Public
Beeswax
Create a dumbphone on Android
Beeswax blocks web browsers, newly installed apps and any app you pick until you enter your lock code.
Give the code to someone you trust, or put it somewhere inconvenient.
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Why Beeswax?
- Block the browser. Android doesn't provide a built-in way to prevent access to the system browser. Beeswax blocks it, preventing access no matter what version of Android you use. Browsers start out blocked, and you choose whether to keep any.
- Block any app you pick. Before you lock, Beeswax lists your apps and you choose which ones to block. Later, you can enter your lock code to block or allow apps.
- New apps are blocked. Once Beeswax is locked, every app you install is blocked until you allow it with your lock code. Your apps keep updating as usual.
- Hard to bypass. Beeswax's restrictions are locked using a random 16 character code that's generated when you lock it. You don't need to worry about restarts, safe mode, or ADB giving you access (ADB stays off unless you allow developer options). Without your lock code, the only way to use a blocked app or a new app is through a factory reset.
- More settings. Optionally block factory reset from Settings, lock your private DNS, or allow developer options. Each needs your lock code to change.
- Full app updates Unlike user profile based solutions, Beeswax allows you to update your apps without allowing the ability to install new ones.
- Privacy and security focused. Beeswax has one permission, no network access, and no telemetry. It has reproducible builds so you can verify the source code corresponds to the distributed APK.
What you need
You need an Android phone running Android 13 or newer (tested on GrapheneOS and the stock Pixel OS on Android 17, and Xiaomi HyperOS on Android 16), and ADB on a computer or on the phone itself (setup guide). Android only allows adding a device owner on a phone with no accounts, no other user profiles, and no Private Spaces, so you'll need to remove these if you have any of them. Alternatively a factory reset will always work. Back up all important data off your device before you start.
Download
Verify your download with AppVerifier:
org.getflourish.beeswax
F5:37:A3:91:23:40:95:AC:42:53:85:D4:9E:B0:AA:43:C8:ED:84:4D:FC:84:15:F2:1C:C4:BF:63:52:86:34:54
Setup
- Install Beeswax and make it device owner with a single ADB command.
- Pick the apps you want to block.
- Lock Beeswax and keep the lock code somewhere you can't easily reach.
- Use the code whenever you want to change which apps are blocked.
See the setup guide for the full steps.
Learn more
Support
Monero (QR code and why Monero)
82omZG3aUU7gqJhR6dZGSReYvKD7kHFuxj5MGKMAGiJdcSYLnMb9Nky9UBxeuadSSzCNYpwfUueQBdQPEaTXmLH4Tkmbv39
Contact
- Email: flourish.today@protonmail.com
- SimpleX: https://smp17.simplex.im/a#OYNzLgLMY-vsrI69LroxLrhc4xkyLGpT2Q5ygNvoaAc
Public domain
Beeswax is dedicated to the public domain under CC0 1.0. See LICENSE.