Digital Wellbeing app Archives

BetaBeacon

September 24, 2026

Instead of helping you disconnect, Digital Wellbeing could soon expand into games

Google is working on a major update for its Digital Wellbeing app, which may include a flag trivia mini-game. The app is also getting a new interface for configuring screen time reminders, allowing users to select individual apps for reminders.

AppWizard

September 24, 2026

Your Android phone may no longer stop you from walking into a pole

Google is winding down its "Heads Up" pedestrian safety feature within the Digital Wellbeing suite. The latest beta version of Digital Wellbeing has revealed code strings indicating that users will soon receive an in-app alert about the feature's impending removal. Heads Up, launched in 2021, was designed to enhance pedestrian safety by using motion sensors and location data to remind users to stay aware of their surroundings while walking with an unlocked screen. Initially available for Pixel devices, it later expanded to other Android phones. There is currently no specified timeline for the feature's removal, and Google has not provided a formal statement regarding its discontinuation.

AppWizard

September 4, 2026

Digital Wellbeing could soon give you a weekly reality check

Google is developing a feature called Weekly wrap for its Digital Wellbeing app, which will provide users with a summary of their phone usage over the week. In the beta version 1.47.964183037.beta, code strings indicate that Weekly wrap will generate insights based on phone activity, presenting notifications that summarize usage in a contextual manner. The feature will highlight significant changes in usage trends, utilizing Gemini Nano to process data on users' devices while ensuring privacy. It will convey changes in a user-friendly format, avoiding overwhelming statistics and using descriptive language. Users will have the option to manage notifications related to the Weekly wrap feature.

AppWizard

September 4, 2026

Digital Wellbeing could get multi-app timers, a new dashboard, Bedtime mode tweaks, and more

Google is revamping the interface of its Digital Wellbeing app to enhance user experience by focusing on features like app activity, app timers, and Bedtime mode. The current interface is cluttered, and the redesign aims to simplify navigation and improve accessibility. The app timers feature will allow users to set collective daily limits for multiple apps simultaneously, making it more efficient. The Bedtime mode will change to eliminate collapsible sections, displaying all options by default and prioritizing the Bedtime routine at the top of the page. These enhancements are still experimental, and it is uncertain when they will be available to users.

AppWizard

April 18, 2025

Google is preparing to make Android Settings a bit more colorful

Google is set to transform its Settings homepage in the upcoming Android 16 beta, introducing colorful icons encased in circles, replacing the current gray icons. This redesign aims to enhance the expressiveness of the Settings app and is expected to align with a new Material Design theme at the Google I/O developer conference. The colorful icons may not appear in the initial stable release of Android 16 but could be introduced in a future quarterly update or in Android 17 next year. The 'Digital Wellbeing & parental controls' entry will retain its gray icon due to its origin from a separate app. Feedback from users will influence the final design.

AppWizard

November 17, 2024

Your phone can now remind you when you’ve used an app for too long

Google is enhancing its Digital Wellbeing app with a new feature called Screen Time Reminders, which helps users manage their time on distracting applications. This feature provides subtle prompts when excessive time is spent on selected apps, rather than locking users out. Notifications appear at the top of the screen, showing total time spent on the app, encouraging users to reconsider their usage. Users can activate this feature by navigating to the Screen Time Reminders option in the Digital Wellbeing settings, enabling reminders for specific apps. Reminders will pop up when the designated time limit is reached.

AppWizard

October 30, 2024

Google tipped to be more ‘mindful’ with this Digital Wellbeing upgrade

A recent beta version (v1.19.6881) of Google's Digital Wellbeing app has revealed a new feature called "Mindful Nudge," which provides users with occasional reminders about their app usage time. This feature is part of Google's ongoing efforts to promote digital wellness, which began with the app's introduction in 2018. The app currently offers insights into total screen time and app usage, along with features like bedtime mode and focus mode. Additionally, Android 15, launched on October 15, focuses on refining the software experience with improved multitasking and user interface enhancements, as well as new "Theft Protection" features. Google is also developing a notification system that may resemble Apple's Dynamic Island, potentially displaying app icons and relevant information in a new user interface format.

AppWizard

September 20, 2024

Screen Time: This Open-Source Android App is a Simple Solution to Your Digital Wellbeing

Android smartphones can lead to excessive app usage, but the pre-installed Digital Wellbeing app helps manage screen time through timers. "Screen Time," an open-source app developed in Kotlin by Markus Fisch and a team, simplifies monitoring screen usage and is available under The Unlicense. Once set up, it displays daily screen time in the notification bar and provides detailed summaries of usage. Users can download it from F-Droid or the Play Store, and its source code is available on GitHub.

AppWizard

May 24, 2024

Android’s Digital Wellbeing app will be getting an app refresh with new features soon

- Google's Digital Wellbeing app on Android phones is undergoing enhancements in functionality and user empowerment. - The feature "App Timers" will be rebranded as "App Limits" with a dedicated section for setting and adjusting digital boundaries. - The "Dashboard" will be renamed as "View Activity Details" for a more intuitive interface. - A potential introduction of PIN protection for App Limits is being considered in the beta phase. - Google is committed to refining Digital Wellbeing to help users disconnect more frequently and develop healthier digital habits.

AppWizard

May 23, 2024

Google is bringing these UI and feature changes to Android’s Digital Wellbeing app

Google is updating its Digital Wellbeing app on Android devices to streamline functionality and introduce new features. Some of the upcoming changes include rebranding the "Dashboard" as "View Activity Details," renaming "App Timers" to "App Limits," prioritizing apps with set limits, and potentially introducing enhanced security with a PIN for altering app limits.