I forced myself to use Android's built-in focus mode to stop checking social apps
Android Police 2026-06-21 15:15:11
Context: The author, Conor Cawley, a tech writer for Android Police, has been using Android's built-in Focus mode to curb his social media addiction and increase productivity. He has been writing about smartphones and technology for years and has reviewed numerous devices. The article details his experience with Focus mode and how it can help users manage their smartphone usage.
Key Facts
- The author uses a Google Pixel 10 Pro and has found Android's Focus mode to be a helpful tool in reducing his social media usage, allowing him to disable distracting apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Reddit.
- Focus mode is accessed through the Digital wellbeing settings, where users can select their distracting apps and schedule the feature to run at specific times, with the option to add a Focus button in the Quick settings tab for easy access.
- When Focus mode is turned on, the icons of distracting apps appear in grey on the user's display, and attempting to open them results in a five-minute exception prompt, allowing users to access the apps if needed.
- The author recommends checking app activity details in the Digital wellbeing interface to identify which apps are used the most, providing valuable insight for selecting distracting apps to block with Focus mode.
- Social media addiction and smartphone overuse are serious problems, with some countries banning smartphone usage for younger users to curb negative effects, and Android offers various features, such as Bedtime mode, to promote healthier smartphone experiences.