Google Adds 10-Second Pause Point to Android 17 to Curb Distracting Apps

2 articles · Updated · Android Police · May 31

Google unveiled Pause Point at I/O 2026, letting Android 17 users flag distracting apps so each launch triggers a mandatory 10-second delay.
During those 10 seconds, Android can show a breathing exercise, a favorite photo, an audiobook suggestion or a timer to cap the upcoming session.
The feature is designed to interrupt habitual app opening before scrolling starts, addressing a gap left by app timers, focus modes and Do Not Disturb tools.
Turning Pause Point off requires a phone restart, adding enough friction that Google appears to be betting users will abandon the impulse instead.
Rolling out later this year, the tool stands out in an Android 17 lineup otherwise dominated by AI features and broader digital well-being efforts.

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