Samsung One UI 9 Beta: New 'Block Internet' Feature Lets You Crush Distractions (Screenshots Inside)

Samsung's latest One UI 9 beta introduces a powerful new tool designed to help users stay focused. Dubbed the most aggressive anti-distraction feature yet, it allows you to block internet access for specific apps, combined with PIN protection and scheduled Downtime controls. Early screenshots reveal it lives under Connectivity Labs, making it a hybrid parental-control and productivity solution. Below, we answer your top questions about this upcoming functionality.

1. What exactly is this new One UI 9 anti-distraction feature?

This feature lets you block internet access for individual apps that you find distracting. Once blocked, those apps cannot connect to the web, limiting their ability to pull in notifications, stream content, or update feeds. You can activate it for any app on your Samsung device running One UI 9 beta. The tool works as a focused productivity aid — perfect for cutting off social media, games, or news apps during work hours. It even includes a PIN lock so you cannot bypass the restriction on a whim. Early reports suggest it appears within Connectivity Labs, a hidden settings menu for advanced network features.

2. Does it include scheduled downtime like Apple's Screen Time?

Yes. Samsung has built in a Downtime schedule, letting you set specific times when internet blocking is active. For example, you could block distracting apps from 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays. The schedule can be customized per day or repeated weekly. Combined with the PIN protection, this creates a hard limit that can help enforce digital discipline. Unlike simple app timers, this cuts off internet connectivity entirely, making it much harder to waste time. The Downtime feature appears to be separate but linked to the per-app block list, giving you granular control over which apps get cut off during those hours.

3. Is this feature meant for parental control or personal productivity?

It seems to serve both purposes. The inclusion of PIN protection and scheduled blocks makes it ideal for parents who want to restrict their children's internet access without constant supervision. However, the same controls work perfectly for adults wanting to avoid digital distractions. The feature lives in Connectivity Labs, which is typically for experimental network tweaks, suggesting Samsung is testing it as a general anti-distraction tool. Given that it allows per-app blocking and can be turned on/off with a PIN, it straddles the line between a productivity booster and a parental control system. Samsung may eventually refine it into a dedicated Digital Wellbeing addition.

4. How do I enable the internet blocking feature in One UI 9 beta?

Based on leaked screenshots, you need to navigate to Settings > Connections > Connectivity Labs. Once there, you’ll find a toggle labeled “Block internet for distracting apps” or something similar. Tapping it reveals a list of installed apps. Simply checkbox the ones you want to restrict. You can then set a PIN code to prevent changes and configure a Downtime schedule. The feature may also be accessible via a quick settings tile in future builds. Keep in mind this is beta software, so the exact path and wording might change before the final public release.

5. Are there any screenshots of this feature in action?

Yes, Samsung insider and Android Authority have shared screenshots showing the feature in its beta state. The images depict the Connectivity Labs menu with the internet block option highlighted. You can see a list of apps with toggles next to them, a PIN setup screen, and the Downtime scheduling interface. The design follows One UI 9’s clean, rounded aesthetic. If you are on the beta, you might already have access — check the Connectivity Labs section. The screenshots confirm it works as described, with a simple on/off for each app and a prominent lock icon indicating PIN protection is active.

6. When will the final version of this feature be available to everyone?

Samsung hasn’t given an official release date, but since it is part of One UI 9 beta, the stable rollout is expected alongside the full OS launch. Typically, Samsung’s One UI major version updates debut with new Galaxy flagships. A plausible window is late 2025 or early 2026 for compatible devices. The beta itself is available for select Galaxy models (such as the S24 series) via Samsung Members. If you want to try it early, enrolling in the beta program is the best bet. Keep in mind that features in beta can be modified or even dropped before final release.