How to set screen time limits on Android

Prerequisites & Requirements

• •Android version 9 (Pie) or higher for Digital Wellbeing feature.
• •Access to the device settings menu.
• •Sufficient storage space if installing third-party applications.
• •Backup important data before making significant changes.

Method 1: Using Digital Wellbeing

• •Step 1: Open the 'Settings' app on your Android device. You can find this in your app drawer or by swiping down the notification shade and tapping the gear icon.
• •Step 2: Scroll down and tap on 'Digital Wellbeing & parental controls'.
• •Step 3: Tap on 'Dashboard' to view your app usage statistics.
• •Step 4: Find the app you want to set a time limit for and tap on the hourglass icon next to it.
• •Step 5: Set the desired time limit (e.g., 1 hour) and tap 'OK'.
• •Step 6: To verify it worked, return to the Dashboard and check the app's usage time. It should reflect the limit you set.
• •Step 7: If the limit does not work, ensure that 'Focus mode' is not activated for that app.

For Android 11 and higher

• •Step 1: Follow steps 1-3 from Method 1.
• •Step 2: Tap on 'Bedtime mode' to set a schedule for when you want to limit usage.
• •Step 3: Enable 'Wind Down' to help you transition to bedtime by limiting app usage during that period.

For Android 10

• •Step 1: Follow steps 1-3 from Method 1.
• •Step 2: Tap on 'App timers' to set individual limits for each app.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Applications

• •Step 1: Open the Google Play Store.
• •Step 2: Search for 'screen time limit apps' or specific apps like 'Stay Focused' or 'AppDetox'.
• •Step 3: Select an app and tap 'Install'.
• •Step 4: Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to set up usage limits.
• •Step 5: Most apps will require permissions to access your usage data; grant these permissions.
• •Step 6: Set daily limits for specific apps as per your preference.
• •Step 7: Verify the settings by checking the app's dashboard or notifications.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• •Error: 'App timer not working' - Solution: Ensure that your device's battery optimization settings are not interfering. Go to 'Settings' > 'Battery' > 'Battery optimization' and exclude the Digital Wellbeing app.
• •Issue: 'Cannot find Digital Wellbeing' - Fix: Make sure your device is running Android 9 or higher. If not, consider updating your device or using a third-party app.
• •Problem: 'Limits not applying' - Workaround: Restart your device and check if the limits are set correctly in the Digital Wellbeing app.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

• •Keyboard shortcut: No specific keyboard shortcuts available for Android, but you can use voice commands with Google Assistant to open apps quickly.
• •Command line: Not applicable for standard Android devices; however, developers can use ADB commands for advanced settings.
• •Hidden feature: 'Focus mode' can be accessed via Digital Wellbeing to temporarily pause distracting apps.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Expert Tips