Android OS privacy settings: Tight level

What for: So that only you can unlock your device.

The safest way to unlock your screen is by using a password or a fingerprint scanner. A PIN code is easier to crack because it contains only numbers. A secret pattern is too easy to observe and remember. Finally, a facial recognition system can be deceived by a photo or 3D mask.

Use a strong password that meets the following criteria:

• Is at least 8 characters long;
• Contains lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters ($, @, etc.);
• Is not too simple, such as 12345678 or qwerty;
• Is not the same as any of your other passwords, including for your Google account;
• Is not an actual word or easy-to-guess phrase;
• Does not consist of information that strangers could easily find out (your name, date of birth, pet's name, and so forth — or those of your friends or relatives).

To set a password:

1. Open Settings;
2. Go to the Security section;
3. Select Screen lock;
4. Select Password;
5. Enter a strong password and tap Next;
6. Enter your password again and tap Confirm.

Please keep in mind that even if you are planning to unlock by fingerprint, you should first set a strong password. Your device provides the capability to sign in with a password or PIN code in case the fingerprint scanner malfunctions. A simple combination will be easy to crack if your phone ends up in the wrong hands.

To configure sign in by fingerprint:

1. Open Settings;
2. Go to the Security section;
3. Select Fingerprint;
4. If necessary, enter your password;
5. Tap Next;
6. Follow the on-screen instructions;
7. You can add up to 4 additional fingerprints, for example, from the fingers of your other hand. This will allow you to unlock your device even if one of your hands is occupied;
8. Tap Done.

What for: So that no one can see your password.

When you enter any password, the character you last typed is briefly shown on the screen. This is how strangers could potentially sneak a peak of your password in a public place. You can disable this feature to improve your security:

1. Open Settings;
2. Go to the Privacy section;
3. Turn off Show passwords.

What for: So that no one can unlock your device in your absence.

After your device goes to sleep, its screen turns off but it does not lock immediately. If a stranger can access your phone or tablet during this time, they can use your device without the password. Your device is locked after several seconds by default. However, you can increase this interval up to 30 minutes in your settings. We recommend that you configure your system to lock the screen immediately after your device goes to sleep.

First, check your screen timeout setting:

1. Open Settings;
2. Go to the Display section;
3. Tap Advanced;
4. Tap Screen timeout;
5. Choose a time interval that is convenient for you.

To configure autolock:

1. Open Settings;
2. Go to the Security section;
3. Tap the gear icon on the right side of the Screen lock menu item;
4. Select Lock after screen timeout;
5. In the opened list, select Immediately.

Downside: You will have to enter your device password to use your device every time the screen turns off. To make it easier to work with your smartphone, you can use the Smart Lock feature, which delays or cancels the screen lock under certain conditions:

1. Open Settings;
2. Go to the Security section;
3. Select Smart Lock;
4. Enter the password;
5. Choose when the autolock should not be applied:
6. On-body detection. Your device will be unlocked while you hold it in your hands. In addition, this condition is met while the phone is in your pocket and you are walking at a steady speed. When you set the phone down or change your speed, it is locked after approximately 1 minute;
7. Trusted places. You can use a map to indicate the places where your device should not be locked automatically, such as your home. To allow your phone or tablet to determine when you are within a secure area, you need to turn on Location. Please note that your location is determined with an accuracy of within approximately 80 meters. This means that your phone will be unlocked over a relatively large area (not just within your home but also in your yard);
8. Trusted devices. You can indicate the Bluetooth devices that will prevent your phone from locking when it is connected to them. Please keep in mind that the radius of the signal may reach several dozen meters.

Important. Location and motion sensors have a rather large degree of inaccuracy, and a Bluetooth signal can extend over a relatively large distance. In addition, hackers can use special equipment to spoof location data or simulate the signal of a trusted device. Therefore, use of Smart Lock reduces your security.

What for: To prevent snooping.

App notifications can appear on the screen of your device even when it is locked. Some notifications probably contain information that you would prefer not to share. For example, you may receive a text message containing a confirmation code from your bank. You can configure your system to show only the app icon instead of a notification while your device is locked, or you can completely block the display of notifications.

To edit notification settings:

1. Open the Settings menu;
2. Go to the Apps & notifications section;
3. Select Notifications;
4. If you want to conceal the text of notifications, turn off Sensitive notifications;
5. If you want to completely disable notifications during sleep mode, tap Notifications on lock screen and select Don't show any notifications.

