# Effective Parental/Self Control Solutions for Android? **URL:** https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/effective-parental-self-control-solutions-for-android/36177 **Category:** Questions **Created:** 2026-03-11T01:19:56Z **Posts:** 79 ## Post 1 by @Archer — 2026-03-11T01:19:56Z I am looking for a solution for Android that enables parental/self control, especially the feature to set schedules that restrict app usage at specific times. For example only allow whitelisted apps from 23:00/11PM to 09:00/9AM. It would be preferred if its possible to have multiple restricted time window’s The solution should also full fill the following points - 100% Open Source, without closed source dependencies like Google Services. - Only allows changing it’s settings with password and/or timelock rule (password is **not** the device password) - Strong tamper protection against disabling, uninstallation, permission’s removal and other tampering methods - Works when the restricted person has access to the owner profile / the owner profile is used as the main profile - Don’t consume to much battery, at least outside the restricted time window. - Works without rooting the device (If it fullfill’s the other point’s, you can still suggest it, but please say that it requires root) --- ## Post 2 by @Davian — 2026-03-11T21:25:55Z > [@Archer](#): > > timelock rule How do you mean? --- ## Post 3 by @Archer — 2026-03-13T17:14:11Z With timelock rule I mean something like: If you want to change the settings of the app you need to wait a specified amount of time before you can do them. This ensures that you can’t make impulsive decision’s. --- ## Post 4 by @ThePrivacyDad — 2026-03-13T23:57:59Z This doesn’t answer your question about an app directly, but if it is for your own use - have you tried charging your smartphone in a different room than where you sleep at night? --- ## Post 5 by @curious78 — 2026-03-14T00:49:46Z No sure if this is entirely what you are looking for but here is one on f-droid: > **[TimeLimit](https://timelimit.io/en/)** --- ## Post 6 by @Archer — 2026-03-14T15:05:14Z > [@ThePrivacyDad](#): > > This doesn’t answer your question about an app directly, but if it is for your own use - have you tried charging your smartphone in a different room than where you sleep at night? The major problem is not that my phone prevents me from sleeping while I’m in bed, but that I go later to bed because I’m distracted by my phone or another device. Or that I eat dinner to late because of such distractions. --- ## Post 7 by @ignoramous — 2026-03-14T17:43:13Z > [@Archer](#): > > Strong tamper protection against disabling, uninstallation, permission’s removal and other tampering methods Don’t think this is possible on (certified) Androids unless the device is ‘managed’ (as in via [MDMs](https://www.android.com/enterprise/management/) or [Google FamilyLink](https://familylink.google.com/)). > [@Can Android network_security_config.xml be bypassed?](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/can-android-network-security-config-xml-be-bypassed/35971/4): > > (this is where I’d have tagged @anon63378639… alas). * * * > [@Archer](#): > > self control You may have some luck with [Scroll Block](https://github.com/Jujubalandia/scroll-block) (but it uses AccessibilityService, which means it might drain battery quite a bit & I am not sure whether it supports PIN lock). --- ## Post 8 by @Archer — 2026-03-15T20:35:34Z > [@ignoramous](#): > > Don’t think this is possible on (certified) Androids unless the device is ‘managed’ (as in via [MDMs](https://www.android.com/enterprise/management/) or [Google FamilyLink](https://familylink.google.com/)). Could I make a GrapheneOS device managed, without proprietary software? --- ## Post 9 by @ThePrivacyDad — 2026-03-16T22:12:27Z > [@Archer](#): > > The major problem is not that my phone prevents me from sleeping while I’m in bed, but that I go later to bed because I’m distracted by my phone or another device. > Or that I eat dinner to late because of such distractions. Sorry to hear that. I don’t have an answer for you about a self-control app. It seems that as the manager of the device, you’ll always be able to find a work-around to beat the app. What has helped me create more space away from my smartphone is to leave the smartphone at home when I go to work or just out shopping or whatever. The Light Phone was a game-changer for me that way, because I enjoy having it on me. It wouldn’t help with your issue of not being able to turn the device off at night, but it would give you many hours away from the screen during a given day. --- ## Post 10 by @Archer — 2026-03-17T21:11:11Z > [@ignoramous](#): > > You may have some luck with [Scroll Block](https://github.com/Jujubalandia/scroll-block) (but it uses AccessibilityService, which means it might drain battery quite a bit & I am not sure whether it supports PIN lock). It seems like the app only focuses on short form content. > [@ignoramous](#): > > but it uses AccessibilityService, which means it might drain battery quite a bit I think this could be mitigated if the app is only active in a specific time frame --- ## Post 11 by @User53 — 2026-03-18T10:08:10Z > [@Archer](#): > > Works without rooting the device (If it fullfill’s the other point’s, you can still suggest it, but please say that it requires root) I think it would be hard