Enable Digital Wellbeing on Android Pie Devices

Here is how users can test out Digital Wellbeing feature on Android 9.0 Pie firmware running on smartphones. Google detailed this new functionality at I/O 2018 where Android would present users with a thorough summary of their usage characteristics in order to improve their phone usage habits. This idea has been around for quite some time via third-party apps but this is the first time, it has been integrated into Android’s core. Basically, through Digital Wellbeing, Google aims to provide users meaningful data that they can make decisions on as to how to spend their time. If you have Android P Developer Preview or the final Android 9.0 Pie running on your device, read ahead to enable Digital Wellbeing.

Despite being part of the promised feature-set of Android Pie, Google has decided to delay Digital Wellbeing till a later date. At the moment, this functionality can only be accessed by installing the Digital Wellbeing Beta app. Complete details have been listed right ahead as to how you can skip the wait and immediately try out Digital Wellbeing on your device.

Digital Wellbeing – Details:

Wellbeing is an all around utility and commitment by Google to make Android experience less distracting. While most prominent functionality stands out as app usage statistics, app timers and enhanced night mode, Digital Wellbeing carries more than that. Read ahead for a complete, descriptive list.

• Detailed app usage times.
• Enhanced  Do not disturb mode.
• Wind down functionality lets you set times where your phone will automatically enter Do not disturb, turn on grayscale display and enable nightlight.

Now, onto how you can test out Digital Wellbeing on your device. Their two main methods. The first one applies if you own a Pixel device. If you don’t and you are still running Android Pie, try the second method but do note, it requires Root.

For Google Pixel / Pixel 2: Enable Digital Wellbeing

Step 1 – Download DigitalWellbeing APK:

File: DigitalWellbeing.apk
Size: 2.63 MB

Step 2 – Locate the APK you just downloaded and open it to install it.

Step 3 – If you are installing an APK directly for the very first time, you would be notified to enable “Unknown Source” setting. If not sure about this, we have written a tutorial. See link below on where to find this setting.

Step 4 – After enabling, tap on the install button at the bottom right.

Step 5 – Once installation is complete, the wizard will display the following status. Tap on Done to close wizard.

That’s it! Now, you should be able to access all functionality through the new Digital Wellbeing Settings menu listing which would have been created after you completed installation. Troubles installing? Read: How to Manually Install APK files.

For OnePlus 6 / Essential Phone: Enable Digital Wellbeing

As mentioned earlier, you need to have Magisk installed on your smartphone and it should be running latest Android Pie build — in case of OnePlus, it does work with final Preview build.

Step 1 – Download Wellbeing Magisk Module package to your device.

Download: Wellbeing-Magisk-Module.zip

Step 2 – Open the Magisk Manager app on your device.

Step 3 – Click on the three lines on the top left of your display.

Step 4 – From the options, select “Modules“.

Step 5 – Now, tap on the add button on the bottom of the display.

Step 6 – A file browser would now open. Select the module you want to install.

Step 7 – Once selected, tap on flash option.

Step 8 – The Magisk Manager app should display a certain command line display. After it finishes, press on Reboot.

Now, you should have Digital Wellbeing enabled on your smartphone. If you ran into issues, you can read our dedicated guide on how to install Magisk Modules or reach us through the comments!