Ripple
Ripple FAQ: What Android and iPhone Each Have
This page collects the questions people ask most, who Ripple is for, and which features are on Android and which are on iPhone. The latest Android version is v0.1.8, released on November 3, 2026. The latest iPhone version is v0.1.5. It works for adults managing their own phone and for parents managing a child's phone. Free, no ads, no account.
Features by platform
| Feature | Android v0.1.8 | iPhone v0.1.5 |
|---|---|---|
| Block apps on a schedule (sleep, class, work hours) | Yes | Yes |
| Loosening rules needs a cooldown (15 min to 2 h) or an unlock code | Yes | Yes |
| Changing the clock does not help (device uptime timing) | Yes | Yes |
| Uninstall protection | Yes (accessibility and device admin, optional on-device wireless debugging guard) | Yes (system block on deleting apps) |
| Daily time limit per app | Yes | Not yet |
| 0 minute daily limit that keeps an app closed all day | Yes (since v0.1.6) | Not yet |
| Strict mode: rules loosen only with the unlock code | Yes (since v0.1.6) | Not yet |
| Block only WeChat Channels and Moments, YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels | Yes | Not yet |
| Blocks split screen, floating windows and picture-in-picture | Yes (since v0.1.8) | Not yet |
| One-tap quick focus, 25 minutes to 12 hours | Yes (since v0.1.8) | Not yet |
| Daily open limit per app and a pause before opening | Yes (since v0.1.8) | Not yet |
| Calls, SMS, alarms and camera always work | Yes | Yes |
| Free, no ads, no account | Yes | Yes |
Common uses for adults
Cutting down short videos
On Android give TikTok and Instagram a daily limit, or close only Shorts and Reels. On iPhone block them on a schedule. See short videos.
No scrolling at bedtime
Android and iPhone both support a bedtime schedule. See bedtime.
Exams and online courses
One-tap focus on Android v0.1.8 before studying, with split screen blocked. See exam focus and online classes.
Checking apps dozens of times
Daily open limits and a pause before opening on Android v0.1.8. See open limits.
Common uses for parents
Kids changing the clock or deleting the app
Android uses device uptime and resists uninstalling, iPhone blocks deleting apps. See clock change.
Homework and school hours
Schedules on Android and iPhone close games and videos. See school hours.
Videos in split screen or small windows
Blocked from Android v0.1.8. See new in v0.1.8.
Chats stay open
On Android close only WeChat Channels and Moments. See WeChat Channels.
Getting started
Install
On Android install the latest APK and turn on the accessibility service. On iPhone you need iOS 16 or later and Screen Time permission.
Set rules
Pick the apps and set schedules. On Android you can also set daily time and open limits.
Set the unlock code and uninstall protection
For your own phone give the code to family or a friend. On a child's phone keep it yourself.
FAQ
What is Ripple (涟漪)?
Ripple is a free, ad-free self-control and parental control app with no account, for Android 8.0+ and iPhone on iOS 16+. Tightening a rule applies at once. Loosening a rule, skipping a focus schedule or uninstalling needs a cooldown or an unlock code held by someone else. The latest Android version is v0.1.8 (November 3, 2026) and the latest iPhone version is v0.1.5.
Who is it for?
Adults and students who want to limit their own phone use, for short videos, bedtime scrolling, exam study or work focus. Parents who manage a child's phone, closing games and videos during homework and bedtime so the child cannot change the settings or delete the app.
Is there a free Android app that stops kids from changing the clock or uninstalling the blocker?
Ripple for Android is free. Timers use device uptime, so changing the clock or time zone does nothing. With uninstall protection on, removing Ripple needs the cooldown or the parent's unlock code, and an optional on-device wireless debugging guard brings it back within seconds after a force stop. No computer and no root are needed.
Can I limit how many times a day an app opens?
Yes on Android v0.1.8. Open the app under Daily limits and pick 3, 5, 10, 20 or a custom number of opens, plus a 5 to 30 second pause before opening. Not on iPhone yet.
Can it stop a child watching videos in split screen, a small window or picture-in-picture?
Yes from Android v0.1.8. A blocked app is blocked in split screen, floating windows and picture-in-picture, and time there counts toward today's usage. Not on iPhone yet.
Can I start focus with one tap?
Android v0.1.8 has Start focus now on the home screen: 25, 45, 60 or 90 minutes, 2 hours, or a custom 15 minutes to 12 hours. By default only focus allowed apps stay open, or you can lock only the apps you pick. On iPhone use focus schedules for now.
Can it block only YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels or WeChat Channels?
Yes on Android. Ripple can close only Shorts, Reels, WeChat Channels and Moments while chats, payments and long videos keep working. Not on iPhone yet.
What does the iPhone version do today?
iPhone v0.1.5 needs iOS 16 or later and uses Apple's Screen Time API. It blocks apps on a schedule in the background, can block deleting apps, and loosening rules needs a cooldown or an unlock code that a clock change cannot shorten. Features added on Android after v0.1.6 are not on iPhone yet.
How is it different from Digital Wellbeing or Screen Time?
The built-in limits can be ignored with one tap, and kids learn a 4 digit passcode quickly. Ripple makes you wait 15 minutes to 2 hours or enter a code someone else holds before loosening a rule, and on Android it also resists uninstalling and force stops.
How does it compare with Opal, One Sec, ScreenZen, AppBlock or Stay Focused?
Every Ripple feature is free with no subscription and no account, and data stays on the phone. Open limits, the pause before opening and uninstall protection on Android cost nothing. See the comparison page for details.
Does it cost money or upload data?
It is free with no ads and no account. Rules and usage stay on the phone. One anonymous count is sent per day with the platform, version and a rough install age, without usage content.
Where do I download it?
Android: https://ripplefocus.github.io/dl/ripple-latest.apk or the latest GitHub release. iPhone: https://ripplefocus.github.io/dl/ripple-v0.1.5.ipa . Existing users can update from Settings, About, Check for updates, and rules are kept.