This app was mentioned in 87 comments, with an average of 2.22 upvotes
There are some apps you can install that do this. I was using one at my last job for some android devices in the warehouse. I can't remember the name of it though. It might have been this one: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock
Instead of just echoing "why does a 9 yo need a smartphone" comment. Here is one of many solutions.
Install something like "App Locker" and locked all the apps you do not want your child to use. This will include things like the app store, so that they can not install additional applications.
Practice content control and monitoring on children's devices.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock&hl=en
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.martianmode.applock&hl=en
Research and find what works best for you.
Google login is built into Android at a systemwide level. You sign in once, and you're all set. If you want to restrict access to Gmail, I suggest you use a third party application like AppLock.
You can by using an app lock from the Play Store. Only negative is that you can boot the phone into safe mode and disable the lock (from the apps that I've tried in the Play Store). Not sure if that would be a problem or not. This app was linked in a prior comment but I second it, as it's the app that I use on my sons phone: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock
Edit: you can also lock the settings from being opened by this app - so that your kid is unable to uninstall an app.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock&hl=en_US
I hope it's not applock, because I'd rather them not have free range access to the store. It's setup to require a PIN to access.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock&hl=en
this will allow you to password protect individual apps on Android. That said your notes really aren't secure on Keep anyway, as they're not encrypted and stored on Google's cloud, and of course mined for data.
Currently there really aren't any cloud-based note taking platforms worth recommending. I keep using Evernote because it's so feature-rich, but there is no promise of privacy.
There's a lot of app locking apps out there. I just happened to install the first one I found and liked, which is this one:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock
The only things I changed:
PIN (password) instead of the pattern (which you must first setup to install the app, sigh)
Unlocked the "Settings" lock, since I use that a lot
Locked the Play Store
Locked installing/removing apps
Enabled power saving mode
There are other settings, but those were fine for me and my 4yo and 2yo kids.
Now when they try to open something, the PIN prompt comes up and they can't do anything. So far, so good.
I've been using one for a while that does all that.
Ironically its called AppLock: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock&hl=en
It has an addon that prevents uninstallation. So far i dont have any complaint.
Edit: it also has a very cool feature: it hides the fact that its locking an app, you can set it up in a way that when you open a locked app, it shows a "unfortunately, this application has stopped" message, in which you need to enter a "code" to then get to the locking screen (where you put the password or scan your fingerprint). If you fail to enter the "code" the app just force closes.
AFAIK there isn't such a feature built-in so you'll have to use another app. By the screenshots it looks like this app can lock other apps installation.
Try App Lock. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock
I wouldn't worry too much about people adding apps to the HTC Wildfire, I had one, and I could barely fit more than three apps on it without it running out of space. LoL
Most app lockers, if not all, can be bypassed easily.
However, here you go: AppLock.
Last I used the app, it had an ad-free option with less functionality.
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/google-android/parental-control-on-android-image-3461359/
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock&hl=en
Easy. It's literally built into the phone as well for parental/child use and if you share your phone with your kid then lock your own apps with AppLock.
Actually, he won't be able to do much if you choose not to sync everything.
After you sign into/add the account, you can then choose which services you want to sync. You can basically turn everything off except for Play services if you don't want him to see anything.
Then use an app like AppLock to lock the settings app with it's own password, and he can't do anything to change it
I think back when I had Android I used AppLock when I was at work.
Also I really like the Forest app. It locks your phone for a certain amount of time while you grow a tree. You get coins when you complete a tree and then you can buy different kinds of trees. Makes you feel like you accomplished something by staying off your phone.
I've tried many of the app locker apps that can be found on play store, I found Applock by DoMobile Lab in term of features and stability to be the best.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock
If this is the one you mean: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock&hl=en_US I wouldn't trust it! Especially if it want access to all your info, that is like asking for it sharing your data.
I sadly don't know any alternatives since I don't use anything like that. But if you really want it you should preferably find one that is open-source.
I suggest downloading this app and blocking clash royale. Pick a random password, and email it to a friend. Delete the message from sent. It does require a bit of your own effort to contain yourself from saving it, but it will be worth it. That way the only way to re enter the app is to get the code from a friend. If you don't want to tell anyone, let me know and you can send it to my clash roayle email for you.
Have you tried AppLock app for android? Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock&hl=en
I use it to block both the browser web and youtube. I've used a long numeric password I can't remember. The password is the ISBN code of a book which is on my night table
You can get an applocker which locks certain apps behind a pin code. You'll still be able to access them but she won't. this one has a uninstall protection but their are tons more on the play store.
EDIT: If you really want to uninstall them you'll have to root the device.
If you have android 5 lollipop, you could activate the Guest account before handing it over. The person symbol in the upper right corner, in the notification bar.
Or you could have an app that password protects your sensitive apps, something like this
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock
But you'll have to type a password yourself, every time that app is enabled.
Does an app like AppLock meet your needs?