to integrate an app so deep into the system without root, but maybe I am wrong --- ## Post 12 by @Archer — 2026-03-19T15:07:51Z > [@curious78](#): > > No sure if this is entirely what you are looking for but here is one on f-droid: > > [TimeLimit](https://timelimit.io/en/) Reading the description it might be a solution. I will test it later --- ## Post 13 by @anon17897338 — 2026-03-19T16:24:49Z it’s hard to define effective because that is literally dependent on your brain for some people using a DNS solution is enough for others they need serious restrictions that unfortunately just simply do not exist in the fashion you are asking for. Accessibility and parental controls has always been a shortcoming of FOSS projects you may be better off trying to set physical boundaries I feel like trying to make a smart phone less addictive when that’s what it’s designed to do is a bit like trying to make the casino less enticing by just turning off the lights. Like yes it does technically help but it’s not solving the core issue I’d say if you’re on GrapheneOS the best you can do is keep all your distractions in one profile with a super long and complicated alpha numeric password with no biometrics. and then just make your phone as super annoying to use as possible disable JavaScript within Vanadium except for trusted sites you actually need to go to frequently --- ## Post 14 by @iron_angel — 2026-03-19T17:46:37Z This is the one I’m aware of: > **[DetoxDroid: Digital Detoxing as Your New Default | F-Droid - Free and Open...](https://f-droid.org/packages/com.flx_apps.digitaldetox/)** > > Get rid of attention-grabbing and manipulative features. --- ## Post 15 by @Archer — 2026-03-20T15:29:01Z > [@anon17897338](#): > > you may be better off trying to set physical boundaries How would I do this? I need my phone and get just lock it away all day. > [@anon17897338](#): > > you may be better off trying to set physical boundaries I feel like trying to make a smart phone less addictive when that’s what it’s designed to do is a bit like trying to make the casino less enticing by just turning off the lights. Like yes it does technically help but it’s not solving the core issue Phones and computers are just designed to run software, and I see no reason why the souldn’t be able to run a software that enforces restriction’s. A Smartphone is a general purpose device and a casino is a special purpose location. And since you mentioned casino’s, as least where I live, people can ban themself from the casino. So they actually have more “help to self help” then Smart phones. --- ## Post 16 by @anon17897338 — 2026-03-20T16:23:12Z > [@Archer](#): > > How would I do this? > > I need my phone and get just lock it away all day. this looks different for everybody and it depends on your set of values for me the moment I’m around people that don’t drain me my phone becomes irrelevant. A creative hobby that ignites you also helps. if your school/job requires you to be online consistently take breaks away from tech there is a lot of pressure to be always on but even if it’s for just 15 minutes a day just staring into space is still a massive improvement > [@Archer](#): > > A Smartphone is a general purpose device and a casino is a special purpose location. OK that might be poor communication on my part. Yes all computation and technology is neutral. But whom designs it isn’t. Those in silicon valley cant give a fuck about their customers mental health. and even with a custom ROM you’re still using their design language which does have an impact on how you use it. The limitation isnt a technical one but ideological. much of big techs software is specifically designed for **pavlovian conditioning** which is the same tatics casinos use and for smaller projects its usually having to do with blindspots or lacking resources to build something effective for niche use cases. Though personally what I desire isnt “a smart device” but an actual pocketable computer. Ideally you want something like this built in because any 3rd party tool you install will always be trivial to bypass by just uninstalling it. No such FOSS solution exists yet. --- ## Post 17 by @Archer — 2026-03-21T22:58:38Z > [@anon17897338](#): > > this looks different for everybody and it depends on your set of values for me the moment I’m around people that don’t drain me my phone becomes irrelevant. A creative hobby that ignites you also helps. if your school/job requires you to be online consistently take breaks away from tech there is a lot of pressure to be always on but even if it’s for just 15 minutes a day just staring into space is still a massive improvement Thank you for your advice. I think I have not made clear enough what my issue is, its not that I can never get away from my phone or that I spend to much time in total, but that my phone, and also other devices distract me from going to sleep on time or eating dinner on time. > [@anon17897338](#): > > OK that might be poor communication on my part. Yes all computation and technology is neutral. But whom designs it isn’t. Those in silicon valley cant give a fuck about their customers mental health. and even with a custom ROM you’re still using their design language which does have an impact on how you use it. The limitation isnt a technical one but ideological. much of big techs software is specifically designed for **pavlovian conditioning** which is the same tatics casinos use and for smaller projects its usually having to do with blindspots or lacking resources to build something effective for niche use cases. Though personally what I desire isnt “a smart device” but an actual pocketable computer. Ideally you want something like this built in because any 3rd party tool you install will always be trivial to bypass by just uninstalling it. No such FOSS solution exists yet. I agree, and at least from my point of view, it feels like the big tech firms are on the opposite site of the consumer on most such issues. > [@anon17897338](#): > > for smaller projects its usually having to do with blindspots or lacking resources to build something effective for niche use cases. My situation is probably especially worse because of my ADHD. But from personal experience and what is represented in some studies, many people struggle with bad device related habits and it would improve many lives if there would be a solution for this. > [@anon17897338](#): > > Ideally you want something like this built in because any 3rd party tool you install will always be trivial to bypass by just uninstalling it. No such FOSS solution exists yet. Yes, best case would be an option inside the operating itself to set password and timelock rule to harden specific app’s against changes. Then an app could enforce the parental/self control. Or build in an entire parental/self control system inside the operating system. --- ## Post 18 by @Royal — 2026-03-22T19:09:28Z Have you tried DigiPaws? > **[DigiPaws - Reclaim your life](https://digipaws.life/)** > > Digipaws is your ultimate productivity companion! Track activities, set app restrictions, and enhance focus with customizable features—all in a free, open-source app. > **[DigiPaws - Digital Wellbeing and App Blocker | F-Droid - Free and Open Source...](https://f-droid.org/packages/nethical.digipaws/)** > > Monitor and Cut Down Your Screen Time Effectively --- ## Post 19 by @anon67953901 — 2026-03-23T04:00:23Z > **[Cut your screen time in half | one sec](https://one-sec.app/)** > > one sec is the screen time app that truly works – scientifically. Limit your social media use, block websites and more. Get back in control. [https://one-sec.app/](https://one-sec.app/) not strict, but an interesting philosophy --- ## Post 20 by @Archer — 2026-03-24T01:14:48Z > [@curious78](#): > > No sure if this is entirely what you are looking for but here is one on f-droid: > > [TimeLimit](https://timelimit.io/en/) I tested the app and noticed the following problem: I can’t activate “Protect against manipulation”, I think the App says that it needs device owner for this, but it “only” has device admin. So I can just go to the app page and disable it or remove permissions. Also I find the settings a bit confusing. --- ## Post 21 by @Archer — 2026-03-24T17:02:43Z > [@anon67953901](#): > > [https://one-sec.app/](https://one-sec.app/) > > [https://one-sec.app/](https://one-sec.app/) > > not strict, but an interesting philosophy Thanks for the link, but it seems that the source code is not available. I understand that their a reason to not publish the source code, but for a app which such strong permissions, I don’t want to compromise on this. --- ## Post 22 by @anon67953901 — 2026-03-24T18:57:43Z I use it without network permissions on my public profile. Unrelated, I really think you should compromise on this point and try it out. > [@Archer](#): > > - Works when the restricted person has access to the owner profile / the owner profile is used as the main profile Because you can make a really well-functioning self-control solution with this. - Owner profile password too long / complicated to memorize written down or stored with trusted person. - ADB to remove vanadium. - No app stores installed. This lets you install the apps you want, and no need to rely on self-control when using the phone. I know it doesn’t solve anything with the time stuff, but you can seriously make a phone with zero distractions, along with all the apps you need like maps. --- ## Post 23 by @Archer — 2026-03-24T23:13:04Z > [@anon67953901](#): > > I use it without network permissions on my public profile. If it has accessibility service and device admin it still has extremely strong permission --- ## Post 24 by @Archer — 2026-03-25T16:18:29Z > [@iron_angel](#): > > This is the one I’m aware of: > > [DetoxDroid: Digital Detoxing as Your New Default | F-Droid - Free and Open Source Android App Repository](https://f-droid.org/packages/com.flx_apps.digitaldetox/) “DetoxDroid does not require you to choose a time and place when you want to “detox”" Does the app has a schedules feature? Does it has an anti tampering feature? Because this is the main things I want I can’t find scheduling or tamper protection in the feature list. “ FEATURES \* Grayscale: Going grayscale removes positive reinforcements and dampens compulsive smartphone use. \* Exceptions: Exclude apps like your camera or gallery from the grayscale feature. \* Automatic Do Not Disturb: Never forget to enter the “Do Not Disturb” mode. \* Opt-out \> Opt-in: Deliberately pause DetoxDroid rather than deliberately switching it on. ” --- ## Post 25 by @Archer — 2026-03-26T21:34:49Z > [@anon67953901](#): > > Unrelated, I really think you should compromise on this point and try it out. > > ![](https://forum-cdn.privacyguides.net/user_avatar/discuss.privacyguides.net/archer/48/11846_2.png) Archer: > > > - Works when the restricted person has access to the owner profile / the owner profile is used as the main profile > > Because you can make a really well-functioning self-control solution with this. > > - Owner profile password too long / complicated to memorize written down or stored with trusted person. > - ADB to remove vanadium. > - No app stores installed. > > This lets you install the apps you want, and no need to rely on self-control when using the phone. > > I know it doesn’t solve anything with the time stuff, but you can seriously make a phone with zero distractions, along with all the apps you need like maps. I can’t use a dumbphone like setup because I need to use a browser and other stuff that could distract me. Therefore I need schedules --- ## Post 26 by @Libre_Software_Enjoyer — 2026-03-27T23:10:50Z > [@Archer](#): > > If you want to change the settings of the app you need to wait a specified amount of time before you can do them. > This ensures that you can’t make impulsive decision’s. Would the changes be specified after or before the waiting period? --- ## Post 27 by @Archer — 2026-03-29T20:13:46Z > [@Royal](#): > > Have you tried DigiPaws? > > [https://digipaws.life/](https://digipaws.life/) [DigiPaws - Digital Wellbeing and App Blocker | F-Droid - Free and Open Source Android App Repository](https://f-droid.org/packages/nethical.digipaws/) I have installed and tested it now. It provides some tamper protection and seems to be solid, but I need to do more testing on it. --- ## Post 28 by @B977 — 2026-03-30T20:00:56Z > [@Archer](#): > > I have installed and tested it now. Do you just give some random app’s accesbility and device owner permissions? --- ## Post 29 by @Archer — 2026-04-05T21:21:56Z > [@Libre_Software_Enjoyer](#): > > Would the changes be specified after or before the waiting period? It would probably be better if I have to specify what changes I want and then have to wait before they take effect, but both option would be ok --- ## Post 30 by @Archer — 2026-04-07T19:28:01Z > [@B977](#): > > Do you just give some random app’s accesbility and device owner permissions? No, I test them in a separate profile --- ## Post 31 by @Colter — 2026-04-09T12:24:09Z > [@ignoramous](#): > > Don’t think this is possible on (certified) Androids unless the device is ‘managed’ (as in via [MDMs](https://www.android.com/enterprise/management/) or [Google FamilyLink](https://familylink.google.com/)). > [@Archer](#): > > Could I make a GrapheneOS device managed, without proprietary software? Is GrapheneOS certified? --- ## Post 32 by @ignoramous — 2026-04-09T14:14:32Z > [@Colter](#): > > GrapheneOS certified A “GrapheneOS device” ([Motorola collab](https://discuss.grapheneos.org/d/32656-motorola-partnership-announcement/112)) may come “[certified](https://www.android.com/certified/partners/)” when it launches. Otherwise, flashing GrapheneOS on Pixels is just like modding any other device with any compatible Android ROM (with at least major exception that, the _bootloader_ is relockable on Pixels, leaving most of the (foundational) security guarantees, like [verified boot](https://source.android.com/docs/security/features/verifiedboot), that emanate from such a setup, intact). --- ## Post 33 by @Kabo — 2026-04-12T19:37:10Z > [@Archer](#): > > Works without rooting the device (If it fullfill’s the other point’s, you can still suggest it, but please say that it requires root) Is rooting the device really that big of a deal? Because it seems like its nearly impossible to get what you describe without rooting --- ## Post 34 by @B977 — 2026-04-14T18:59:19Z > [@Kabo](#): > > Is rooting the device really that big of a deal? Yes, it weakens device security significantly --- ## Post 35 by @anon67953901 — 2026-04-14T20:42:03Z Perhaps once [MDM](https://discuss.grapheneos.org/d/13587-mdm-on-grapheneos) on grapheneos is released it will be a good option. --- ## Post 36 by @Kabo — 2026-04-15T15:24:09Z > [@B977](#): > > Yes, it weakens device security significantly Why? Aren’t all desktop operating system’s rooted by default and still can be safe? --- ## Post 37 by @jane — 2026-04-16T09:50:29Z I would suggest buying a kitchen safe ( time locking container) or a lockable metal timer padlock. --- ## Post 38 by @Libre_Software_Enjoyer — 2026-04-20T21:49:52Z > [@Kabo](#): > > Is rooting the device really that big of a deal? > Because it seems like its nearly impossible to get what you describe without rooting I think the main issue is that rooting breaks verified boot --- ## Post 39 by @Atom9648 — 2026-04-21T18:43:47Z A software/app by the name of Andoff does what you are looking for. You can lock up apps and enter a custom time limit or delay. For instance, I add 1 hour. Once the app is blocked, if I try to unlock it, I have to wait the delay, aka 1 hour. I believe it is effective for self-control. However, the app also has password protection in case you want to lock distracting apps and then store the unlock password in a safe place. Their desktop software is called Plucky. The Android version is called Andoff. The setup is via an MDM, which is explained on their website. (P.S. Just downloading it from the Play Store won’t work.) Video tutorial and website: [Get Plucky](https://getplucky.net/andoff) Manual for Andoff: [How to install | Andoff manual](https://docs.andoff.one/how-to-install) (I used the adb setup) If you liked Andoff, you can try Plucky for desktop. Sorry, new user, so they only allow me two links, but a quick search will take you to their website. Also, Plucky has a community where you can ask folks for other anti-procrastination app suggestions: Please search up discourse plucky to join the forum. Now, regarding your two other questions: 1. Tampering protection: Plucky/Andoff are solid. Their devs put heart and soul into this project, so it’s tough. But in case you ever find a bypass, their website has a report feature, which they patch up quickly. 