Hot topics

How to put limits to app usage on your phone

NextPit control screen time
© nextpit

Read in other languages:

Lots of smartphones users have no idea how much time they spend on the apps on their phones daily. With "digital wellbeing" tools, we can not only check how many hours we waste on social media, games, and other applications but they also allow users to set daily limits in both Android and iOS. Learn how to control how you spend time on your apps.

Back in my home country, Japan Brazil, Android phone owners spent around 5 hours per day using mobile apps in 2021 on average, and the trend is for that number to keep growing, with more and more people using not only social networks and online games but also shopping, banking, and doing bureaucratic tasks.

To help users in their "digital detox", both Apple and Google offer tools to control how much time is spent on individual apps, in the iPhone's case, it is even possible to set limits for app categories (for example, entertainment, games, social networking).

Set time limits for app use on Android

For Android users, the tool to manage how much time can be spent on applications is somewhat hidden in the Digital Wellbeing feature. To activate and set limits on individual apps follow these steps:

  1. Open the Settings app
  2. Open Digital Wellbeing & parental controls.
  3. Tap on the Digital Wellbeing graph (the graph style may change depending on your phone).
    1. Some System skins may show the option as App timers.
  4. Tap on the hourglass icon next to the (un)desired app.
  5. Set a time limit then press OK.
NextPit App time limit 01 EN
It is not immediately clear that the Digital Wellbeing graph is a shortcut to the feature / © NextPit

Google Pixel 6 5G phone for $599

Manage your time in iPhone apps

The option on iOS/iPadOS to limit app usage can be activated under the Screen Time feature. You can set daily time limits to all apps, app categories, or even individual applications:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap on Screen Time.
  3. Go to App Limits.
  4. Select App Limit.
  5. Choose an app category, or expand them to display individual apps.
  6. Select an application or category and tap Next.
  7. Set a daily time limit and then press Add.
NextPit App time limit 02 EN
It is also possible to customize days on iOS, for example, to limit social media use in the office / © NextPit

iPhone 13 deals on Amazon.com

The steps above can be followed to edit or remove the time limits on both Android and iOS, of course. And you can also check how much time you have spent on each application in the Digital Wellbeing (Android) or Screen Time (iOS) main screen.

Did you already know this feature? What are your tips to reduce the time wasted on individual apps? Share your suggestions in the comments below!

Choosing the Right Samsung Foldable

  Fold 2023 Fold 2022 Fold 2021 Flip-Phone 2023 Flip-Phone 2022 Flip-Phone 2021
Product
Image Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Product Image Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 Product Image Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 Product Image Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Product Image Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 Product Image Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 Product Image
Review
Review: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
Review: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
Review: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
Review: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
Review: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
Review: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
Offer*
nextpit receives a commission for purchases made via the marked links. This has no influence on the editorial content and there are no costs for you. You can find out more about how we make money on our transparency page.
Go to comment (0)
Rubens Eishima

Rubens Eishima
Writer

Having written about technology since 2008 for a number of websites in Brazil, Spain, Denmark, and Germany, I specialize in the mobile ecosystem, including various models, components, and apps. I tend to not only value performance and specifications, but also things like repairability, durability, and manufacturer support. I tend to prioritize the end-user's point of view whenever possible.

View all articles
Liked this article? Share now!
Recommended articles
Latest articles
Push notification Next article
No comments
Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing
Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing