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Samsung looks set to take Digital Wellbeing a step further in One UI 9, with a new feature designed to actively reduce app distractions by cutting off internet access for selected apps.
The feature has been spotted in early beta code for the Android 17-based update currently rolling out to the Galaxy S26 series. This suggests it’s still in development, but already quite far along.
The feature, reportedly called “Network management for concentration,” goes beyond the usual app timers found in Samsung’s existing wellbeing tools. Instead of just limiting screen time, it appears to block or restrict internet access for specific apps entirely. This makes them far less useful for time-wasting activities like social media scrolling, video streaming, or gaming.
Leaked screenshots shared by Android Authority show a dedicated “Network restriction” settings page. On this page, users can manually select which apps should lose connectivity, a key difference compared to current Digital Wellbeing tools that typically shut apps down after a set usage limit but still provide access to online content.
Samsung also appears to be adding more control and security around the feature. Code strings suggest users will be able to set a six-digit PIN, preventing others from disabling restrictions without permission. That could make it especially useful for parents managing children’s device usage, where bypassing limits is often too easy today.
Another notable addition is a “Downtime” scheduler, which would allow users to automatically activate restrictions during set hours. That means instead of manually turning the feature on and off, users could have it kick in during work hours, study sessions, or bedtime routines. It would then switch off again automatically afterwards.
In practice, this puts One UI 9 closer to a system-level focus mode rather than a simple timer-based restriction tool. For example, even if a user has downloaded videos offline, blocking internet access would still limit the core functionality of apps like YouTube once restrictions are in place.
That said, the feature is still in its early stages, and there’s no guarantee it will make it into the final release of One UI 9. Samsung will refine several parts of the update before launch. This could include changes or even the removal of this tool.
If it does arrive as described, though, it could become one of Samsung’s most aggressive and useful digital wellbeing features yet.
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