What’s the difference between Do Not Disturb and Bedtime?

Answered by Jarrod Smith

Do Not Disturb and Bedtime are two features available on Android phones that aim to limit interruptions and create a more peaceful environment, especially during sleep or when you need some uninterrupted time. While they serve similar purposes, there are a few key differences between the two.

1. Purpose:
– Do Not Disturb: This feature allows you to silence calls, texts, and notifications temporarily. It is designed to minimize distractions and interruptions when you need to focus or have some quiet time.
– Bedtime: Formerly known as Wind Down, Bedtime mode focuses specifically on creating a peaceful environment during sleep. It helps you establish a bedtime routine by reducing distractions and preparing your phone for sleep.

2. Activation:
– Do Not Disturb: You can activate Do Not Disturb manually whenever you want to minimize interruptions. It can be turned on or off with a simple toggle switch in the quick settings panel or through the settings menu.
– Bedtime: Bedtime mode is typically activated during a specific time frame that you set, such as when you go to bed or when you want to start winding down for sleep. It can also be set to activate automatically based on your sleep schedule.

3. Functionality:
– Do Not Disturb: When Do Not Disturb is enabled, all calls, texts, and notifications are silenced. However, you can customize the settings to allow certain important contacts or apps to get through, such as calls from your favorites or repeated calls from the same person.
– Bedtime: Bedtime mode uses Do Not Disturb as its foundation, but it goes a step further. In addition to silencing calls, texts, and notifications, it also dims the screen and activates a grayscale mode to reduce visual stimulation. It aims to create a more soothing and sleep-friendly environment by minimizing distractions.

4. Visual Cues:
– Do Not Disturb: When Do Not Disturb is active, you’ll see a small icon in the status bar indicating that it is enabled. This icon may vary slightly across different Android versions or device manufacturers.
– Bedtime: Bedtime mode also displays a visual cue in the status bar, usually in the form of a crescent moon icon. This icon indicates that Bedtime mode is active and that your phone is in a sleep-friendly state.

While both Do Not Disturb and Bedtime aim to limit interruptions, Bedtime mode takes it a step further by creating a more sleep-friendly environment with dimmed screens and grayscale mode. It is specifically designed to help establish a bedtime routine and promote better sleep hygiene. Do Not Disturb, on the other hand, is more versatile and can be used in various situations where you want to minimize distractions.