Downside: You will have to unlock your phone to read a notification.

What for: To keep your protection up to date.

Any system may contain flaws that enable it to be hacked. Developers regularly fix vulnerabilities in the operating system and add new security functions, so you are advised to use the latest version of Android for the best security.

The system is updated automatically by default, but you can manually check for the availability of a new version at any time:

1. Open Settings;
2. Go to the System section;
3. Tap Advanced;
4. Select System update;
5. Tap Check for update;
6. If the system finds uninstalled updates, tap Install updates.

What for: To protect yourself against overly curious and malicious apps.

Your smartphone is protected by the Google Play Protect service by default. It scans all the apps that you download to your device regardless of its source. If an app is dangerous, conceals something from the user, or secretly collects private data, you will receive the appropriate notification. We recommend that you do not turn off this security tool. If you nonetheless have disabled it, you are advised to activate it:

1. Open the Settings menu;
2. Go to the Security section;
3. Select Google Play Protect. The Google Play app opens;
4. Tap the gear icon in the upper right corner of the screen;
5. Turn on Scan apps with Play Protect.

You can manually scan apps at any time. To do so, in the Google Play Protect section, tap Scan. Please note that the built-in app scanning service provides only the basic level of security. For best protection against threats, use a full-fledged anti-virus application for Android.

What for: So that strangers cannot control your device through a headset.

Google Assistant can receive commands not only via the device microphone, but also via a wireless headset. If someone connects this type of device to your phone, they will be able to remotely control your system and, for example, find out your address, check your e-mail, or view your contacts list. This feature is disabled by default. However, we still recommend checking the settings:

1. Open Settings;
2. Go to the Google section;
3. Select Settings for Google apps;
4. Tap Search, Assistant & Voice;
5. Select Voice;
6. Turn off the following features in the Hands-Free block:
7. Bluetooth audio recording;
8. Allow Bluetooth requests with device locked;
9. Allow wired headset requests with device locked.

Downside: You will not be able to manage your device using voice commands via your headset.

What for: To find your device if it is lost or stolen.

This feature enables you to find your phone and lock it in case it is lost or stolen. It also lets you delete all data from your phone, call it, or contact the mobile service provider.

To enable the Find My Device feature:

1. Open the Settings menu;
2. Go to the Security section;
3. Select Find My Device and enable the feature;
4. If Location is turned off, you will see the message Turn on device location. Tap the warning text and activate location.

Please note that you will only be able to find your device if it is turned on, has an Internet connection, and is transmitting its location data.

Downside: Location services must always be enabled on your device. This means that your device will use up more battery, and your location information will be transmitted to Google.

What for: To not lose all your accounts at once.

When you sign in to an account of some service on a website or in an app, Google may prompt you to save the password so that it can be automatically inserted during your next authorization. It also lets you verify the security of your passwords that are saved in your Google account.

That is very important; if you are using identical passwords on different websites, the theft or leak of one of them could result in several of your accounts being hacked at once.

How to start a scan:

1. Open the Settings menu;
2. Go to the Google section;
3. Tap Manage your Google account;
4. Scroll to the right until you get to the Security tab;
5. In the Signing in to other sites block, select Password Manager;
6. Tap Check passwords and confirm your selection;
7. On the identity confirmation window, tap Continue;
8. Confirm your identity by unlocking the screen;
9. On the unlocked screen, you can view, edit, or delete any passwords that have been compromised, are duplicated, or are too easy to crack.

Even though the storage is protected, data leaks are always a risk. To reduce the risk, delete your passwords from your account:

1. Open the Settings menu;
2. Go to the Google section;
3. Select Manage your Google account;
4. Scroll to the right until you get to the Security tab;
5. In the Signing in to other sites block, select Password Manager. You will see a list of accounts for which you have saved passwords;
6. Tap the icon of the app or website whose password you want to delete;
7. Tap Delete.

Please note that you may have also saved account credentials in other services other than Google Password Manager. They will still be available there.

Downside: You will have to manually enter your password on websites and in apps each time. You can eliminate this downside by installing a password manager with a reliable data encryption and security system.

What for: To not lose your data.

On devices running Android, important information and settings may be automatically saved in Google Drive. If you lose or break your phone, you can use your backup copy to restore your contacts, text messages, call log, installed apps, and phone settings.