2. Open source: Sorry. But you can join the forum and request other folks for alternatives. I believe HeartBlock is another app that people recommended on the Plucky forum based on the open-source firewall app Netguard: Please search up: “HeartGuard GitHub for self control”. Sorry, I’m only allowed two links in this post. 3. Privacy: At the end of the day, you still put your trust in a company. Plucky developers are very transparent about their vision. They are also active on their discourse page so you can see their response to privacy. At the end of the day, I’d say try it out because their app, Andoff, and desktop software, Plucky, are solid. At least, it will give you a start till you work out an MDM solution to control your Android smartphone without relying on third-party software. You can ask AI for DIY MDM solutions. Hope this helps! Lastly, Plucky also has a timed password manager on their website. You can save passwords on the website and add a delay feature before revealing them. Useful if you are using another productivity app and need to keep the password used for locking in a timed vault: Search up Lockbox plucky --- ## Post 40 by @Archer — 2026-04-22T18:05:47Z > [@jane](#): > > I would suggest buying a kitchen safe ( time locking container) or a lockable metal timer padlock. I need my phone, so I can’t just lock it away --- ## Post 41 by @jane — 2026-04-23T10:32:28Z > [@Archer](#): > > The major problem is not that my phone prevents me from sleeping while I’m in bed, but that I go later to bed because I’m distracted by my phone or another device. > Or that I eat dinner to late because of such distractions. My suggestion is due to your problem with going too late to bed/having dinner too late. If your preferred dinnertime is, say, 6pm, a solution could be to lock it from 4 to 7pm. Regarding bedtime: lock it/them 1 hour before and set it to open for instance 8 hours later. Anyway, Good luck. I really hope you succeed to find whatever works for you. And please share: It’s a phenomenon effecting many people globally :worried: --- ## Post 42 by @Kabo — 2026-05-06T22:55:16Z > [@Libre_Software_Enjoyer](#): > > ![](https://forum-cdn.privacyguides.net/user_avatar/discuss.privacyguides.net/kabo/48/11846_2.png) Kabo: > > > Is rooting the device really that big of a deal? > > Because it seems like its nearly impossible to get what you describe without rooting > > I think the main issue is that rooting breaks verified boot Aren’t Linux system all rooted and they can still have verified boot? --- ## Post 43 by @ThePrivacyDad — 2026-05-07T00:11:37Z I keep thinking about your question, as it comes up quite a bit on the main page. I get the feeling the practical answer isn’t going to be an app or a device but rather some kind of adjustment in real life. --- ## Post 44 by @sha123 — 2026-05-07T07:42:19Z > [@Kabo](#): > > Aren’t Linux system all rooted and they can still have verified boot? Depends on how you define “rooted” and “verified boot”. You won’t get the same verified boot on a general purpose Linux as on Android, since Android minimizes trust in persistent state, which is very important for protection against malicious persistence. On Linux even small things like maliciously editing a systemd service file can fully compromise your OS and a reboot won’t safe you. Even if you have secure boot with UKI and dm-verity for /usr, it won’t protect you against this and the only thing it could offer is a somewhat safe reset by deleting all mutable data. On more narrowly purposed devices, like a server or IoT device, you could get meaningful verified boot by discarding all privileged state on reboot. --- ## Post 45 by @Archer — 2026-05-09T17:53:26Z > [@jane](#): > > I would suggest buying a kitchen safe ( time locking container) or a lockable metal timer padlock. > [@jane](#): > > My suggestion is due to your problem with going too late to bed/having dinner too late. > > If your preferred dinnertime is, say, 6pm, a solution could be to lock it from 4 to 7pm. > > Regarding bedtime: lock it/them 1 hour before and set it to open for instance 8 hours later. > > Anyway, Good luck. I really hope you succeed to find whatever works for you. > > And please share: It’s a phenomenon effecting many people globally :worried: The problem is that I could procrastinate on putting my phone in the time lock box like I now procrastinate to for example eat dinner or go to bed. > [@ThePrivacyDad](#): > > I get the feeling the practical answer isn’t going to be an app or a device but rather some kind of adjustment in real life. Do you have any idea what I could change? Unfortunately I can’t uninstall ADHD from my brain --- ## Post 46 by @anon67953901 — 2026-05-09T17:58:57Z I would recommend trying