-Device owner apps: Spoiler Device owner apps work on any android device. They can't be force-stopped, removed from the settings app. They are also not affected or killed by power saving modes. You can only have one device owner on your phone. Handoff and Google family link are the best options to try. -Handoff (a Test DPC fork) https://forum.nofap.com/index.php?threads/android-device-policy-management-dpc.304668/ The main differences from Family Link: -You can protect Handoff settings using a password or a delay. -You can block installing apps completely or try smart blocking to auto suspend new apps, then you will have to unsuspend them by waiting for the delay/password. Smart blocking is not very reliable at the moment. -Handoff has a slightly more hardened Factory Reset Protection (FRP). This doesn't mean that Family Link's FRP could be bypassed. The difference is not significant. -You could lock Private DNS settings using Handoff. -You could protect apps so they can't be removed/force-stopped using Handoff. -Block VPN creation (optional). Always on VPN not currently supported in Handoff. It also has common features with Google Family Link: Suspend (block) apps. With Family link, the same could be done remotely. Disable ADB debugging and developer settings, factory reset protection, prevent multi user support and new user creation, disallow safe mode. -Google Family Link: The best feature of Family Link is that it works as a remote app lock, all of its settings could also be modified remotely. If you want to install a new app, it sends a notification to your accountability partner and he could approve or reject your request. It also prevents: *Installing apks without permission *Access to developer mode without permission (Blocks USB debugging/rooting) *Forces safe search on Chrome (and not other browsers) *Blocks porn on Chrome (still not perfect) *Blocks Safe mode by default. For step by step instructions, click here. Google family link can't be removed even when you factory reset your phone. -Using ADB to disable system apps & to speed-up your phone's animations. (All credits to @Infidel.48 ) Spoiler You could use ADB to disable system apps including Android System Webview (in-app browsers) and vpndialogs (responsible for creating new VPNs). If you're using Handoff or Test DPC, you could use the Hide or Suspend features to have a similar effect. So just skip this. Speeding up transitions will make it harder to bypass applocks and blockers. This could be bypassed easily on newer phones as there is a switch in phone settings to enable and disable animations. I have animations disabled anyway because it makes my phone feel faster. ADB might not be required for this as you could turn off animations directly from phone settings or developer options. -Using ADB to disable system apps including in-app browsers: Spoiler You could get the same effect by using handoff's Hide/suspend features. If you don't know how to enter ADB commands, start here: https://forum.nofap.com/index.php?threads/adb.305532/ Apps that you might want to disable: Android System webview app (loads in-app browsers) com.google.android.webview Vpn dialogs (creates new VPNs, disabling this will keep your old vpn profiles) com.android.vpndialogs Both of those apps could be disabled using Handoff (and not Test DPC) Warning: Don't disable random system apps as some apps are required for your phone to start. If you remove the wrong system app, you might get stuck at boot loop. If you don't know what an app does, just leave it alone. First, you need an app inspector to get the package name of the app you want to disable: App inspector: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ubqsoft.sec01 To get the package name:https://ibb.co/mtwFKwK OR Package name viewer: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.csdroid.pkg OR Current activity: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.willme.topactivity Enabling current activity will show you the package name and current activity of any app that you open. Example: com.clock.wimi (this is the package name) com.clock.wimi.Mainactivity (this is the current activity) We only need the package name. Using the package name , you could disable or uninstall the system app for the current user. Uninstalling apps for the current user: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.huawei.compass Now, you have uninstalled that app. If you want to re-install it later: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.huawei.compass Getting rid of in-app browsers: If you uninstall android webview app, in-app browsers won't work but some apps will crash when you click links inside them. Uninstall webview for the current user: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.webview Now, you have uninstalled the webview. If you want to re-install it later: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.google.android.webview (you could also hide the app in handoff which has a similar effect) Some apps use Chrome's custom tabs to open links, so disabling Chrome (com.android.chrome) might be also needed to get rid of all in-app browsers. Getting rid of VPNs Another system app that you could disable is com.android.vpndialogs Disabling it will prevent you from connecting to any VPN (including those used by some web filtering apps.). To uninstall vpndialogs: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.vpndialogs To reinstall later: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.vpndialogs (or just use handoff) Don't disable/uninstall random system apps or your phone might get stuck in a boot loop. -Speeding up animations and transitions Spoiler A)Speed up animations and transitions. Use this if you