Android
5 Best Digital Wellbeing Alternatives for Android
In this guide we share a list of the best digital wellbeing alternatives for Android and why you should use one. Both Google and Apple are looking at ways to help users manage “screen-time” and overuse of phones. Mainly because these days all most people do is stare down into a smartphone display.
In fact, recent studies suggest the average person checks their phone anywhere from 80 to 150 times a day. Google’s Digital Wellbeing is a helpful set of tools that tell you which apps you spend too much time in, but most Android phones can’t use it.
If you can’t use Google’s Digital Wellbeing but want to keep an eye on your phone usage, which apps are draining your productivity, or just be more mentally healthy and aware of the world around you, these apps will help you do just that.
Do you spend way too much time playing Pokemon GO, browsing Instagram, or falling down rabbit holes of information or videos on Reddit and YouTube? If so, you’re not alone.
The idea behind Google’s Digital Wellbeing and Apple’s Screen Time Dashboard isn’t to get people to use their phone less. It’s making your interaction with your device more meaningful and efficient. Which will then help you understand which apps you fall victim to when it comes to overuse. Essentially, they want to help us get things done easier and faster, turn off our screens, and get back to enjoying real life — not just our digital lives.
Both Google and Apple’s services offer a “dashboard” with a breakdown of our device usage. This gives you a good idea of what apps consume your day. You can set timers and limits that will close an app which you use it for too long, manage notifications so you’re not constantly having a reason to look at your phone, and more.
We really like Google’s “Wind Down” mode which slowly turns your entire screen black and white (grayscale) as you approach your limit. That way all those pretty photos on Instagram don’t look so pretty, and you put your phone away.
So, if you want to take back control of your day, be more productive, or just try and use apps and play games less, give the tools in our slideshow below a try.
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Google released Digital Wellbeing in 2018 with Android 9 Pie, but it's still only available for select devices like the Pixel 2 or Pixel 3 XL. And while we think they'll eventually let any Android phone try it, for now we're stuck looking elsewhere. Perhaps the best overall alternative is ActionDash -- a digital wellbeing and screen timer helper. They took the same idea as Google's, and even use the tools built into Android, and makes it even better by offering a deeper experience and insights into how and when you use your phone. Then, deliver powerful customization options, dark themes, and overviews to help you manage your life. We really like the daily usage report notification, which breaks down everything in a very detailed fashion that's easy to understand. The device unlock sessions stats for each use, and an option to integrate Google's own Digital wellbeing and 3rd party launchers all into one. Basically, it's powerful, customizable, works with any Android device, and plays nice with other 3rd party apps and services. Plus, they offer a "start of the day" control for those that don't have a typical schedule, which is an area where some of the competition fails. Especially if you work graveyard. Either way, this app will help you more than you know. | ||||||
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