Looking for FOSS App Blocker/Time Limiter

Boncho

Hi all! I have ADHD so I find myself watching videos or shit-scrolling Wikipedia when I should be doing other things or sleeping. Because of that, I'm looking for a FOSS app blocker that let's me set time limits for apps, and sets hard blocks on them between certain times. I have Cold Turkey Blocker on my Windows PC that does those things, but I'm only comfortable using it on that system as it's basically just a gaming box. However, I wouldn't want to give a closed-source app that requires internet access, from a for-profit company, privileged access to my phone because of the associated privacy concerns. So for that reason I'm looking for a FOSS alternative that can either block apps without the need for crazy permissions, or one that I can at least somewhat trust to have those permissions. I'm very aware that giving any app privileged access will negate aspects of Graphene's security, but considering my threat model is basically just privacy, I think it's worth it!

Any suggestions or alternative options would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Dumdum

Boncho
You can try Timelimit.

Boncho

Dumdum thank you, I saw timelimit and thought it'd likely be the best option! Do you know if it'll work properly if I rescind its network access?

jacobb

Boncho Yes it does

Boncho

jacobb amazing, thank you! I wouldn't be able to tell from the code whether it's collecting anything so just locking it to the device gives me peace of mind!

[deleted]

There is also the possibility of keeping the phone in another room for the duration you want to do something else or a case with a timer lock. If you are OK with not being able to answer calls during that time.

And turning off all notifications, incl. sounds and vibration, during that time. SHUT UP, PHONE, JUST LEAVE ME ALONE FOR A WHILE.

Boncho

[deleted] I already leave my phone in my kitchen for bedtimes and I have a 2G shit-brick if I really need to get stuff done when I go out. However I find that I can just waste an entire day without meaning to if something catches my attention! For that reason having an hour time limit on Vanadium stops me from doing that!

My phone is always on silent and I don't even have the apps installed so I don't get notifications! Considering I used to have a smartwatch that vibrated for every notif (hell on earth), it's definitely an improvement already haha

ulyngs

Try ReDD Block - the Android version is made by Konrad Kollnig who also built the open-source TrackerControl for controlling where data's sent

CharlieMander

A "DNS" helps me...
I block connection to stuff I'm addicted to/spend to much time on. "Face Book" is Perfect example.

I don't want to delete my FB account because I think FB Marketplace and some "Groups" I'm in are a useful tool... So I blocked Everything FB on my DNS. If I really need to get on FB Marketplace for a real reason then I'm forced to go through the annoying process of logging into DNS, change settings, logging into FB, 2FA...

Then make sure to set everything back when I'm done.

Making as much friction as possible.

This will not be a solution for all apps but might help for some things.