meditation. I really like the [Healthy Minds Program](https://www.humin.org/wellbeing-tools/app). It isn’t a cure-all, but it helps you train you brain. The difference with the HM program and Headspace, calm and other apps: The HM program is super structured, not like a social media app with a gallery, it has a clear curriculum. It is completely free, science based, there are always different lengths and different voices. The creators are leading neuroscientists looking at meditation. --- ## Post 47 by @ThePrivacyDad — 2026-05-10T13:14:30Z It will be different for everyone, but one thing that sometimes helps me is that I’ve started buying paper printed books again and I try to read before bed. It doesn’t always work, but I do notice it really puts my brain in a calmer state, and it is still an activity. I also like music on physical media and enjoy listening on an old school hifi system. These are very affordable now in second hand shops, because everyone is connecting smartphones to Bluetooth devices nowadays. I was kind of half writing to myself when I wrote that comment. I have a tendency to look for solutions to digital problems in digital tools or devices, but sometimes it’s simpler to just do the dishes or something like that and get away from the whole digital realm that way. --- ## Post 48 by @anonymous568 — 2026-05-10T21:39:19Z I think you should pursue meditating. It’s a good practice that will help your brain gain more control over distractions. It’s also overall good for mental health. This isn’t to say that you should forgo all attempts to find an app that works for you. Do both. --- ## Post 49 by @anon16377614 — 2026-05-10T22:41:13Z Sometimes you really need to find a way to force yourself out of these habits first to really get yourself locked in especially if you’re chronically addicted. I’ve been using a heavily locked down Apple Configurator + NextDNS on my apple devices to dumb them down for a while and it’s curbed a lot for me so far. Unfortunately I’ve yet to find anything similar on a DeGoogled Android. Unfortunately, you’re going to have to compromise somewhere within these values you listed. Minimalism is really your only friend on android. If I may ask what makes you majorly distracted what’s your vice on your device? --- ## Post 50 by @anon67953901 — 2026-05-11T01:42:12Z I used to use Apple Configurator to remove safari and appstore on my iPhone. It worked great. Now, on GrapheneOS I used ADB to remove vanadium and appstore from a user profile, while the owner profile has a long password I have memorized. No distracting apps in user profile and nothing set up in owner profile. It works fine for me since the password is so long you can’t use the owner profile regularly—it takes like a minute or two to enter the password. You could also not memorize the owner profile password and have it written down in your basement/attic/friend’s house/with a friend/split it with a friend so they can’t see the whole thing. For me, just being long enough to be really annoying to type is fine because the time that you lose your self control is when it’s late and you just want to easily get that dopamine. I feel like I’ve obtained the same result as on iOS. --- ## Post 51 by @Archer — 2026-05-12T23:49:19Z > [@anon67953901](#): > > I would recommend trying meditation. I really like the [Healthy Minds Program](https://www.humin.org/wellbeing-tools/app). It isn’t a cure-all, but it helps you train you brain. > > The difference with the HM program and Headspace, calm and other apps: The HM program is super structured, not like a social media app with a gallery, it has a clear curriculum. It is completely free, science based, there are always different lengths and different voices. The creators are leading neuroscientists looking at meditation. I have tried mediating some time ago with the Medito app, but I didnt got the feeling that its gives me better self control. Maybe I should try again and stick to it longer to see results.. --- ## Post 52 by @ThePrivacyDad — 2026-05-13T11:13:52Z > [@Archer](#): > > mediating some time ago with the Medito app You could try finding a local zen meditation group-something that isn’t another app. I did that for a while and learned a lot! I also read the book Mindfulness by Joseph Goldstein, slowly, over a period of a year or more. His lectures are really helpful. --- ## Post 53 by @anon16377614 — 2026-05-13T12:47:05Z I don’t think doing meditation through the very vessel you’re trying to avoid is going to be helpful. How long did you try it for? Meditation is about implementing the practice day to day to have improvements think about it in the same vain as a diet health benefits but for your brain so a shitton of patience is required. Also you mentioned having ADHD do you have any sort of fidgeting toys? You could turn to that any time you have the urge to pick up your phone for anything non-essential. It seems corny but I wouldn’t knock it right away. --- ## Post 54 by @anon67953901 — 2026-05-13T21:13:04Z Definitely try it out! --- ## Post 55 by @Archer — 2026-05-15T19:22:42Z > [@ThePrivacyDad](#): > > You could try finding a local zen meditation group-something that isn’t another app. > [@anon16377614](#): > > I don’t think doing meditation through the very vessel you’re trying to avoid is going to be helpful. How long did you try it for? > [@anon16377614](#): > > Also