Ripple
Limiting app time on a Xiaomi or Redmi phone
Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO phones are common, both as your own phone and as a first phone for a kid. Xiaomi's system is strict about background apps, so a limit app can get closed by the battery saver, and a kid can long press its icon to uninstall it. Ripple for Android v0.1.11 changed its setup and anti-uninstall on Xiaomi. The first part below is for adults limiting themselves, the second is for parents with a child's Redmi, and iPhone is covered too.
Daily limits and anti-uninstall (Android, Chinese interface)
Adults: keeping yourself in check on a Xiaomi phone
Turn on Autostart and battery settings first
Tap Grant on Ripple's permissions page. v0.1.11 opens the Autostart page and the battery saver page in Xiaomi's Security app directly. Set Ripple's battery saver to No restrictions so it keeps running. If the Autostart page bounces back, follow the path shown, turn it on yourself and tap Done.
Give the apps you scroll a daily limit
In Daily limits, tap TikTok, YouTube or a game and set how long you can use it each day, from 1 minute to 12 hours in 1 minute steps. When time is up it stays closed until midnight.
Limit how many times a day you open it
For apps you pick up every few minutes, set a number of opens per day and turn on the wait before opening.
Set 0 minutes for a break
Set an app to 0 minutes and it stays closed all day. Strict mode means only an unlock code can loosen rules. The code has at least 8 digits and you can give it to a friend. It also turns on Anti-Uninstall, and if the code is lost you can request removal after 72 hours.
Parents: your kid has a Redmi phone
Sleep and homework schedules
Make a 9:30 pm to 7 am sleep schedule and a weekday evening homework schedule on the child's Redmi with games and short video apps in them. Calls and messaging still work.
Anti-uninstall covers Xiaomi's uninstall paths
With Anti-Uninstall on, Ripple blocks the uninstall dialog on the Xiaomi launcher and uninstalling from the Xiaomi app store. On Xiaomi phones the anti-uninstall page also suggests Advanced Protection, which needs a one time pairing with wireless debugging on the phone.
A little each day, nothing before exams
Give a game 40 minutes a day so the child can see what is left, and set 0 minutes before exams. With strict mode on, only the parent's code can loosen rules.
Changing the clock does not help
On Android, Ripple counts time since the phone started, so moving the clock back does not reset the limits.
Setup steps (Android v0.1.11)
Install or update to v0.1.11
Download the latest APK and turn on the accessibility service when asked. If you have an older version, update in Settings › About › Check for updates. Your rules stay.
Turn on Autostart and battery settings
Tap Grant to open Xiaomi's Security app, turn on Autostart and set the battery saver to No restrictions.
Set daily limits and schedules
Give apps a daily limit and an open limit, then add a bedtime or homework schedule.
Turn on Anti-Uninstall, and strict mode if needed
On a child's phone turn on Anti-Uninstall and Advanced Protection. The parent keeps the code.
FAQ
How do I limit my TikTok time on a Xiaomi phone?
Install Ripple for Android v0.1.11, turn on Autostart on the permissions page and set the battery saver to No restrictions. Then give TikTok a daily limit from 1 minute to 12 hours in Daily limits, and an open limit if you want. For a break, set 0 minutes and turn on strict mode with an unlock code of at least 8 digits held by a friend.
How do I stop my kid uninstalling the limit app on a Redmi?
Turn on Anti-Uninstall in Ripple. v0.1.11 blocks the Xiaomi launcher's uninstall dialog and the Xiaomi app store. On Xiaomi phones the anti-uninstall page suggests Advanced Protection, which needs a one time pairing with wireless debugging. With strict mode on, only the parent's code can loosen rules.
Ripple keeps getting closed on my Xiaomi. What do I do?
Turn on Autostart and set the battery saver to No restrictions. In v0.1.11 Grant opens the right Xiaomi Security pages. See the keep alive guide for full paths.
Does it work on Xiaomi foldables?
v0.1.10 fixed the block screen on short screens such as a foldable's outer screen. It now goes compact and can scroll.
Does the iPhone version have these features?
iPhone v0.1.5 has schedules, the block on deleting apps, clock change protection and an unlock code. Daily limits, open limits, 0 minutes and strict mode are Android only.
Does it cost money or need an account?
It is free with no ads and no account.