Have you ever caught yourself wondering how much time you actually spend on your phone each day? Or maybe you’ve wished for fewer distractions while trying to focus? If this sounds familiar, then you’re in the right place. The Digital Wellbeing features on your Google Pixel 7 are here to help you out.
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Before we get started, have you ever caught yourself wondering how much time you actually spend on your phone each day? Or maybe you’ve wished for fewer distractions while trying to focus? If this sounds familiar, then you’re in the right place. The Digital Wellbeing features on your Google Pixel 7 are here to help you out.
These steps are designed specifically for the Google Pixel 7 series, including the Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, and Pixel 7a, so you can easily follow along.
Prerequisites
- Device Compatibility: Google Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a
- Android Version: Android 10 and above
- Required Apps: Digital Wellbeing (pre-installed on Pixel devices)
Download Links:
Set Up and Manage Screen Time on Google Pixel 7
Managing screen time is about understanding how you use your phone and taking control of it. Let’s take a closer look.
Access Digital Wellbeing Tools
To begin managing your screen time, you need to get to the Digital Wellbeing settings on your Pixel 7.
- Access Digital Wellbeing: Swipe down from the Notification bar with two fingers and tap the Settings icon.
- Navigate to Digital Wellbeing: Scroll down and select Digital Wellbeing & parental controls.
Now that you’re in the right spot, let’s move on to setting up app timers.
Set App Timers
App timers are a helpful way to keep track of how long you’re using certain apps, so you don’t lose track of time.
- Set App Timer: From the Dashboard in Digital Wellbeing, tap the Timer icon next to the app you want to limit.
- Choose Time Limit: Pick how long you want to use the app each day and tap OK to set the timer.
Once your time is up, the app will pause for the rest of the day, giving you a gentle nudge to take a break.
Enable and Customize Focus Mode on Google Pixel 7
Focus Mode is like putting up a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your digital world, helping you stay focused when you need it most.
Activate Focus Mode via Quick Settings Panel
When you need to focus fast, the Quick Settings panel is your best friend.
- Open Quick Settings: Swipe down twice from the top of your screen to fully expand the Quick Settings panel.
- Activate Focus Mode: Find the Focus Mode tile (with a bell icon and a slash) and tap it.
- Set Duration: Choose how long you want to stay focused (30 minutes to 2 hours) or set a custom time.
Customize Focus Mode via Digital Wellbeing
For more control over which apps are silenced, you can tweak Focus Mode directly in the Digital Wellbeing app.
- Open Digital Wellbeing: Go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing & parental controls > Focus Mode.
- Select Apps: Tap Select Apps and choose which apps you want to silence while Focus Mode is on.
- Schedule Focus Mode: Tap Schedule to set Focus Mode to automatically turn on during specific times when you need to concentrate.
Use Advanced Focus Mode Features
Focus Mode also has some handy extras, like taking breaks or allowing important notifications to come through.
- Take Breaks: Tap on the notification for “Focus Mode is on” and choose Take a break to access your phone temporarily.
- Allowed Notifications: You can choose which apps or notifications are allowed even when Focus Mode is active.
Set Up and Manage Bedtime Mode on Google Pixel 7
Bedtime Mode is a great way to help you wind down at the end of the day by dimming your screen and quieting notifications.
Enable Bedtime Mode
Start by setting up Bedtime Mode through the Digital Wellbeing settings.
- Access Bedtime Mode: Go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing & parental controls > Bedtime Mode.
- Set a Schedule: Pick the times you want Bedtime Mode to automatically turn on each night.
Customize Bedtime Mode Settings
Make Bedtime Mode work for you by adjusting its settings.
- Enable Do Not Disturb: Silence notifications to avoid late-night pings.
- Screen Options: Dim your screen or switch to grayscale to help ease into sleep.
Utilize the Digital Wellbeing Widget on Google Pixel 7
Sometimes you need a quick reminder of how you’re doing with your digital habits, and the Digital Wellbeing widget is perfect for that.
Add the Digital Wellbeing Widget
Widgets are like shortcuts on your home screen, giving you quick access to the info you need. Here’s how to add the Digital Wellbeing widget:
- Long-tap Home Screen: Press and hold an empty spot on your home screen until you feel a vibration.
- Select Widget: Tap Widgets, scroll down to Digital Wellbeing, and tap the dropdown arrow.
- Place Widget: Long-tap the widget and drag it to your home screen.
Customize Widget Size
Want to see more details? Adjust the size of the widget to show what matters most to you.
- Resize Widget: Long-tap and resize the widget to see things like total screen time or your most-used apps.
This widget is a simple way to keep an eye on your habits without diving into the settings every time.
Turn Off Digital Wellbeing on Google Pixel 7
If you decide you don’t need Digital Wellbeing anymore, or you just want to see if your phone runs differently without it, here’s how you can turn it off.
Disable Digital Wellbeing
Turning off Digital Wellbeing is easy if you decide it’s not for you.
- Go to Settings: Open Settings on your Pixel phone.
- Access Digital Wellbeing: Scroll down and tap Digital Wellbeing & parental controls.
- Turn Off Usage Access: Tap the three dots in the upper-right corner, then tap Turn off usage access.
Confirm Deactivation
Just confirm that you want to turn off Digital Wellbeing, and it will be disabled. If you ever want it back, just follow the same steps to turn it back on.
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By following these steps, you can make the most of your Google Pixel 7’s Digital Wellbeing features. Whether you’re managing screen time, cutting down on distractions, or helping yourself wind down at night, these tools are here to help you take control of your digital life. How does that sound?