Device Settings

Below are a list of common features - many of which are integrated as standard on Android and iOS - that can help Digital Wellbeing. From time limits to do not disturb, there a many ways you can make your devices work for you instead of being a distraction.

Screen Time

Healthy digital wellbeing practices depend on individual awareness. By being conscious of how we engage with technology we can reduce distractions and improve focus.

Apple's 'Screen Time' feature provides a useful breakdown of usage. Likewise, Android has it's own 'Digital Wellbeing' functions built into the device, where screen time can be monitored in the phone's settings under 'Digital Wellbeing and Parental Controls'. You can also set time limits for your apps via these settings in both Apple and Android.

Do Not Disturb and 'modes'

By limiting notifications we can reduce distractions and improve focus.

Apple's iOS and Android have the facility to silence calls, alerts and notifications that you receive while your device is locked. This can be personalised so you can create specific filtering of notifications which, for example, depending on the time or only accept calls from specific contacts.

Both Apple and Android have built in 'modes' you can set your phone to, such as personal, work, focus, and bedtime - which can be personalised and will filter notifications according to your selection.

Night Shift

Night Shift automatically adjusts the colours of your display to the warmer end of the spectrum – making the display easier on your eyes. Studies have shown that exposure to bright blue light in the evening can affect your circadian rhythms and make it harder to fall asleep.

This can be enabled across many devices - in Apple devices this can be done by accessing the display options menu in the top right corner of the screen (as per the photo on the left) and in Android this can be done by going to Settings > Display > Night Light. You can set a schedule for this in both.

You can read more about how Apple, Android and Windows have implemented this by clicking their names in this text.

Screen capture of iphone screen settings

Screenshot of iphone bedtime mode settings

When it's time to wind down: set a bedtime

Android:

When it’s time to go to bed, Wind Down helps you switch off. Just set a bedtime and it turns your screen to grayscale and silences your notifications with Do Not Disturb. Which means that you can get a full night’s rest. No buzzing, beeping or endless scrolling to keep you up.

Apple:

By accessing the 'bedtime' option in your alarm app, you can set a schedule as with android. As it gets closer to your scheduled bedtime, the device will automatically put itself into winddown mode and stop notifications.

If you try to access your homescreen whilst in winddown or sleep mode, the device will prompt you to confirm you wish to bypass the mode, giving you the opportunity to reflect on whether you really need to access your phone at that point.