How to Set Time Lim­it on WhatsApp, TikTok and YouTube

14 April, 2021 — James Brandon

People spend a significant amount of time on their smart devices, including mobile phones and tablets. If you are not on social media platforms like WhatsApp, TikTok, or YouTube, you are on the internet trying to look for some information.

As much as the internet is good, overdoing it can take a toll on you. If you spend more time on social media platforms or the internet, you may not have a proper sleep pattern, or even affect your eyesight.

To ensure that you are enjoying your device to the proper limits, Android developers have come up with time-limit apps that help control your device usage. The time limit apps aim to provide you with a report of how you are using individual apps on your device. The app also notifies you when you reach a specific self-imposed time.

Digital WellBeing

Developed by Google, Digital Wellbeing is the common time limit app used in most Android devices and comes pre-installed in some devices. The app analyzes your device use and gives a detailed report on which apps you spend more time on and the time you spend on individual apps. The app also sends you alerts when you have reached the specific time that you set for using each app.

To use Digital Well-being to set a time limit on WhatsApp, TikTok, and YouTube :

• Ensure that your device is updated to the latest Android version

• Tap the Settings button in the app drawer

• Scroll down to find the Digital Well-being and parental controls option. Tap to open it

• The main screen of the app will appear. The overall usage of your device will be displayed on this page using a visual diagram

• Tap the Dashboard button on the main page to view specific information about apps you have used and the times you have spent on them.

• From the dashboard, scroll down through the apps and locate the apps that you have been using excessively (WhatsApp, TikTok, or YouTube). Tap on each app to set a timer that will allow you to use the app for a set period.

• After setting the timer on the apps you want, you will get a notification if you try to access the app past the set time

Digital Wellbeing also has a Bedtime mode that allows you to schedule a bedtime routine on your device. Once you set a bedtime routine, the app will always alert you when it’s time to go to bed and turn off all notifications.