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Key takeaways

• No more guessing the time when in bed.
• No more startling alarms.
• Android has plenty of features to improve your bedtime mode.

Because my vision isn't what it once was, I can't count on my Pixel watch to keep me informed of the time while I'm supposed to be sleeping. Although I don't wake up to an alarm (I still wake up around 6am every day), I still like to know the time. After all, I don't want to constantly guess how much sleep I have left to enjoy.

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I haven't owned an alarm clock in decades. Like so many people, in place of that clock, I use my phone. Recent updates to Android make that proposition even more appealing. Not only does it offer a digital or analog clock, but it also allows you to customize it to perfectly meet your needs.

I want to share with you how I've configured my Pixel 9 Pro phone to serve as the perfect bedside clock. So hit that snooze button, and let's make some changes.

How to turn your Android phone into a beside clock

What you'll need: To make this work, you'll need a phone that's running the latest available version of Android. Oh, you'll also need to be awake.

How to customize your clock

Now that you've enabled the Screen Saver, it's time to customize it.

1. Change the 'When to show' setting

On the same page, tap "When to show." On the resulting page, customize the options to suit your needs. Since I use a wireless charging stand, I opt for "When upright and charging" and "Restrict to wireless charging."

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Once you've taken care of that, back out of the current page.

2. Enable the low light mode

I prefer that my clock only appear when the lights are out. This isn't necessary, but I find that it makes for a more "official bedtime" for me.

To do this, scroll to the bottom of the "Screen saver" page and enable low light mode by tapping the associated On/Off slider until it's in the On position.

3. Customize your screen saver

There are four different screen saver options:

• Everyday clock -- digital clock
• Google Photos -- displays photos you select
• Home Controls -- displays controls for Google Home devices
• Pilot Bold Clock -- analog clock

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Each of the above options includes customizations. The screen saver you choose will determine the customizations available.

I use the Everyday clock. If that's your choice, tap it and then tap the Customize button. On the resulting page, you can select three different date/weather layouts and then select from Auto, Dark, and Light themes. You might want to test both dark and light themes (with the lights out) to see which one you prefer.

Other changes you can do

There are some other changes you can make to improve how your Android phone functions as your bedside alarm clock. Here are some options:

• Sleep sounds: I've outlined how to work with different sleep sounds in Android has a hidden feature to help you sleep better. Here's where to find it.
• Set your bedtime: I discussed bedtime mode (and how to set it) in How to set up a bedtime schedule on your Android device.
• Dismiss alarm with tap: You can go to Clock > Bedtime > Settings (from the three-dot menu) and customize how you dismiss the alarm. The two options are Tap or Swipe, and each gives you control to either Stop or Snooze the alarm.
• Customize the increase in volume: This is a very nice setting to use, especially if you startle easily. In Clock > Bedtime > Settings, you can enable or customize the gradual increase in the alarm volume, from Never to 60 seconds.

After taking care of this, you should now have the perfect alarm clock to help you sleep and wake up.

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