OnePlus, when launching its OnePlus 7 and OnePlus 7 Pro, launched the Zen modeThis mode allows you to disconnect all networks on your phone except for calls for twenty minutes, and it can't be deactivated. It's now available for the OnePlus 6 and OnePlus 6T.
In Android Help we already tell you how to activate Zen mode on any OnePlusBut we always prefer having the option natively without having to install anything, of course, that way we fill up our phone less and require fewer apps. Furthermore, having these options directly integrated into the app is a plus. OXYGEN It guarantees greater stability, better system integration, and faster updates.
Zen mode and screen recording on the OnePlus 6 and 6T
And yes, OnePlus has already promised that Zen mode will come to the OnePlus 6 and OnePlus 6TAnd the truth is, it's arrived quickly, since they were announcing it just a few weeks ago and now it's here. Zen Mode was launched as one of the flagship features of the OnePlus 7 and 7 Pro, but the company confirmed that it would also be extended to other models like the OnePlus 5, 5T, 6, and 6T through software updates and, in some cases, by releasing it as an app on Google Play.
El Zen mode is a digital wellness tool Designed to allow the user to disconnect from their phone for a specific period of time. Once activated, a countdown begins during which you can do virtually nothing with the phone: apps are blocked, notifications are stopped, and the screen only displays the timer. Only the following functions remain functional: calls, emergency calls and camera, being considered essential functions that should not be disabled.
In its original form, the duration of Zen Mode was 20 fixed minutes, without the option to modify the time and, most importantly, with no way to cancel it Once activated, OnePlus later added the option to choose different durations (20, 40, or 60 minutes) through the app released on Google Play for the OnePlus 7 and 7 Pro. This ability to adjust the power-off time has been gradually rolled out to other compatible models, although availability may vary depending on the version of OxygenOS installed.
The key to Zen Mode is precisely that, since it can't be deactivated before it ends, it forces you to respect that disconnection period. It's a very useful feature for combating... procrastinationConcentrate on important tasks, rest your eyes, or simply put your phone aside when you want to dedicate time to other activities.
But not only that is what reaches the phones of the Chinese firm last year, but also This update includes a screen recorder.This is something that has become very popular in operating systems lately, since it's no longer just a matter of a few users recording their screen for YouTube videos or similar, but anyone can want to record their phone screen to send a video to their friends, create short tutorials, show how an app works, or share content on social networks.
El native screen recorder OnePlus's app eliminates the need for third-party applications, which often display ads, have time limits, or add watermarks. Furthermore, its integration with OxygenOS allows you to choose whether to record only the device's audio, only the microphone, or both simultaneously, and to enable on-screen tapping—ideal if you're creating a tutorial or explaining to someone how to adjust system settings.
How Zen Mode works on the OnePlus 6 and 6T
Activating Zen Mode on the Asian company's phones causes the device to stop offering some features. common functions of a smartphone. You won't receive notifications, you won't be able to open apps, play games, or use social media. The interface is simplified to the extreme, displaying only a screen with the countdown and a message that invites you to disconnect.
The base duration of Zen Mode is 20 minutesIn the latest versions of the app (available for models that receive it through Google Play) you can set the disconnection time to 20, 40 or 60 minutes, allowing you to adapt the experience to your needs: a short break, a block of study concentration or a longer pause to completely disconnect from your mobile phone.
Once you activate the mode, you won't be able to reverse it until the countdown ends. That's precisely why the system asks several times if you really want to activate it, to prevent you from doing so by mistake. When the time is up, everything Back to normal Automatically: notifications are reactivated, full access to apps is restored, and the phone works as usual.
The Zen Mode app also integrates with the digital wellbeing tools OnePlus offers a feature that lets you keep track of your completed offline periods. For users who want to monitor their mobile usage, it can be a perfect complement to usage statistics and app limits.
On some models, both Zen Mode and the screen recorder do not appear in the app drawer, but are accessed from the quick settingsTo find them, simply pull down the notification panel, tap the edit icon (usually shaped like a pencil) and drag the Zen Mode or screen recorder buttons to the top so you always have them at hand.
We still do not see it in the stable version
Yes, We have all of this in beta version 19 of the OnePlus 6 and beta version 11 of the OnePlus 6T.which will arrive via OTA if you're part of the beta program. These open betas are OnePlus's testing ground for introducing new features like Zen Mode, screen recorder, and digital wellbeing tools before releasing them to the stable version.
If you're not part of the beta program, don't worry, they're open betas So you can easily sign up from the official website. Or if you like tinkering with your phone, OnePlus lets you flash the beta yourself from this linkHowever, it's worth remembering that beta versions may include minor bugs or instabilities, so they are intended for users who don't mind trying new features in exchange for a possible occasional issue.
We don't know when it will reach the stable version, but it probably won't be long, so it's just a matter of patience. OnePlus usually releases the update to a small group of users first, checks that everything works correctly, and then rolls out the OTA to the rest of the devices, thus maintaining a balance between update speed y to maximise security and your enjoyment..
Furthermore, the fact that OnePlus has released Zen Mode as a standalone app on Google Play for some models makes it easier for the company to update faster This feature allows you to fix bugs, add options like mode duration, or adjust its behavior without needing to update the entire ROM.
Apart from these new features, the following improvements have been made: scrolling experienceIt supports more networks for certain countries, and optimizes the use of the Phone app for dual SIM usersIn addition to fixing bugs, as with any update, this particular update addresses the bug related to... Facebook Messenger notifications while playing.
Other OxygenOS builds have also included improvements such as patches for to maximise security and your enjoyment., system bug fixes, optimizations in the screen rotation and adjustments to overall performance. OnePlus often incorporates features initially exclusive to its flagship models into previous releases, such as Fnatic Mode or certain camera tools, demonstrating its commitment to the community and the lifespan of its devices.
The screen recorder and Zen Mode have been successfully tested on various models from the brand, from the most recent to some older ones like the OnePlus 3T, although the compatibility It always depends on the OxygenOS version and whether the device uses the official ROM. If you're using a custom ROM, these apps are very likely to not work or to have problems, so it's best to stick with the official software to ensure these features work correctly.
What do you think of these features? Do you want to have them in the stable version? Or are you a beta user? Zen Mode and screen recorder make the OnePlus 6 and 6T even more complete phones, with tools designed to enhance your productivity and digital wellbeing to get the most out of content creation from your own mobile phone.
