# Screen Time Alerts: The Newest Feature in Android’s Digital Wellbeing Toolkit
In the age of smartphones, it’s simple to lose awareness of time while browsing social media, engaging in games, or binge-watching content. To assist users in reclaiming control over their digital behaviors, Android has unveiled a fresh feature as part of its Digital Wellbeing toolkit: **Screen Time Alerts**. This tool aims to softly remind users when they’ve been on specific apps for long durations, encouraging them to be conscious of their screen time.
## Essential Information
– **Screen Time Alerts** is a newly launched feature being rolled out to Android devices.
– It informs users when they’ve been utilizing a certain app for an extended duration.
– Users have the option to select which apps activate these alerts or disable them entirely.
### A Soft Reminder for Improved Digital Practices
If you’ve ever caught yourself endlessly browsing through apps like Instagram or TikTok, you’re not the only one. Many of the leading Android phones now include **Screen Time Alerts**, a feature aimed at helping users become more aware of the time they spend on specific apps. This feature is part of Android’s **Digital Wellbeing** toolkit, which strives to encourage healthier digital behaviors.
This recent addition was first discovered in an APK teardown under the name “Mindful Nudge,” and it has begun to be accessible to users. Early feedback from tech enthusiasts like Nail Sadykov and Mishaal Rahman has verified the feature’s presence on devices like Google Pixel, Nothing, and OnePlus phones. However, it has not yet been seen on Samsung devices, which is expected given that Samsung incorporates its own digital health solutions in its One UI software.
### Functionality of Screen Time Alerts
You can find the **Screen Time Alerts** option within the **Digital Wellbeing** segment of the Settings menu. When activated, the feature will periodically notify users of their usage duration on a particular app. These notifications are discreet and non-intrusive, appearing as a pill-shaped overlay at the screen’s top after a designated period, such as 15 or 25 minutes.
These notifications are intended to be “gentle,” meaning they will not disrupt your experience or compel you to stop using an app. Instead, they act as a soft prompt, encouraging you to pause or at least recognize how much time you’re spending on a specific app. Tapping on the notification will expand it to display further details, including options to disable alerts for that specific app or modify your settings.
### Personalization Features
One of the key aspects of **Screen Time Alerts** is its personalization features. Users can select which apps they wish to receive alerts for, helping them focus on the apps that tend to take up the most time. For example, if you notice you’re spending excessive time on social media, you can establish alerts specifically for apps like Instagram or TikTok.
However, it’s worth mentioning that while you can choose which apps activate alerts, you cannot customize the frequency of the notifications. Unlike app usage limits, which restrict access after a certain duration, these alerts merely inform you of your usage without limiting access.
For those who prefer not to receive any alerts, there is a universal toggle available to disable **Screen Time Alerts** completely.
### A Move Toward Mindful Tech Usage
The launch of **Screen Time Alerts** indicates a rising consciousness about the importance of mindful technology usage. With the increase in “doomscrolling”—the practice of continuously scrolling through negative or unproductive content—numerous users are seeking ways to manage their screen time more efficiently. These soft alerts provide a non-disruptive method to help users remain aware of their habits without feeling confined.
Differing from other Digital Wellbeing features like app limits or focus modes, **Screen Time Alerts** are crafted to be a low-pressure solution. They do not compel users to cease app usage but instead offer a subtle signal that it may be time to take a break. This makes them an excellent choice for users who want to maintain control over their digital habits without feeling overseen by their devices.
### Availability
At present, **Screen Time Alerts** are accessible on various Android devices, including Google Pixel, Nothing, and OnePlus phones. However, the feature has not yet been recognized on Samsung devices, likely due to Samsung’s specialized digital health features. As the rollout progresses, additional Android users are anticipated to gain access to this valuable tool.
### Conclusion
As smartphones increasingly integrate into our everyday lives, features like **Screen Time Alerts** are becoming more vital. By providing a gentle reminder when users have spent too much time on an app, Android’s latest Digital Wellbeing feature fosters healthier digital habits without being overwhelming.
