In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use these digital wellness settings on both iOS and Android and how to limit your screen time.
Reducing your screen time is a challenge many of us face in this digital age. With smartphones, tablets, and computers being integral parts of our daily lives, it’s easy to accumulate excessive screen time. Whether it’s due to remote work, online classes, or simply being engrossed in our devices, we’ve all had moments of screen time guilt. However, it’s important to be mindful of our screen time as excessive use can have adverse effects on our health. According to the World Health Organization, prolonged screen time is associated with various health risks, particularly for children.
To address this issue and promote digital well-being, both Apple and Google have introduced features and settings aimed at helping users reduce screen time. These settings include the ability to track screen time, set app-specific timers, and receive notifications to remind you to take breaks from your devices. Whether you’re an iPhone enthusiast or an Android aficionado, there are ways to take control of your screen time. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use these digital wellness settings on both platforms.
How to Limit Your Screen Time on iPhone, iPad, and Mac
Apple offers a comprehensive set of tools to help you manage your screen time effectively. You can set up app timers, schedule downtime, and receive notifications when you’ve reached your screen time limit. Here’s how to get started:
Setting Up App Timers
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
- Scroll down and tap Screen Time.
- Select App Limits.
- Choose the individual apps or categories of apps for which you want to set time limits.
- Tap Next in the upper right corner.
- Adjust the amount of time you want to allocate to each app.
- To customize your limit’s schedule, tap Customize Days.
- Tap Add in the upper right corner to save your settings.
When you approach your set time limit, Apple will send you a notification with a 5-minute warning. Once the limit is reached, the app will stop functioning, prompting you to exit. In urgent situations, you can tap Ignore Limit to continue using the app.
After hitting your daily limit, the app will appear grayed out on your home screen with an empty timer next to it.
Setting Up Downtime
Downtime is a feature that encourages you to take a break from your device by scheduling screen-free periods. Here’s how to set it up:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
- Scroll down and tap Screen Time.
- Select Downtime.
- Toggle on the switch next to Scheduled.
- Define your preferred downtime schedule.
How to Limit Your Screen Time on Android Devices
Android devices, including Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones, offer similar tools to help you control your screen time. You can set time limits for individual apps and establish a bedtime routine to remind you to put your device down at night. Here’s how:
Setting Up App Timers
- Open your Android device’s Settings.
- Scroll down and tap Digital wellbeing and parental controls.
- Tap the screen time graph.
- Locate and select the app for which you want to set a time limit.
- Tap the hourglass icon next to the app.
- Set the amount of time you want to allow yourself on that app.
- Tap OK to save your settings.
App timers on Android phones reset daily at midnight.
Setting Up Bedtime Mode
Bedtime mode is a helpful feature to establish a device-free bedtime routine. It notifies you when it’s time to put your device away for the night based on your preferred schedule. Here’s how to configure it:
- Open your Android device’s Settings.
- Scroll down and tap Digital wellbeing and parental controls.
- Select Bedtime mode.
- Tap Bedtime routine.
- Choose between setting a custom schedule or selecting Turn on while charging and specify your desired time frame.
By following these steps, you can take control of your screen time and work towards a healthier balance between digital and offline activities. Managing your screen time not only benefits your physical and mental health but also allows you to make the most of your precious time. So, whether you’re an Apple enthusiast or an Android aficionado, these wellness settings are here to help you achieve a more balanced digital lifestyle.
