Child profile - hiding/removing apps?

phrentic

Hi, I'm running GrapheneOS on a Pixel 6a without any issues.

I'd like to create a 'child' profile, which only displays a couple of apps on the home screen - and nothing else. All other apps should be: (i) hidden (including phone, camera), and also (ii) not accessible. Only owner should be able to access the apps. Is this possible to this set up?

Sorry if this isn't quite a GrapheneOS question. I've started to look at some third party apps, but wondered if there's a more elegant solution within GrapheneOS? or at least using some of its features.

Thanks for any advice

jacobb

phrentic What is the age of the child(ren) in question?

phrentic

A follow up, is it ok to use ABD to remove native apps, such as indicated here:https://www.makeuseof.com/uninstall-android-app-adb-system-apps-bloatware/. For example, would there be a problem updating GrapheneOS and the apps being reinstalled?

distro

phrentic not recommended last I looked into it

AlanRyan

Safest way is to probably use a different launcher and hide apps with that, but they would still be accessible.

Disabling stock dialer, camera or browser is possible with adb, but could lead into many problems, such as not being able to answer calls at all.

distro

I'd look into setting up a private DNS (eg. NextDNS) on Admin profile, blocking all TLDs (takes a while but it works and blocking child profile from installing apps.

Every once in a while log into Admin to update apps and system, and warn kid not to let phone die as unlocking the phone after reboot requires Admin password.

Works perfectly.

PS. the reason I don't recommend blocking sites using blocklists or one-by-one is that they'll always find some site they can access, some site a friend recommends for example.

distro

distro plus you can whitelist the sites you want (may take a bit of tinkering figuring out why some sites don't work even though they're whilisted – ask away if you need help)

jacobb

distro Can you link to a page where this is explained pedagogically?

mmmm

jacobb why does that matter? They have stated their intent and what they want to achieve. I can't see what difference it makes knowing the age of the child.

distro

jacobb can't find it now, but I saw smth on reddit (search for NextDNS parental on nosurf subreddit for instance)

But it's pretty straightforward. On android there's a change DNS provider option on Admin profile. You change to the private DNS by entering the link NextDNS gives you.

distro

mmmm of course it matters, depending on age you get different circumvention capabilities and different needs (eg. a 10 year old needn't a banking app, a 7 year old may have a lower allowed daily screen time)

jacobb

mmmm I have a Serup which works with my eleven year old daughter, which I could recommended. But it is probably useless when she turns fourteen and better at finding information on how to change the phone's setting.

Overlay1404

I think the simplest solution is going to be to just install an applock app on the profile and password protect what you don't want your kid to use.

There shouldnt be much to lockdown as a new profile barely has any apps to begin with.

distro

Overlay1404 don't know if it would work 'cause it's GrapheneOS (special permissions...).

I've looked deep into it and changing DNS is the most robust method I found – addict-proof, circumvention is just not possible.

Overlay1404

@distro

Overlay1404 I think the simplest solution is going to be to just install an applock app on the profile and password protect what you don't want your kid to use.

I installed it and it looks like you are prompted to allow that permission. I think it will work although it does seem pretty invasive.

edwin-jones

I just set up a profile for my daughter on a pixel tablet for just this reason, I use app pinning so she can only use amazon kids and nothing else. It can be a bit fiddly but it works so far. It would be good if I could lock settings behind a different pin to her account pin to prevent her accidentally reactivating the browser but she cannot install apps etc so hopefully it is pretty safe.