you mentioned having ADHD do you have any sort of fidgeting toys? You could turn to that any time you have the urge to pick up your phone for anything non-essential I think there is a misunderstanding about my problem here and dont describe it well enough: The problem is not that I pick up my phone at random occasion and to random stuff, I can do without my phone for hours if I do something interesting. I am also not a person that consumes short form content (because I realized very quickly that it extremely addictive for me, so I blocked short form content in all browsers). The problem is more that if do something (that is not completely boring) and its time to eat dinner / got to bed, I just cant quit it. So I don’t need something to prevent me from randomly picking up my phone, but something that forces me to put it down when its time to do so. --- ## Post 56 by @ThePrivacyDad — 2026-05-15T21:51:48Z > [@Archer](#): > > The problem is more that if do something (that is not completely boring) and its time to eat dinner / got to bed, I just cant quit it. > So I don’t need something to prevent me from randomly picking up my phone, but something that forces me to put it down when its time to do so. I’m saying I wonder if the solution to your problem maybe not is another app or OS tool, because that connects back to your device. I used to use parenting tools that would shut down devices for my kids, but that only works because someone else is the admin. If you are the admin, you might just use the password and continue. You could ask a trusted friend to be the admin of your parenting tools app, but who’d want to deal with that? I don’t have an answer for you, but I do suspect that your solution isn’t going to be on your phone. --- ## Post 57 by @anon67953901 — 2026-05-15T22:03:01Z Set a router timer to disable internet at certain problematic times? --- ## Post 58 by @Archer — 2026-05-17T18:17:48Z > [@ThePrivacyDad](#): > > but that only works because someone else is the admin. If you are the admin, you might just use the password and continue. You could ask a trusted friend to be the admin of your parenting tools app, but who’d want to deal with that? There are some solutions to this: - No password but a timelock for changing rules - A password that is written on a paper and stored at a place that is uncomfortable to reach - As you mentioned: Someone else who has the password. --- ## Post 59 by @Archer — 2026-05-18T19:42:48Z > [@anon67953901](#): > > Set a router timer to disable internet at certain problematic times? I tried this, but it seems to be buggy and also I need to remember to take my SIM out of the phone early enough. --- ## Post 60 by @Archer — 2026-05-18T19:47:59Z > [@jane](#): > > I would suggest buying a kitchen safe ( time locking container) or a lockable metal timer padlock. Are their timelock safes that have the option to start a secondary unlock countdown? What I mean by this is: - I could set a normal lock timer like 8 hours (example time) - If something changes and I need to unlock the safe sooner: I can press a button and then need to wait 45m (example time) to unlock the safe --- ## Post 61 by @jane — 2026-05-19T08:32:15Z I don’t know; but I would be surprised if that is the case. After all, this solution is a way to overrule depending solely on self-discipline. --- ## Post 62 by @Archer — 2026-05-19T23:24:35Z If the waiting periode for overrule is long enough, then its resistant against impulsive behavior --- ## Post 63 by @jane — 2026-05-20T06:23:27Z Sure. And if your need/reason to unlock before end of time is that urgent, this is probably not a solution for you. --- ## Post 64 by @Archer — 2026-05-22T14:49:02Z Its not very important, cause if I there is an emergency that requires to open the box, I could probably force open the box with a hammer or something similar. Would still nice to have something like a secondary opening method --- ## Post 65 by @User53 — 2026-05-31T20:40:39Z > [@Discord will soon require face scans or ID for all users, or restrict access](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/discord-will-soon-require-face-scans-or-id-for-all-users-or-restrict-access/35323/104): > > makes a valid point. Parenting alone is not enough. Even the best parents will come short, because there’s no such thing as a perfect parent. No parent knows everything. No parents can teach their kids everything. Other institutions like school and the right government policies matter. They have a role to play. Instead of making stupid laws, the government should support software that allows parents who want to regulate their kids to do so in a effective way. --- ## Post 66 by @Colter — 2026-06-04T15:28:52Z > [@anon16377614](#): > > NextDNS Can DNS blocking be used when a VPN is active? --- ## Post 67 by @anon16377614 — 2026-06-05T17:36:30Z If you’re on Android yes Private DNS overrides a VPN MacOS also allows you to override a VPN dns via a mobileconfig file but from my testing it’s inconsistent But then problem you then have to worry about is other browsers or whatever apps own DNS based solutions if you’re on iOS sadly no. You have to depend on your VPNs implementations for custom dns which only iVPN has a good implementation or a custom wireguard file Im not sure about Windows or Linux as I have not used them in a while --- ## Post 68 by @Kabo — 2026-06-05T18:59:03Z > [@ThePrivacyDad](#): > > It seems that as the manager of the device, you’ll always be able to find a work-around to beat the app. > [@sha123](#): > > Depends on how you define “rooted” and “verified boot”. You won’t get the same verified boot on a general purpose Linux as on Android, since Android minimizes trust in persistent state, which is very important for protection against malicious persistence. On Linux even small things like maliciously editing a systemd service file can fully compromise your OS and a reboot won’t safe you. Even if you have secure boot with UKI and dm-verity for /usr, it won’t protect you against this and the only thing it could offer is a somewhat safe reset by deleting all mutable data. On more narrowly purposed devices, like a server or IoT device, you could get meaningful verified boot by discarding all privileged state on reboot. Can Immutable distributions solve this? --- ## Post 69 by @Libre_Software_Enjoyer — 2026-06-18T23:25:03Z > [@Kabo](#): > > ![](https://forum-cdn.privacyguides.net/user_avatar/discuss.privacyguides.net/sha123/48/14_2.png) sha123: > > > Depends on how you define “rooted” and “verified boot”. You won’t get the same verified boot on a general purpose Linux as on Android, since Android minimizes trust in persistent state, which is very important for protection against malicious persistence. On Linux even small things like maliciously editing a systemd service file can fully compromise your OS and a reboot won’t safe you. Even if you have secure boot with UKI and dm-verity for /usr, it won’t protect you against this and the only thing it could offer is a somewhat safe reset by deleting all mutable data. On more narrowly purposed devices, like a server or IoT device, you could get meaningful verified boot by discarding all privileged state on reboot. > > Can Immutable distributions solve this? Immutable distros often prevent changes to system files. On this regard, SecureBlue is probably the best distribution --- ## Post 70 by @sha123 — 2026-06-19T08:38:49Z > [@Libre_Software_Enjoyer](#): > > Immutable distros often prevent changes to system files. > On this regard, SecureBlue is probably the best distribution There is no cryptographic enforcement and its trivial to get persistence as an attacker. Simple example: modify systemd service files. --- ## Post 71 by @B977 — 2026-06-30T23:24:43Z > [@Libre_Software_Enjoyer](#): > > Immutable distros often prevent changes to system files. > On this regard, SecureBlue is probably the best distribution No Linux distro is as secure as Android, especially with GrapheneOS --- ## Post 72 by @Colter — 2026-07-08T01:20:10Z > [@B977](#): > > No Linux distro is as secure as Android, especially with GrapheneOS On Linux, you are always forced to install a lot of apps without any sandbox, that’s the biggest problem --- ## Post 73 by @anon67953901 — 2026-07-08T04:47:11Z Turns out my method has a workaround. I won’t say what it is, but don’t consider it perfect. The “exploit” allows you to use vanadium in any profile no matter what as long as you know the password to that profile. Ik it’s silly, but if anyone knows it, just don’t say it here in case someone still wants to use my method (I consider it a great solution, but unfortunately not for the OP because they need vanadium anyway) I can tell you in messages if you want. I would never have found it if someone didn’t tell me, and I’m not happy they told me. Once [MDM](https://discuss.grapheneos.org/d/13587-mdm-on-grapheneos) is released, it can be patched. **Help me, MDM, you’re my only hope.** --- ## Post 74 by @Libre_Software_Enjoyer — 2026-07-11T17:36:26Z > [@anon67953901](#): > > Once [MDM](https://discuss.grapheneos.org/d/13587-mdm-on-grapheneos) is released, it can be patched. > > **Help me, MDM, you’re my only hope.** Could MDM enable full Open Source parental control? --- ## Post 75 by @anon67953901 — 2026-07-11T17:40:37Z I would guess that it would be open source because GrapheneOS ships Open Source code and it would be based on the AOSP MDM which needs to be adapted to work without play services because of the lack of privelaged play services. I’m not sure about what your particular idea of parental control is, but you would likely be able to remove installing apps, remove Vanadium, block websites. Not sure if it would have time based blocking and it probably wouldn’t be as easy to set up as Apple’s screentime. --- ## Post 76 by @B977 — 2026-08-08T18:46:29Z > [@Colter](#): > > On Linux, you are always forced to install a lot of apps without any sandbox, that’s the biggest problem Its not the only problem. Security on other parts is also weaker --- ## Post 77 by @Sandworm7183 — 2026-08-16T20:15:13Z You’d have to start from factory settings but you could try applying restrictions on your device via google’s [TestDPC](https://github.com/googlesamples/android-testdpc/releases) and applying the adb command to make it the device owner. It doesn’t require Google Play Services. It’s not meant for daily usage but more for testing enterprise solutions nothing technically stops you from doing so maybe a foss project should take notes here :eyes: --- ## Post 78 by @Kabo — 2026-10-14T13:45:01Z > [@sha123](#): > > Simple example: modify systemd service files. What actually is immutable on a imuutable distribution? --- ## Post 79 by @sha123 — 2026-10-14T13:56:07Z Depends on the distribution