I used Digital Wellbeing’s App Timers to stop using certain apps beyond a specified time, and Focus mode to stay focused on whatever I do.
While Focus mode may sound simple, it requires some effort to configure the tool well to get the most out of it throughout the day.
The trick to using Focus mode for maximum gain is to choose a specific setup for a specific scenario. I use these six Android Focus mode combinations to stay sane and reachable.
I turned off all the distractions on my Pixel 9, and I don’t want to go back
I should have done this sooner
Work but reachable
I work more than eight hours a day, but I’m still reachable to the people who matter in my life. The Work profile in Digital Wellbeing’s Focus mode allows me to do that without losing my mind.
I’m still using the Samsung Galaxy S21 as my primary phone, and it gives me the flexibility to tweak the Work profile from Modes and Routines to include or exclude apps during a specified time.
When I write for Android Police or do research work for articles, I turn on the Work profile. In the next step, it tells me to choose what I want it to do to avoid distractions from suggested actions.
I always choose Do not disturb when I work. This mutes all calls, notifications, and other alerts during that specific period.
However, I tweaked the Do not disturb setting further to add some exceptions. Instead of not allowing any calls, I add contacts from my family and a select number of friends.
I also allow repeated calls to go through. So, when my phone received calls from the same phone number twice in 15 minutes, it wouldn’t mute.
For Messages, I only allow those that come from my favorite contacts, which include people from my friends and family.
In the Work profile, I do not allow app notifications except for those that come from the apps I need for work. For example, I allow app notifications from Slack, Asana, and the RSS app that I use regularly.
- SoC
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Qualcomm Snapdragon 888
- RAM
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12 GB, 16 GB
- Storage
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128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB
- Battery
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5,000 mAh
- Ports
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USB-C
- Operating System
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Android 13 and One UI
The Galaxy S21 Ultra is a premium flagship smartphone, powered by the Exynos 2100 (or Snapdragon 888 in some regions), ensuring top-tier performance. It features a dynamic 6.8-inch AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing sharp, vibrant visuals and smooth scrolling. The phone is equipped with a versatile camera system, including a 108MP primary sensor, 12MP ultra-wide lens, and two telephoto lenses for superior photography and zoom capabilities. Additionally, it supports the S Pen, marking a first for the Galaxy S series, and has a robust 5000mAh battery for all-day use.
When I’m off to bed, I connect my headphones and start listening to instrumental music to calm my nervous system. Connecting the headphones automatically triggers the Sleep mode.
I keep my phone in Silent mode when I’m off to bed, so even if someone calls or messages, it won’t wake me up. So, instead of opting for the Do not disturb, I restrict app usage.
I avoid notifications from certain apps when I’m off to bed. I restrict Google Chrome, YouTube, Instagram, X, and all other social media apps. So, when my phone is in Sleep mode, I can’t use these apps, nor will I receive any notifications from them.
This is one effective way to avoid doomscrolling when you need a good sleep, which requires you to quiet your brain. This setup protects my sleep and helps me stay sane and energized the next day.
In Sleep mode, I also enable the Greyscale feature to turn the display color to black and white. It makes everything look boring, which, in turn, reduces the urge to use the phone.
You can also turn on Sleep mode manually instead of the automatic trigger. In some handsets, like the Galaxy ones, this Sleep mode is already created in Modes and Routines. So, it only requires you to set the rules.
On many other handsets, you’ll find and create these profiles from Modes in the Settings app.
Travel without distractions
I turn my phone into a utility device when I commute. This allows me to reach the destination without any distractions.
I turn on the Travel profile and make sure to allow Google Maps and Spotify. No other apps are allowed to function during this time.
Not only that, but I also enter the Do not disturb mode and make sure I don’t miss messages and calls from important contacts, even when I’m traveling.
When I turn on the Travel profile, I also make sure the phone enters power-saving mode, especially during long road trips. I don’t do it manually. Instead, I choose the Power saving option from the suggested actions in the Travel profile.
Lazy days
I’m not a huge believer in optimizing every single day for maximum output. I don’t mind having one lazy day every week, and that helps me to stay consistent in my work over the long term.
On days when I don’t feel like working, I allow apps like YouTube, Spotify, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video for entertainment. I also read books on Amazon Kindle, so this app also makes it to my allow list.
I can’t afford to stay lazy the entire day, but whatever duration I set, I don’t use apps like Teams, Gmail, LinkedIn, Slack, or news apps.
When I watch something on YouTube or Netflix, I don’t want unwanted calls to ruin the viewing experience. That’s a big enough reason to put my phone on Do not disturb during that time.
Since I preset Restrict app usage and Do not disturb in the Lazy days profile, it’ll automatically trigger both actions when I turn on the mode.
The weekend social mode
I don’t work on weekends, which means I can go all out and enjoy the day with my loved ones and chat with old friends I haven’t seen in years.
On weekends, I restrict everything other than social media apps, the camera, and Uber. My plan on weekends is very similar to the one on lazy days, except that, in the former, it lasts an entire day.
Still, being available to enjoy life with loved ones doesn’t mean I don’t get spam calls, which is a severe crisis in this part of the world.
This is why I turn on Do not disturb even on weekends and allow calls and messages only from people saved as contacts. I also allow repeat callers.
Minimal phone mode
After finishing my daily assignments, I don’t immediately go back to using everything on my phone. This is when the minimal phone mode comes in handy.
My minimal phone setup isn’t complicated. I only allow what’s essential, including Phone, Messages, Notes, Banking apps, and WhatsApp, and restrict all others.
Moreover, the entire phone environment changes when I turn on the Minimal phone mode. I use different wallpapers for the home screen and lock screen when I enter the minimal phone mode.
I also enable Greyscale in the Minimal phone mode. This automatically removes the color from the display of my phone and turns it into black and white. It works for the same reason it does in the case of the Sleep mode.
Android focus mode feels more powerful when you customize it for yourself
The Focus mode works the same way on all Android phones, but that doesn’t mean every combination works for everyone. The key is to customize it according to your needs.
For example, if you need to use WhatsApp for work, you mustn’t restrict it when in Work mode. I don’t have many apps on my phone, so it becomes easier for me to select what I want or don’t want to allow.
This is one major reason I love setting up a mode. It was well worth creating those, because they helped me stay sane and reachable.