To enable data backup to the cloud:

1. Open the Settings menu;
2. Go to the System section;
3. Select Backup;
4. Tap Turn on;
5. Turn on Backup by Google One;
6. To manually perform a backup, tap Back up now.

In this same section, you can enable synchronization of your photos and videos with Google Photos:

1. Tap Photos & videos;
2. Turn on Back up & sync;
3. By default, Google Photos downloads and synchronizes the contents of all folders containing photos and videos on your device. If you don't want files from a specific folder to be saved in the cloud, select Back up device folders and tap the name of the folder whose data does not need to be synchronized;
4. To choose the quality of the files to be saved, tap Upload size and select one of the following options:

• Original quality means that the photos and videos will be uploaded in their original resolution. Please note that you cannot save more than 15 GB of data in Google Drive for free;
• Storage saver means that the resolution of photos is reduced to 16 megapixels and the resolution of videos is reduced to 720p.

Downside: Saving data in the cloud increases the risk of data leaks. Do whatever you can to secure your Google account.

What for: To prevent data leaks and to not share your payment information with Google.

The Google Pay service lets you use your phone to pay for purchases via the NFC module. This can be very convenient. However, if you link a card to the service, you are providing Google with additional access to your data. For example, the company obtains the right to share your location data with your bank, and may transmit your payment data or even private information to third parties. Google also collects information about transactions and your account, including your card numbers, account numbers, and the totals of your transfers.

If you do not want your data to be stored in Google Pay, you can delete this data.

1. Open the Settings menu;
2. Go to the Google section;
3. Select Settings for Google apps;
4. Tap Google Pay;
5. Select the card;
6. Tap three dots icon in the upper right corner of the screen and select Remove payment method;
7. Tap Yes, remove.

Downside: You will not be able to use Google Pay.

Please note: Data from your cards may still reside in other payment services, such as Samsung Pay or Play Market.

What for: To prevent Google from knowing where you go.

The operating system and some apps on your device collect information about your location. It is used for directions, targeted ad selection, and other purposes. If you do not want developers to receive this information, turn off Location services:

1. Open Settings;
2. Go to the Location section;
3. Turn off Use location.

Downside: You will no longer be able to use the services and apps that require access to your location. For example, you will not be able to use navigation or find a lost smartphone with the search service.

Google can determine your location via GPS, Wi-Fi signals, mobile network, and device sensors. Although this increases the accuracy of your location, it provides the company with even more of your data. To turn off this feature, do the following in the Location section:

1. Tap Advanced;
2. Select Google Location Accuracy;
3. Turn off Improve Location Accuracy.

You can also limit the transfer of location information without completely turning it off. To do so, prevent apps from receiving access to your location information in the background:

1. Open Settings;
2. Go to the Apps & notifications section;
3. Select Advanced;
4. Tap Permission manager;
5. Select Location;
6. Tap the name of the app whose access you want to restrict;
7. Select Allow only while using the app.

What for: To prevent your movements from being stored on Google servers.

Google may save a list of all the locations where you have been. This location log is used to choose targeted ads, perform searches, and some other functions. For example, this option lets you automatically receive information about traffic jams between your home and workplace. If you do not want your travel information to be saved on Google servers, you can clear this log and stop adding to it:

1. Open Settings;
2. Go to the Location section;
3. Tap Advanced;
4. Select Location History and turn it off;
5. Scroll down the page and tap Pause;
6. Tap Manage activity;
7. The Maps app will open. If this app is not installed, the system will redirect you to Google Maps in your browser.

Maps app

To fully clear the log:

1. Tap your profile picture in the upper right corner of the screen;
2. Select Settings in the drop-down list;
3. Tap Personal content;
4. Select Delete all Location History and confirm your selection.

To delete location data for a specific period:

1. Tap Delete Location History range;
2. Define the time period;
3. Tap Continue;
4. Select the I understand and want to delete check box and confirm your selection.

To enable automatic deletion of data every 3, 18 or 36 months:

1. Tap Automatically delete Location History;
2. Choose how often Google should clear the history;
3. Tap Next;
4. Tap Confirm.

Google Maps website

To fully clear the log:

1. Tap the trash can;
2. Select the I understand and want to delete all Location History check box;
3. Tap Delete Location History.

To enable automatic deletion of data every 3, 18 or 36 months:

1. Tap the gear icon in the lower part of the screen;
2. Select Automatically delete Location History;
3. Choose how often Google should clear the history;
4. Tap Next;
5. Tap Confirm.

