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Use ChatGPT less on Android: app timers, Focus mode and a try‑first step

Set a Digital Wellbeing timer on your AI apps, pause them in Focus mode while you work, move them off your first home screen, and install the think pad in their place. The timer adds a pause. The think pad makes the pause useful.

Steps checked 13 November 2026. Names differ a little between Pixel, Samsung and other phones: look for the words in bold.

1. Set an app timer

  1. Open Digital Wellbeing

    Go to Settings, then Digital Wellbeing and parental controls.

  2. Find the app

    Tap the chart or Dashboard, then find ChatGPT, Gemini or another AI app in the list.

  3. Set the timer

    Tap the hourglass or App timer and choose 20 or 30 minutes a day. When it runs out, the app is paused until midnight.

Screenshot placeholderDigital Wellbeing, Dashboard: ChatGPT with an app timer of 30 minutes.

Honest limit: you can delete the timer in the same screen. It is a speed bump. Also note that Gemini may be your phone's assistant, which a timer on the app does not fully cover.

2. Pause AI apps in Focus mode

  1. Open Focus mode

    In Digital Wellbeing, tap Focus mode (on Samsung, Modes).

  2. Pick the distracting apps

    Tick your AI apps. While Focus mode is on, they are greyed out and silent.

  3. Set a schedule

    Add your study or deep-work hours so it turns on by itself.

Screenshot placeholderDigital Wellbeing, Focus mode: ChatGPT and Gemini ticked, schedule Monday to Friday 9am to 12pm.

3. Move the app off your first home screen

Press and hold the AI app's icon and drag it to Remove (it stays in the app drawer) or onto your last home screen page. People who try this say the extra steps help a little, and a little is the point.

4. Install a try-first page in its place

  1. Open the think pad in Chrome

    Go to the think pad.

  2. Install it

    Tap the three dots, then Add to Home screen, then Install.

  3. Drag it to the old spot

    Put it where the AI icon was.

Open the think padOr set up coach mode

Questions

Can I block the ChatGPT website on Android too?

An app timer covers the app only. For the website, set a timer on your browser as well, or use Family Link's site blocking on a supervised account.

Does this work for my child's phone?

Use Google Family Link, where you set app limits from your own phone. See the parents page for the rule that goes with it.

Does the think pad need the Play Store?

No. It installs from Chrome as a web app, opens full screen and works offline.