Open Digital Wellbeing to see today’s screen time, how many times you unlocked your phone and how many notifications you received. Tap the chart for a breakdown by app, and check a few days before changing anything. Turn on Show icon in the app list if you want quick access.
Step 2: Set app timers
In the dashboard, tap the hourglass next to an app and choose a daily limit. When time runs out, the app pauses and its icon turns grey until midnight.
- Set timers on your top two or three apps, not everything.
- Be realistic. A timer that’s too tight just gets deleted.
- Include the browser version of any app you limit, or scrolling simply moves there.
Step 3: Use Focus mode
Focus mode pauses the apps you choose, so their notifications stop and they can’t be opened. Switch it on manually or schedule it for working or study hours. If you truly need an app, Take a break pauses Focus mode for a few minutes, then it returns on its own.
Step 4: Set up Bedtime mode
Bedtime mode can switch on Do Not Disturb, dim the wallpaper and turn the screen grayscale on a schedule, or whenever your phone is charging at night. A colourless screen at 11pm is far less tempting. For the full evidence on colour, see our guide to grayscale mode.
Step 5: Tame notifications
Go to Settings > Notifications > App notifications and switch off everything that isn’t from a real person or genuinely time-sensitive. Fewer buzzes mean fewer invitations to scroll.
| Tool | What it does | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Dashboard | Shows screen time, unlocks and notifications | Check weekly, not hourly |
| App timers | Daily limit per app | Limit the top few only |
| Focus mode | Pauses chosen apps on demand or a schedule | Add it to Quick Settings |
| Bedtime mode | Do Not Disturb and grayscale at night | Trigger it while charging |
For children: Family Link
Google’s Family Link lets parents supervise a child’s Android device: daily limits, a device bedtime, app approvals and content filters. Age rules for supervised accounts vary by country, and supervision works best when children know what’s set and why.
Make it stick
Digital Wellbeing lets you delete your own timers whenever you like, which is exactly what tired, bored brains do. Back it up with friction: move tempting apps off the home screen, log out of them, and charge your phone outside the bedroom. If you need firmer blocks, compare the options in our app blockers guide. On an iPhone too? Here’s how to set Screen Time limits on iPhone.
Frequently asked questions
Why can’t I find Digital Wellbeing on my phone?
Some manufacturers rename it or place it elsewhere, and phones without Google services may not include it. Search Settings for “Digital Wellbeing” or “screen time.”
Can I lock app timers so I can’t turn them off?
Not on your own account. For stricter limits, use an app blocker with a lock or schedule, or ask someone you trust to manage the settings.
Does Digital Wellbeing slow down my phone?
Not noticeably for most people. It runs in the background to count usage, and you can turn off usage access at any time.
Sources
Every article is edited by a human and checked against our editorial policy. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
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