DetoxDroid

Make digital detox your default

What DetoxDroid does

Most digital detox apps are opt-in: you start a timer, then try not to break it.

DetoxDroid is the opposite. It makes a calmer phone your default state:

• fewer colors
• fewer notifications
• fewer distracting apps

You can still take intentional pauses when you need them.

Features

1. Automatic Grayscale
   Keep your phone mostly grayscale, with app exceptions where color is useful.
2. Do Not Disturb by default
   Reduce notification-driven interruptions while DetoxDroid is active.
3. Disable Apps
   Block or deactivate selected apps during detox time.
4. Break Infinite Scrolling
   Detect long scrolling sessions and show an interrupt prompt.
5. Intentional Pause
   Pause DetoxDroid for a limited time, then auto-resume.
6. Commitment Password
   Lock selected settings behind a passphrase.
7. Minimal Launcher Widget
   Place a simple text-based launcher for intentional apps on your home screen.

Installation

1. Enable developer mode and USB debugging:
   1. Go to Android Settings → About Phone
   2. Tap Build Number repeatedly until developer mode is enabled
   3. Open Android Settings → Developer Options and enable USB debugging
      (Some devices also require USB debugging (Security Settings) for pm commands. Some Xiaomi devices require a Mi account sign-in.)
   4. Connect your phone to your computer
2. Download, unzip, and run the installation script for your OS
   • If you are on Windows, you should be able to run install_windows.bat by simply double-clicking the file.
   • On Mac/Linux, run bash install_<os-name>.sh
   • If your phone asks to allow USB debugging for your computer, tap Allow
3. Optionally, disable USB debugging again.

Alternative Method

If the installation script does not work (or you prefer manual setup), use the manual installation steps.

Support

If DetoxDroid helps you, you can support development:

• Submit feature suggestions and bug reports
• Buy me a coffee via Ko-Fi
• Become a patron on LiberaPay
• Donate via PayPal

Troubleshooting

“App was denied access” on Pixel / Android 12+

On some Pixel and Android 12+ devices, you may see this dialog when DetoxDroid cannot access usage data:

Fix:

1. Open Settings → Apps → DetoxDroid.
2. Tap the overflow menu (⋮) and select Allow restricted settings.
3. Grant the permission.

After this, DetoxDroid should read usage data normally.