Downside: Google will not be able to use information about your locations for purposes of ad and search personalization. The system will also not be able to create albums containing photos based on a specific location.

What for: To prevent Google from knowing who you talk to.

By default, the contacts on your phone are synchronized with your Google account. This enables you to view your address book on any of your devices in any browser in which you have signed in to your account. However, Google may use the information about your acquaintances for its own purposes, such as for choosing targeted ads. If you do not want this information to be stored on the company's servers, you can disable synchronization:

1. Open the Settings menu;
2. Go to the Google section;
3. Select Settings for Google apps;
4. Tap Google Contacts sync;
5. In the Status block, tap Manage Settings;
6. Turn off Automatically sync.

Downside: Contacts will become unavailable on your other devices, and you will have to manually add them to a newly purchased phone.

What for: To prevent Assistant from gathering information about you.

If you do not want Google Assistant to save data about you and transmit it to developers, you can completely disable it:

1. Open Settings;
2. Go to the Google section;
3. Select Settings for Google apps;
4. Tap Search, Assistant & Voice;
5. Select Google Assistant;
6. Scroll down the page until you get to the Devices section and select your device from the list;
7. Turn off Google Assistant;
8. To delete all your activity history, tap the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen;
9. Select My Activity;
10. On the opened page in your browser, tap the three dots on the right of the search box;
11. Select Delete activity by;
12. Tap All time;
13. Tap Delete. 

Downside: After turning off Assistant, you will not be able to use its tips, voice search, or other capabilities of this service. If you are not ready to stop using it completely, you can limit some of its functions.

What for: To prevent Assistant from exposing your secrets to others.

Google Assistant can receive commands even when your phone is asleep, and it can show search results on a locked screen. For instance, it can also display or read aloud reminders, e-mails, and contacts. This can expose your private data.

To prevent it from exposing this information, block Assistant from showing results on a locked screen:

1. Open Settings;
2. Go to the Google section;
3. Select Settings for Google apps;
4. Tap Search, Assistant & Voice;
5. Select Google Assistant;
6. In the Popular settings section tap Personal Results and turn it off.

What for: To prevent Assistant from knowing your every move.

Google Assistant can collect information about your search queries, location, and your activities when using apps. This data is used to increase the accuracy of recommendations and personalization of Google services. You can prevent Assistant from accessing this data:

1. Open Settings;
2. Go to the Google section;
3. Select Settings for Google apps;
4. Tap Search, Assistant & Voice;
5. Select Google Assistant;
6. Scroll down the page to Your data in the Assistant;
7. Scroll down the page to Google-wide controls;
8. Tap Web & App Activity;
9. Turn off the toggle;
10. Scroll down the page and tap Pause;
11. To clear the activity log, tap Manage all Web & App Activity;
12. Tap the three dots next to the Search your activity field;
13. Select Delete activity by;
14. Tap All time;
15. If necessary, clear the check boxes next to the services whose history you do not want to delete and tap Next;
16. Tap Delete.

Assistant will still be able to search for information. However, the search results and recommendations will not include your preferences.

What for: To prevent Assistant from knowing which apps you use.

Google Assistant can save data on installed apps, such as the names and version numbers. This enables the service to better determine how to execute your command. For example, it identifies which player should be used to play a movie or music.

To block Assistant from accessing information about installed apps:

1. Open Settings;
2. Go to the Google section;
3. Select Settings for Google apps;
4. Tap Search, Assistant & Voice;
5. Select Google Assistant;
6. Scroll down the page to Your data in the Assistant;
7. Scroll down the page to Google-wide controls;
8. Tap App info from your devices;
9. Turn off the toggle.

Downside: Assistant will not be able to determine which app is most suitable for executing a command. For example, this could prevent it from playing music via the player that you use the most.

What for: To prevent Assistant from knowing who you talk to.

Information about your contacts enables Voice Assistant to choose who to call when you voice a command such as "OK Google, call mom." However, data from your address book is sent to Google servers.

To stop Assistant from accessing this data:

1. Open Settings;
2. Go to the Google section;
3. Select Settings for Google apps;
4. Tap Search, Assistant & Voice;
5. Select Google Assistant;
6. Scroll down the page to Your data in the Assistant;
7. Scroll down the page to Google-wide controls;
8. Tap Contact info from your devices;
9. Turn off the toggle.

