How to take control of your mobile phone usage

Do you feel as if you spent too much time on your smartphone? Both Android and iOS devices now come with settings built-in to help you keep tabs on your usage. Check out our tips and the videos below for an introduction to the features.

Firstly, you may wish to shift your mindset. Picking up your device every time you hear a notification means your likely to fall down a rabbit hole. I’ve heard the best way to think about your phone is to treat it like a toothbrush:

You only use it when you’re supposed to, for as long as you need to, and then, you let it go.

Using Digital Wellbeing tools on Android

Android devices now include a ‘Digital Wellbeing’ section in the settings. This allows you to keep track of how many times you unlock your screen each day and how much time you spent in each app. The video below describes how to set app time limits. It also explains the process of using ‘bedtime mode’ which can mute notifications and de-colour your screen, making your device less enticing to use.

Using Digital Health features on iPhone

Similar features are also available on iPhones, as seen in the video below.

 

♦Experiment with what works for you when it comes to limiting your smartphone usage. You may also want to check out the Forest app we recommended in our blog about working from home.