could bypass app locks and other filters because they are too slow. On newer phones, this could be turned off directly from the phone settings. From Settings>Developer Options, change the following to 0 or 0.25 (thanks @the300clean ) Window animation scale Transition animation scale Animator duration scale This will make it unlikely to bypass blockers and app locks even if you have very fast fingers and will make your phone faster too. The same could be done using adb: (credits to @Infidel.48 ) You could set the value to 0, 0.25, 0.5, etc. Code: adb shell settings put global window_animation_scale 0 settings put global transition_animation_scale 0 settings put global animator_duration_scale 0 -Safe browsers Spoiler -Pluckeye Browser: (thanks @Infidel.48 ) Another good safe browser for android is pluckeye. You could import the same configuration that you use on your PC. It even supports flee rules. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.pluckeye.tober If you want to block all images and videos, you'll have to import this configuration (classic-android) as the default configuration (classic) doesn't work on this browser. https://u.pluckeye.net/configurations/37492 -SPIN browser: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nationaledtech.spinbrowser&hl=en&gl=US -Blocks blocks porn, proxies, mixed sites -Search engines set to safe search. You could also use "Filter Chrome" app to block browsers other than SPIN (and Chrome). (discussed later) This disables all in-app browsers and browsers other than SPIN browser which is filtered and safe. Before you proceed with the rest of the blockers Spoiler Web filters and app locks Issues with third party blockers: 1-Most web filters and applocks that use the "Accessibility" permission will be killed by the phone's battery optimization settings which kill apps working the background. If any web filter/applock does not work at all or stops working after some time, you'll need to stop your phone from killing it: https://dontkillmyapp.com/ 2-If the blocker is not free or needs premium, a good idea is to look for a modded premium apk on google. 3-Locking those web filters can be tricky. Here are a few ideas: Using Handoff -Disable "app controls" in Handoff. This will prevent you from uninstalling, resetting and clearing the data of all apps on your phone. -Another softer solution is to add your app to the blocked uninstallation list in Handoff. This will prevent your app from being removed just like any device admin app. -You could use the "Suspend" feature in Handoff to lock the blocker, it will lock access to the web filter app so you can't open it to change its settings. The blocker will continue to work in the background. Apps that block using keywords like BlockP and Adult Block: You could customize it and keywords to block access to device admin, accessibility, usage access permissions, etc. There are many other good keyword blocking apps like Adult Block (all discussed later) Eset parental controls It automatically blocks access to accessibility permissions, battery optimization settings, developer mode, etc. However, you can't customize its blocking.(discussed later) Nuke option, Locking the settings app: -This is better done using a third party or the phone's built-in app lock if present. To connect to new wi-fi networks or bluetooth devices while locking the settings app, you could search for "wifi connection manager" or "bluetooth connection manager" on the play store. Examples: -WiFiman: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ubnt.usurvey&hl=en&gl=US -Bluetooth pair: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.waylonhuang.bluetoothpair&hl=en&gl=US I cannot guarantee they will work for you. You can just test more apps from the play store to find something that will work. -I also have to mention that the settings app could also be done using the "Suspend" option in Handoff, however, you wont' be able to add change any setting or add new bluetooth devices/wifi networks using connection managers. So it's not a very good solution. Never "hide" the settings app using Handoff, or your phone will get stuck in a boot loop. Package installer com.google.android.packageinstaller is responisble for installing and uninstalling apps. If you uninstall this using adb, you won't be able to install/remove apps. You could also add com.google.android.packageinstaller to keyword blocking of BlockP or other blockers, which will prevent you from uninstalling apps. A much better option is using Handoff or similar apps like Test DPC. -Enforcing Cleanbrowsing DNS. Spoiler There are two apps that could achieve this: A)Cleanbrowsing official app. This one changes your phone's Private DNS and prevents you from modifying it without a passcode. It uses accessibility and device admin permissions to protect the app against removal. It doesn't use a VPN, that's why it's different from other DNS changers. https://cleanbrowsing.org/guides/android/ B)Bulldog(Guardian Angel) This one uses a VPN to lock Cleanbrowsing DNS. You could give it a try if the Cleanbrowsing app doesn't work well for you. Depending on your region, it might be called "Bulldog blocker" or "Guardian Angel". It enforces Cleanbrowsing DNS: *Standard Mode (Cleanbrowsing Adult DNS): Enforces safe search on Google and other search engines. Blocks porn sites. *Cautious Mode (Cleanbrowsing Family DNS) Sam as standard +Blocks reddit, twitter, proxies and mixed sites, enforces youtube restricted mode(no comments & blocks unsafe videos). You could use the native locking methods of Bulldog and you also lock bulldog using a separate app lock. Download: They are the same thing, just download the one available for your region. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.everaccountable.bulldog&hl=en https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.everaccountable.bulldog&hl=en&gl=US Good filtering apps Spoiler -BlockP: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.blocking.sites An all in-one web filter with powerful keyword blocking. The keyword blocking could be used to block websites, apps from the play store, block pages in phone Settings app like private DNS, VPN, etc. Ideas for keywords to block: device admin (This will prevent removing/adding device admins from phone settings) accessibility(This should prevent turning accessibility permissions on/off for apps. However on Samsung phones, you have to add com.samsung.accessibility .I got this package name using the "Current activity" app from the play store.) usage data access (This will prevent adding/removing the usage data access permission to apps. On some phones, you might need to add "usage access". It depends on the title displayed in your settings app) blockp (adding this will prevent you from playing with the app settings by going to Settings>apps>blockP. You could also add more app names to lock them) proxy vpn browser (optional to add) Don't forget to add safe sites like nofap to the whitelist. And to enable: Make block p work throughout the phone, block newly installed browsers, block in-app browsers and other features as needed. -Filter Chrome + app blocker Download from here: https://filterchrome.com/ Click on "download for all android devices". This version is better than the play store version. It will block all browsers on your phone including in-app browsers except for SPIN browser. Applocks Spoiler -Adult block: It locks accessibility and device admin screens in Settings, preventing anyone from removing apps from there. You just need to add keywords to its blocked list like: device admin, accessibility, usage data. Its keyword blocking works in a different way than other filters as it scans the words in the opened app. For example, I added the word "shortcut" to the blocked keywords. This blocked me from turning off accessibility permissions for all apps because this word is repeated in the accessibility pages of all apps. It can also block new apps by categories like browsers, games, etc. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mw.adultblock After you install go directly to the settings and activate uninstall protection and keep alive, etc. Then add your keywords and app blocking rules. -ESET Parental Controls: *Powerful anti-tampering: Prevents changing accessibility, battery optimization, usage access permissions for all apps. So make sure you don't lock this till you add all your filtering apps. *blocks battery optimization, low power mode, etc on some phones. *Its web filter doesn't work on all phones. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.eset.parental&hl=en&gl=US If you want to change settings in the developer mode (like usb debugging/wireless debugging) while it is blocked, you could use this app which needs an adb command to grant it the required editing permissions: https://github.com/MuntashirAkon/SetEdit -Digital Detox: (Thanks @Infidel.48 !) Features: *Impossible to bypass *Allow certain apps that you need. *Prevents bypassing Accessibility/Device Admin/Usage Access permissions. *Blocks recent apps to prevent bypassing filters Steps: 1-On allowed apps list, click on main > select all 2-Remove testDPC (and settings) from the list 3-Important: click on show all apps and then search for home, then select your homescreen app, it differs with vendors. 4-Disable emergency use (optional) 5-Enable block power options to block safe mode.(optional) 6-Activate device admin https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.urbandroid.ddc Blocking Detox browser: (thanks @HumanP ) Settings > Apps Whitelist > Untick Allow Detox Browser After that, you want to get a trusted friend to download Digital detox on their phone and generate a Mentor code On friends phone: Settings > Accountability > Accountability Mentor > Show code On your phone : Settings > Accountability > Accountability Mentor > Your Mentors code > Write down the code on your friend's phone > Tick Only Mentor can change settings -You could alternatively uninstall Android Web View using ADB. -Lock me out: Taking app locking to the next level. Another must-have. Block apps & sites and gives you a penalty (locks your phone), if you try opening blocked apps. If you lock the Play Store, you won't be able to install apks. (reported by @the300clean) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.teqtic.lockmeout&hl=en&gl=US -Keep Me Out: (Thanks @Infidel.48 !) A productivity app that lets you lock your phone completely for certain time. Useful for procrastinators. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=vikesh.dass.lockmeout&hl=en&gl=US -Norton app lock: This one can also block recent apps. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.symantec.applock&hl=en&gl=US -FocusMe: An app to boost productivity. See how much time you spend on your apps and how many times you start them. Block or time-limit apps or websites. You could almost get the same features by using Google Family Link. Download: https://focusme.com/download/android/ -Appblock This one is a popular app lock so I had to mention it. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=cz.mobilesoft.appblock&hl=en&gl=US -AppLock - Fingerprint: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sp.protector.free -Applock by Domobile: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applockwatcher&hl=en_US&gl=US I have listed other porn blockers in the following spoiler. You don't have to use them. Also, depending on your android version and your OEM (battery optimization), some of the following apps won't work properly or might not even work at all: Spoiler: other apps -Kaspersky safe kids: On android 10+, it will probably filter Chrome only. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kaspersky.safekids&hl=en&gl=US Excellent porn blocker that filters in-app browsers. But it's still recommended that you block browsers other than chrome. As usual, you'll sign up using a friend's email or using a temporary mail. And for the password you'll type random letters in your "Notes" app on your phone and copy it and paste it as your account's password. Then you save BOTH the email and the password on lockbox.pluckeye.net. Kaspersky is not a joke. If you lost the email or the password, it would NEVER allow you to uninstall and if you tried to be a smart ass and attempted to mess around with your Device Admins, it will lock you out of all apps for some time. Setting up this one is a bit tricky as it will lock your phone's settings by default. So you'll have to login to https://my.kaspersky.com/ then select "kids" then "applications" then select your phone. Scroll down till you find settings and enable it. It also blocks many other apps by default like telegram and google play music, so check out all of the forbidden apps. Step 1: https://pasteboard.co/JJbMORf.png Step 2: https://pasteboard.co/JJbN7Wc.png You will also have to unblock categories other than porn and proxies under "Internet" tab: step 1: get to Internet tab https://pasteboard.co/JJmkFed.png step 2: Youtube restricted mode enable/disable (enabled by default) https://pasteboard.co/JJml9wL.png step 3: Allow other categories, and add nofap.com to allowed sites. https://pasteboard.co/JJmlsEh.png 3-kids app Qustodio: Might not block any bad sites on Android 10+ *Blocks porn sites, proxy sites and VPNs. *Blocks unsafe browsers and apps automatically. *Powerful self-protection to prevent removal. -Download link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.qustodio.qustodioapp&hl=en&gl=US -Setting up its email and password: (1.5 min video) -Website exceptions (allow or block) could be added on family.qustodio.com : https://pasteboard.co/JEsya6U.png -Blocksite Blocksite will be used to block porn sites with keywords. Please use this version of Blocksite: https://www.mediafire.com/file/6mjhfpocq17uklu/BlockSite-v1.6.2513%5BUNLIMITED%5D_MoD_by-Mikesew1320.apk/file This very short video is important for choosing the best settings for blocksite:
I use Guardian Angel on mobile and Blocker X on my laptop. They work pretty good but are there any privacy issues? Are they safe?
What do you think about "KeyOS - Kiosk Lockdown | App Blocker | Child Lock" ? It blocks recent apps view, battery saving mode, options, apps and services you decides and it starts quickly. But is it safe? It needs lots of permissions and has no ads or a buy option... Edit: try this one guys: Kids Place Parental Controls another kiosk free app, seems to block everything and starts quickly.
Is there other way than Filter Chrome or test DPC to block in-app browser of Messenger? Uninstalling webservices seem to not work as well... It's the last possible way for me to cheat in my phone and I can't afford to block messenger. Please help.
Thanks mate! Thanks for the suggestions! I am planning to test those. I guess they are safe. If they are not, the play store will remove them.
hello about this app, it has an inner unsafe 'Detox Browser ' , how to block it totally? without blocking the digital detox function
Hey man, Sorry I don't know how to block it. I have actually never used Digital Detox because I have an iPhone. But I am sure there is a way out there to do it.
What about DNS66? I find it pretty useful, since in the github repo it has all the necessary files for blocking almost all unwanted websites. For Android Link - https://github.com/julian-klode/dns66 Link for App - https://github.com/julian-klode/dns66/releases/download/v0.6.8/org.jak_linux.dns66_29.apk
For split screen I use a button remapper app to unmap the hardware key to access it and lock access to that app with a kiost like Kids place.
To deal with the recovery mode reset, you could use family link, so even if the phone is reset, you'll need the parent's G-account password.
Block Detox browser : Settings > Apps Whitelist > Untick Allow Detox Browser After that,you want to get a trusted friend to download Digital detox on their phone and generate a Mentor code On friends phone: Settings > Accountability > Accountability Mentor > Show code On your phone : Settings > Accountability > Accountability Mentor > Your Mentors code > Write down the code on your friend's phone > Tick Only Mentor can change settings You are required to enter the Mentor code if you ever want to change the settings.Just tell your friend to never give you the code and you're safe.Be sure to have your preferred settings set before doing this. Edit:Just found out this can be easily bypassed by reinstalling the app.It automatically deletes your mentor so you can change any settings you want.To deal with this,make DD a device admin app.It should prevent you from uninstalling the app.Again,device admin app can easily be changed.To lock the device admin settings just download Adultblock from above and tick the prevent uninstall box from Adultblock's setting.Login password is required if you ever want to change device admin app settings. Hope this helps.
I've found Spin Browser to be helpful, especially when used alongside Truple Web Filter. Truple acts as an app blocker and DNS based web filter. You can setup a passcode that locks Truple settings. I'm somewhat IT literate and haven't found a way to bypass it.