Pixel owners are reporting that Google's Digital Wellbeing is slowing down their devices.
The feature is designed to help users keep their smartphone habits in check to make sure they aren't detrimental to their lives, providing app timers and charts that show how much time they spend on their handsets.
If the performance issue persists, then it's fair to say that fewer people will use it, and they won't be able to reap the benefits that the Mountain View company has set out to offer.
Pixel Slowing Down
As posted on a Reddit thread, Pixel users say they are experiencing lag on their phones. Based on what can be gathered, users initially noticed the problem in the Pixel 3 and came to the same conclusion that Digital Wellbeing is the culprit. Apparently, it also affects the recently released Pixel 3a, all the way down to the original Pixel.
However, some users say that they haven't seen the problem in their phones, particularly the Pixel 2 XL and Pixel 3. Others say that they didn't see a huge difference as well.
How To Disable Digital Wellbeing
While the verdict is still up in the air, you can go ahead and see for yourself whether turning off Digital Wellbeing really does make your Pixel faster or not.
Step 1: Go to Settings.
Step 2: Tap on Digital Wellbeing.
Step 3: Tap on the menu button, the one with three vertical dots, in the upper right corner of the screen.
Step 4: Tap on "Turn off usage access" and then on "Turn off in Settings."
Step 5: In the "Usage access" window, tap on Digital Wellbeing.
Step 6: Tap on "Permit usage access" to toggle it to off.
Take note that your data on the app will be deleted within 24 hours once you disable it.
Pixel Owners Reacting
Just to get a clear picture of what's going on, here's how the users reacted:
"Can't believe I was living with so much stuttering thinking it was normal. The difference is like night and day," the thread starter said.
Another was quick to agree.
"My 3 XL has always (as far as I can remember) stuttered at times ... I just turned off Digital Wellbeing and it's like I have a new phone!" the user wrote.
Meanwhile, one turned to making light of the situation with jokes.
"No, that's a feature of Digital Wellbeing ... It's trying to make you not want to use your phone any more than you need to," the user said.
Did you notice a performance boost on your Pixel when you disabled Digital Wellbeing? If so, let us know in the comments section below.
