Unplug more often

In today’s always-on world, disconnecting can be hard. Below you’ll find four tips for hitting pause to help you strike a balance that feels right for you.

For many people, checking their phone right before going to sleep is routine. Experts Nick Allen and Natasha Bhuyan M.D. propose ways to find balance with tech.

  1. Wind down for a better night’s sleep

    Creating space from your device at night can help you feel more relaxed and help you sleep better.

    • Android logo

      Ease into your night.

      Bedtime mode reminds you to switch off at night. You can set a schedule or have it turn on while charging your phone. Grayscale changes the screen to black and white, and Do Not Disturb silences notifications to help you get a good night's sleep.

      Learn more Opens in new window
      A Google phone screen that shows Bedtime set to turn on from 11:00pm to 7:00am.
    • A Google phone screen showing a conversation with the Google Assistant where an alarm is being set.
      Google Assistant logo

      Improve your bedtime routine.

      To make falling asleep easier, your voice can activate the customizable Bedtime Routine – set an alarm, dim the lights, lower your music, get tomorrow’s weather, and zzzz.

      Learn more Opens in new window
      A Google phone screen showing a conversation with the Google Assistant where an alarm is being set.

  2. Step away from work when you want to

    Creating space from work-related notifications can help you recharge while away from the office.

    • Google Pixel logo

      Create Do Not Disturb moments.

      You can set Do Not Disturb to turn on automatically at certain times.

      Learn more Opens in new window
      A Google phone screen that shows Do Not Disturb Mode getting turned on.
    • Android logo

      Switch off work.

      Turn off your work profile with one tap to pause work apps and their notifications.

      Learn more Opens in new window
      A Google phone screen that shows Work Profile getting turned on.
    • Gmail logo

      Set an auto reply.

      Gmail’s out-of-office auto reply is good for more than just your next vacation. Customize your message to let people know you won't be able to get back to them right away.

      Learn more Opens in new window
      A Google phone screen that shows vacation responder turned on to work from "Today" to "Not Set."

  3. Put your smart speaker to good use

    Use your smart speaker and Google Assistant to create moments away from your device.

    • Google Assistant logo

      Say "Hey, Google."

      Now with voice-powered Do Not Disturb mode, just ask Google Assistant to silence all notifications and communications by saying "Hey, Google, do not disturb."

      Learn more Opens in new window
      A Google phone showing a conversation with Google Assistant.
    • Google Nest logo

      Create moments of zen at home.

      When your Google Home devices are in Downtime, they won’t respond to most commands or questions. During Downtime, you also won’t receive notifications from your Google Home devices.

      Learn more Opens in new window
      A Google phone screen that shows Downtime getting turned on to work during School Night days.

  4. Create device-free zones and times

    Designate times of your day or spaces in your home to be device-free. Finding a central place to keep your phone can reduce the urge to check emails and notifications.

    A smiling woman sits on a bed, her device-free zone, and holds a large grey shaggy dog.

More tips

Explore more ways to fine-tune your tech habits