I haven't used it, it was the first Google result for "launcher protect android app pin"
Well all I know is Applock you can put media in a container, that you can only access over the app. Dunno how good it actually is, tho
If you use that watch, you'd need to create a custom launcher as well as the custom ROM. Since this one already has one built for the hardware, I'd stick to using it. You can use Applock to control what apps are available, and perhaps Nova launcher to choose what apps show up, Applock can be used to limit access to all sorts of stuff, and since Nova will hide them that might be your best bet.
No, no watches have their own radio
My special needs brother got a tablet so I had to do some custom adjustments as well. I recommend downloading this app locker to lock with a password all the apps you don't want him using (it's great because you can also block his access from settings menus and all that). Than I recommend downloading some launcher. I use Nova Launcher and it works pretty smoothly. Through the launcher you can make icons bigger and you can customize the order they appear on the screen, you can even lock them in place and hide apps you don't want at his sight. Thorough the accessibility settings of his phone you may as well make the fonts bigger for easier reading.
My special needs brother got a tablet so I had to do some custom adjustments as well. I recommend downloading this app locker to lock with a password all the apps you don't want him using (it's great because you can also block his access from settings menus and all that). Than I recommend downloading some launcher. I use Nova Launcher and it works pretty smoothly. Through the launcher you can make icons bigger and you can customize the order they appear on the screen, you can even lock them in place and hide apps you don't want at his sight. Thorough the accessibility settings of his phone you may as well make the fonts bigger for easier reading. You can hit my PM if you need any help :)
I used this app lock in past and it worked consistently, just provide it with required permissions, you can just toggle off the locks for specific time in the app
Could you use an app to lock the app after you set the alarm? Like this one Applock
​
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock
Jitsi for video calling TextNow for texting (google voice and burner also can issue alternate phone numbers) Signal, Wire, Telegram, or Kik for chatting.
If you're on Android, you can get an app lock app that will password protect individual apps - I use this one. It'll hide notifications if you like, or do that manually.
You can also use a custom launcher like Nova to keep these apps from showing in your app list.
These apps will still show in your lists of apps using battery; if you really need to hide that, I have a comment in my history about app cloners, but that's getting really deep.
If he has a Samsung phone, Samsung Knox will do all that ^ for you.
If he has an iPhone... There are fewer options.
Pretty sure anyone you give this to will quickly learn they're locked out of various functions, so not sure why you'd try to hide it. This one works very well
Does your phone have parent controls? You could try restricting some of its functions.
EDIT: What about this app ?
My son's tablet (an Amazon Fire, so modified Android) has pretty simple parental controls. He likes to download games, but he always has to bring the tablet to my wife or I so we can put in the password. He can get to the store, but can't actually download without the password. I'd look into those parental controls.
Otherwise, I can recommend AppLock, which I've used for years to lock individual apps. It's the only one I've found that I couldn't work around and break in to.
Awesome man. By applock do you mean this app?
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock&hl=en
If so I can add it to the Wiki. A lot of people don't know that you can do this on Android.
It is drastic but the best idea. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock&hl=en. Download the app. Set the password to something random. Send it to a friend and delete it form all your records. Now the app prevents you from opening the app without the password. If you want you can send it to me, just ask
Hmm, haven't tried anything for that use case. Maybe try an app such as this? I've never used, but looks like this or a similar app could get the job done.
Yes, there is an app-blocking app. You can password protect any apps, including Android Settings. Password protect the Play Store app.
...assuming we're talking Android, here.
Here's the one I've used in the past. Not sure if it works on recent versions of Android, as my kids no longer need to have supervision on their devices.
If you're on Android, I use AppLock for this purpose. It's really good, has lots of themes, etc. The only downside is the fullscreen ads in the free version that usually pop up when you exit an app, but they are easy to get rid of by just hitting the "back" button one more time. Or you could buy the premium version if you like it and not worry about ads.
Maybe use an app locker to lock Circle?
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock&hl=en
Edit. Just installed it myself and added fingerprint unlock to Circle. Sweet.
~~Try this app https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock if not available on the Amazon store you could try apkmirror.com~~
Sorry, it seems that app uninstallation blocking is broken in the newer version.
To hide it from the Google Play download list, you would need to either install an APK that isn't linked to your Google account or strip the link via an app like Titanium Backup. I don't know of a way to hide it from the settings screen, but I wouldn't be surprised to see an Xposed module that lets you do that. Regardless, you will need root for this.
For a simpler solution, you could try an app locker (e.g. AppLock) that requires you to authenticate before opening certain apps.
I have an app locker when I hand someone my phone, they don't have free reign over it until they give it back. All my important stuff is passcode protected, my unimportant stuff isn't
Try AppLock. I never tried it myself. There are some others that also do this but this one seems to have the best ratings.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock
Well for example AppLock and Lockdown Pro (two free apps that do pretty much the exact same things as this one) both have an option to lock install/unistall (so that in order to do those actions you'd have to enter the passcode). There's no reason why these apps shouldn't work on your rooted KitKat device - though with root there's a possibility a clever user might be able to find a way to somehow bypass this (though I personally wouldn't stress about it).
