Google WiFi App Now Lets Users Schedule Internet Access

Google WiFi, the search engine giant’s own WiFi router, comes with a new feature thanks to an update to its mobile app. Called Scheduled Pause, users will be able to temporarily sever internet access at certain times of the day.

Scheduled Pause is located under the Family WiFi settings. Users can easily schedule when to pause access to the Google WiFi router. The feature is fully customizable, so users will be able to repeat scheduled pauses all throughout the week.

For example, parents can enable a Scheduled Pause between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. for weekdays, and label it as a time for when their children can do their homework. Users can set numerous other kinds of schedules for their kids or for themselves.

The great thing here is that users have control over which devices will be cut off from the internet. This means that even when a Scheduled Pause is active, certain groups of devices can continue being connected to the internet, according to Android Police. The feature is compatible with Google’s OnHub routers as well.

“The idea behind Scheduled Pause started a year ago. While exploring how to best create tools for families, I noticed that I was having trouble falling asleep. I’d check emails and surf the web late into the night,” Google WiFi product manager Edith Chao said.

Chao explained that she first experimented by setting a timer on her computer to turn off internet access at 11 p.m. The experience was a shock at first, she said, but a few nights later she was able to shut down earlier at night.

“As I started talking to more people, in and outside of Google, I found that screen time was a common challenge for parents—from getting kids to put down their favorite game to struggling to have dinner without eyes glued to devices,” Chao explained.

The update to the Google WiFi app for Android is now available on the Play Store.