Google’s Pixel phones regularly receive some cool new tricks in regular software updates. That includes updates to its default apps like the Clock app. Two such features, launched originally on the Pixel 3 wereBedtime mode and Sunrise alarms. Since then - in 2020 - it made those features available for all Android phones through an update to Google’s Clock app. Here’s what you need to know.
What’s new with Google’s Clock app?
Bedtime mode
In June 2020, Google introduced a Bedtime mode in the Google Clock app. It’s a tab you can go to in order to designate a time for your phone to dim and mute your notifications. Bedtime mode was initially a Pixel-exclusive feature. In August 2020, Google rolled out the feature to allAndroid devices running 6.0 or later.
Sunrise alarms
In June 2020, Google introduced Sunrise alarms in the Google Clock app. Designed to wake you up more gently, Sunrise alarms gradually brighten your screen and give a visual cue that your wake up time is approaching about 15 minutes prior. you’re able to even customise the experience by adding your favourite sounds. Sunrise alarms were initially a Pixel-exclusive feature. In August 2020, Google rolled it out to all Android devices running 6.0 or later.
How does Bedtime mode work?
Once you’ve activatedAndroid’s Digital Wellbeing settings, open the latest version of the Google Clock app. Look for the Bedtime mode tab. There, you can set when you’d like to go to start getting ready for bed as well as when you want to wake up.
Set up Bedtime and Sunrise mode
Follow these steps:
The Digital Wellbeing app (on supported phones) can also trigger Bedtime mode when you start charging your phone for the night.
Set up custom sleep sounds
With custom sleep sounds you can have your phone play relaxing music or sounds to help you fall asleep. Once you’ve set up the Bedtime and Sunrise modes you can enable that really easily.
Want to set up a Spotify song as your alarm in the latest version of the Google Clock up?Check out our guide on how to do that here.