I used this app
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock
I was wrong it is called Applock
I can set pins or passwords to different apps and some settings or functions.
There are many applock apps that can do this.. For eg.. This..
We've been using a cheap Leapfrog Tablet for my autistic 7 year-old for the last year or so. She's beat it to hell and so for Christmas we're replacing it with an Asus Zentab (Z380M) (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FGCXUDU/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I2OZ74O6ODRHKW&colid=2ZBMP3T95ZQB&psc=0). I've set it up using AppLock (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock) as the primary method of restricting her access to the internal controls.
I'm also using Google Family Link (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.kids.familylink) in order limit the access of her profile and to keep track of what she is accessing. This is what will probably be most helpful to you to disable calling/texting anyone besides a specific list of people.
In the past I also have tried out the following kid-friendly launcher replacements. They all work well enough, and may be useful depending on the child in question:
Use a app like this (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock) and ask your friend to create a password?
I use applock by domobile Lab
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock
You can block Chrome with this app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock&hl=en
App Lock works good for me https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock
Step 1 - Get the AppBlock app (this will help you block certain apps, obviously) but don't start blocking apps yet.
Step 2 (optional) - Download a safebrowser app if you have other issues on the web.
Step 3 - Get the Advanced Protection app (this has the ability to prevent yourself from uninstalling AppBlock or this same one without a password). You can do this by going to the PROTECT tab, and selecting ADVANCED PROTECTION.
Step 4 - Create a bogus email (gmail, or yahoo). One that has a crazy long password and that wont stay logged in. Hide the password on a piece of paper at your job or behind the fridge to avoid temptation.
Step 5 - Now, using AppBlock, block each and every distracting app that you don't need. This also includes the Play Store. BLOCK IT. This will be tough, but find the will to do it. This prevents you from downloading additional nonsense you don't need. All you need is a safebrowser, email, and maps, IMO.
Step 6 - Use the email (optional, and reccomended) to retrieve your password in the future so you can actually uninstall this stuff in the future, when its time. Create another insanely difficult pattern or pin number (reccomended) and forget about it. Dont even write it down.
Save everything, and thats it!
Now you cant view certain apps and you cant be tempted to uninstall them either.
(IMPORTANT NOTE: This may also stop you from being able to use bluetooth or wifi settings in order to create NEW connections. Any saved bluetooth or wifi connections already programmed in your phone should work just fine though....but think of it this way: "this is the price you'll need to pay in order to develop self-discipline." Pay the price and be done with it.)
This install advance protection with it (it's an option available within the app and it's free of course)
Just use Applock and lock the Play store app. They won't be able to download more apps without you entering a password.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock&hl=en
I just downloaded it an hour ago and haven't used it yet
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8/themes/adhell-2-rootless-ad-blocking-t3663559 Adhell marche tres bien sur les appareils Samsung disposant de Knox, et je me sert de https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock&hl=en pour verrouiller l'accés aux applications sur les téléphones restreints des employés de ma boite.
si c'est une tablette pas derniere génération l'ancienne version d'Adhell suffira largement et s'installe en 2 clics : https://ufile.io/9zw7p (je te l'ai up moi même, ca évite d'aller chercher des trucs qui se révèlent pourris)
sur XDA elle pourra apprendre a rooter sa tablette elle-même et se servir d'Ad-away. c'est l'occasion de lui faire découvrir les joies du root et des roms sur Android :)
Use app lock
You can block Chrome with this app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock&hl=en
Settings > Privacy > Protected apps?
I'm running CM14.1 though. Alternatively, AppLock works just fine.
Might have to bug the devs of https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock&hl=en to add it
Maybe something like this: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock
App Locker works great for my ten year old child. You can't uninstall it without the password and you can pick specific apps to lock down.
The only downside is they now have full-screen ads and want a membership fee to get rid of them. There are many others though, I've even seen some which trade chores for more screen time.
BTW I like GPS tracking, which dumb phones don't provide, which is why I went this route. EDIT: these also cost $75 now, thanks to supply and demand!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock
I've used this one https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock
>Amplify (wakelock blocking)
Servicely has that alongside blocking chosen services (i.e. location services and so on)
>Greenify
Its useless on Android 9 because it has this feature built it. Also the root only mode is not that different from the xposed one. I'm running Android 8.1 w/ custom ROM and saw no difference except like 1% or 2% in battery life.
>Crappa Links
In my experience it hasn't been that useful. But I'm not pushing anything on you.
>Applock
There's a simple app called App lock
>NSFW gboard
Use SwiftKey keyboard (Tons of customization + custom theme)
>Gravity Box
FFS just use a custom ROM (they are so customizable) . There's nothing wrong with that. The bullshit they put in a stock ROM is just too much.
I. e. LineageOS, AOSPExtended, Pixel expirience and the list goes on.
There you have it. Everything can be replaced. And I also didn't say that Exposed is useless. I just said that the downsides it comes with just aren't worth it.