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Steps to Use Digital Wellbeing for Screen Time Management

You will need an Android device and a Google account for set up.

0

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.

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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.