What for: To prevent Assistant from recording your voice commands.

Google Assistant may send samples of your voice to developers to improve the accuracy of voice recognition. You can opt out of this:

1. Open Settings;
2. Go to the Google section;
3. Select Settings for Google apps;
4. Tap Search, Assistant & Voice;
5. Select Google Assistant;
6. Scroll down the page to Your data in the Assistant;
7. Scroll down the page to Google-wide controls;
8. Tap Include audio recordings;
9. Turn off the toggle.

What for: To prevent malware from taking control of your device.

Accessibility allows apps to directly interact with the interface and the system. For example, if you want to use a voice assistant, it must have the capability to see the contents of windows and to click buttons. However, malicious applications may also try to obtain Accessibility permission to spy on you or steal your money.

To check which apps have Accessibility access and to block this access:

1. Open Settings;
2. Go to Accessibility;
3. Select the apps that you want to prevent from using Accessibility;
4. Revoke the permission and confirm your choice.

If this causes a specific app to stop running or supporting the features you need, you can restore its access at any time.

What for: So that developers collect less information about you.

Apps often request more permissions than they require for their operation. Normally, this is because developers want to collect as much data from you as possible and use that data for advertising. Some applications may blatantly abuse these permissions. For example, they may send text messages, make phone calls, or take photos and videos without your knowledge. You should only grant these permissions if you are sure that they are absolutely necessary.

Fortunately, in the latest versions of Android, an app can be installed and started even without being granted all the permissions they request. For example, if a messenger requests permission to access your camera but you do not intend to send any photos or videos to your friends, you can deny this permission.

To check the permissions of apps and revoke unnecessary access:

1. Open Settings;
2. Go to the Apps & notifications section;
3. Select Advanced;
4. Tap Permission manager;
5. Select the relevant permission. To see the entire list, tap Additional permissions;
6. Tap the app name and select Deny to revoke its access.

If you attempt to revoke a permission that an app requires to continue working properly, you will see a warning. Even in this case, you can still deny access if you are confident in your decision.

You can always grant an app any necessary permissions again if it fails to start or fails to support the features you need.

What for: To prevent abuse of those rights.

Special access rights enable apps to work in the background, display images over other apps, use mobile Internet without limitations, send fee-based text messages, and even modify device settings.

Some services genuinely require these privileges. For example, an exercise app needs to work in the background so that it can track how far you run. However, some applications abuse these permissions. As an example, the permission to display windows over other apps helps malware steal data. When you are about to enter your bank card number and security code, a Trojan can covertly insert its own entry box over the app interface and intercept this information.

To check which applications have special access rights:

1. Open Settings;
2. Go to the Apps & notifications section;
3. Select Advanced;
4. Tap Special app access;
5. Check all permissions in the list and revoke them from those apps that you do not trust:
6. Tap the name of the app;
7. Revoke the permission.

If you attempt to revoke a permission that an app requires to continue working properly, you will see a warning. You can restore any revoked permissions at any time.

What for: So that malware does not replace a familiar service.

Every important action on your device is assigned to a specific app. For example, even if you have multiple browsers, websites will be loaded in only one of them by default. These apps are referred to as your default applications. Malicious applications may attempt to obtain this status so that they can intercept text messages from your bank, for example.

You can check which apps are assigned as your default apps. If a specific function is performed by an application that you do not recognize, we recommended that you change it:

1. Open Settings;
2. Go to the Apps & notifications section;
3. Select Default apps;
4. If you see that a specific function is handled by an app that you do not recognize, tap it and select a different one.

What for: To prevent Google and apps from knowing what you like to do.

Google services may use your account data and information about your activities to select targeted ads. If you do not want to see ads based on your interests, you can disable personalization:

1. Open Settings;
2. Go to the Privacy section;
3. Tap Advanced;
4. Select Ads;
5. Tap Opt out of Ads Personalization.

Please note that even if you disable personalization, you will still see ads, just not ones based on your interests. Instead, Google will take into account your location and the websites you have visited.

In addition, you can block Google and other advertising networks that are part of the Your Online Choices initiative from choosing the targeted ads that you see on websites, even if you are not signed in to your Google account. To do so, under Ads tap Ads by Google and follow the instructions in your browser or immediately go to the Your Online Choices page. The website will immediately begin checking your browser. After it finishes:

1. Tap CONTINUE in the lower part of the page. You will see a list of advertising networks that track your online behavior;
2. Tap OPT OUT OF ALL and wait for the operation to finish to prevent them from tracking you on the Internet. 

