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.
I use it without network permissions on my public profile.
Unrelated, I really think you should compromise on this point and try it out.
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.
If it has accessibility service and device admin it still has extremely strong permission
“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.
”
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
Would the changes be specified after or before the waiting period?
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.
Do you just give some random app’s accesbility and device owner permissions?
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
No, I test them in a separate profile
Is GrapheneOS certified?
A “GrapheneOS device” (Motorola collab) may come “certified” 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, that emanate from such a setup, intact).
Is rooting the device really that big of a deal?
Because it seems like its nearly impossible to get what you describe without rooting
Yes, it weakens device security significantly
Perhaps once MDM on grapheneos is released it will be a good option.
Why?
Aren’t all desktop operating system’s rooted by default and still can be safe?
I would suggest buying a kitchen safe ( time locking container) or a lockable metal timer padlock.
I think the main issue is that rooting breaks verified boot
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
Manual for Andoff: How to install | Andoff manual (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:
-
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.
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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.
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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
I need my phone, so I can’t just lock it away