Steps to Use Digital Wellbeing for Screen Time Management
You will need an Android device and a Google account for set up.
Finding Digital Wellbeing on Android
Step 1 – Open the Settings app on your Android device.
Step 2 – Scroll down and tap Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls.
Check Your Dashboard
On the Digital Wellbeing home screen, you’ll find a dashboard that shows:
- Total screen time
- App usage
- Unlocks and notifications received
Step 1 – Tap Dashboard for a detailed breakdown of usage.
Set App Timers
Step 1 – In the dashboard, find the list of apps you use.
Step 2 – Tap the hourglass icon next to an app.
Step 3 – Set a daily time limit for that app (e.g., 1 hour per day). Once the time is up, the app will pause for the day.
Enable Focus Mode
Step 1 – In Digital Wellbeing, tap Focus mode.
Step 2 – Choose distracting apps to pause during focus times.
Step 3 – Tap Turn on now or set a schedule to automatically enable it during specific hours.
Schedule Wind Down Mode
Step 1 – Tap Bedtime mode (also called Wind Down).
Step 2 – Set your preferred start and end times.
Step 3 – Enable options like: Grayscale (changes the screen to black and white). Do Not Disturb to silence notifications.
Linking Digital Wellbeing to Google Family Link
See our full Google Family Link guide to set this up.
Step 1 – Install Google Family Link – Download Google Family Link from the Play Store on both the parent’s and child’s devices. Follow the setup instructions to link the devices.
Step 2 – Monitor and Manage Screen Time – In the Family Link app, you can:
– Approve or block specific apps.
– View your child’s app usage and screen time.
– Set daily limits for device usage.
Step 3 – Set Bedtime Restrictions – Use Family Link to enforce bedtime by locking the child’s device during specified hours. These settings sync with Digital Wellbeing for consistent management.
Step 3 – Lock Devices Instantly – From the Family Link app, you can remotely lock the child’s device if needed.