One UI 9 Brings Network-Level Distraction Blocking System

Samsung’s One UI 9 beta brings a fresh Galaxy experience with a host of new features and improvements. Now, an experimental feature has come to light that offers a network-level system to block distractions. It is unclear whether this capability will become part of the final build as a regular feature or remain hidden within settings.

Samsung explores the ability to block internet access for distracting apps

While digging through the latest official One UI 9 beta build, folks over at Android Authority spotted a new feature titled “Network management for concentration.” It shows up as part of Connectivity Labs, a hidden diagnostic menu on Galaxy devices. The feature description reads “Reduce distractions from videos, social media, and games to improve concentration on work and study.”

This suggests that Samsung is exploring a new way to handle distractions, going beyond simple app timers. It seems that you can block internet access for selected apps. There is a “Restrict apps” section that lists different categories of apps, such as Social, Browser, and Streaming.

Each category shows representative apps, along with a button to enable restrictions. For example, if you want to restrict access to WhatsApp, you will find it within the Social category. Once enabled, the system could prevent the selected apps from accessing the internet.

Samsung also included the ability to configure network controls and PIN protection. This could come in handy if parents want to prevent children from disabling the restrictions without permission. Thanks to the “Downtime” option, you can schedule when the blocking should start and end.

Note that the new distractions tool is in the beta stage, buried inside experimental labs. It may or may not make its way in the final public release of One UI 9. As of now, the Android 17-based beta build is available for the Galaxy S26 series. The final version could first ship with the upcoming Galaxy foldable smartphones, expected in July 2026.