Please note that companies not participating in the Digital Advertising Alliance initiative will still be able to track your online activities and use the information they receive.

What for: For peace of mind.

Some apps may send you a large number of notifications that could be distracting and irritating. An endless flow of notifications could also cause you to easily miss something that is actually important.

You can disable certain types of notifications or completely block apps from sending them:

1. Open the Settings menu;
2. Go to the Apps & notifications section;
3. Tap See all apps;
4. In the list of apps, select the one that distracts you the most;
5. Tap Notifications;
6. If you want to completely block an app from sending notifications, deactivate the toggle for All notifications;
7. If you want to block only certain notifications, deactivate the toggles next to the relevant events.

If you are irritated by notifications but do not know which app is sending them, you can view all the recent notifications and disable the unnecessary ones:

1. Open the Settings menu;
2. Go to the Apps & notifications section;
3. Tap Notifications;
4. Under Recently sent, tap See all from last 7 days;
5. Turn off notifications from unknown apps by tapping the toggle on the right of their name.

You can configure notifications of specific apps directly from the notification itself. To do so, when you receive a notification:

1. Swipe the screen from top to bottom;
2. Tap and hold your finger on the notification that you want to configure;
3. When the gear icon appears, tap it:
4. If you want to completely turn off notifications of this app, tap Turn off notifications;
5. If you want to silent the notifications of this app, tap Silent.

What for: To block out notifications.

If notifications tend to ruin your concentration, you can enable Do Not Disturb mode. In this mode, you will not receive alerts regarding notifications.

To manually turn on Do Not Disturb:

1. Open the Settings menu;
2. Go to Sound;
3. Select Do Not Disturb;
4. Tap Turn on now.

Important. After you manually enable Do Not Disturb mode, you will not receive any notifications until you disable this mode in the settings.

If you do not want to miss an important call or message, you can configure a list of exclusions in the menu.

1. Tap People and select Calls or Messages depending on which notifications your exclusion will apply to;
2. Select from whom you want to always receive notifications regarding calls or messages:
3. Anyone;
4. Contacts;
5. Starred contacts;
6. To add a contact to the starred list tap the gear icon next to Starred Contacts, then Add starred contacts.

If necessary, choose whether you want to hear an alarm clock sound, screen touch sounds, receive notifications about events from your calendar, etc., while Do Not Disturb is turned on in the Alarms & other interruptions menu.

If you want to block automatically notifications at nights or during events from your Calendar in the Do Not Disturb menu:

1. Select Schedules;
2. If you do not want notifications to disturb you at night, tap Sleeping.
3. By default, Do Not Disturb mode is enabled every night from 10PM to 7AM. To configure your own schedule, tap the gear icon on the right. In the opened menu, you will be able to specify the days of the week and the time.
4. If you do not want to be distracted by notifications during events from your Calendar, tap Event.
5. To select the relevant calendar or assign special exception settings for this schedule, tap the gear icon on the right.

What for: To prevent your dependence on devices from interfering with your life.

If you find it hard to pull yourself away from your device screen even during family dinner or before bed, you can use Bedtime mode. During the selected time, the system will go into a special mode and you will have less temptation for distractions.

To turn on Bedtime mode:

1. Open the Settings menu;
2. Go to Digital Wellbeing & parental controls;
3. Select Bedtime mode and chose how this mode should turn on:
4. Based on your schedule;
5. While charging at bedtime.

During this time, the screen will be black-and-white, and you will not receive notifications.

Bedtime mode settings let you configure the following:

• Select the days of the week and time when it will be enabled;
• If you want an image to remain in color, turn off Grayscale;
• If you are not yet ready to opt out of notifications, turn off Do Not Disturb.

Please note that your defined settings for exclusions and schedules will be applied for Do Not Disturb mode.

What for: Less distraction.

If you are worried that you spend too much time using a specific app, you can set a limit on its usage:

1. Open the Settings menu;
2. Go to Digital Wellbeing & parental controls;
3. To limit the time spent in a specific app, tap Dashboard;
4. Select an app from the list;
5. Tap App Timer and specify how much time you want to use the app.

When this period expires, the app will close and will be unavailable until the end of the day. However, if you suddenly need to use the app immediately, you can always delete the timer in this same menu.