Study first, then scroll: block apps on Android

What Learnwall does (and what it does not)

Learnwall is an Android study gate. Chosen apps sit behind the wall. When the wall is on, opening such an app shows the flashcard screen first. After a short session those apps open for a limited window (default 15 minutes).

The wall runs on Android only and needs two permissions: usage access and display over other apps. Battery unrestricted is recommended so Android is less likely to pause the lock service; it is not forced. This is a habit tool, not a prison: once a day there is still an emergency path.

1. Choosing apps to block

During setup, apps to place behind the wall are selected. Suggested social apps appear when they are installed; TikTok, Instagram and YouTube start on if they are on the phone. The list can be changed later.

The list shows apps with an icon on the home screen or in the app drawer - not a full scan of every package on the device. Apps without their own icon in the drawer do not appear.

2. Granting the lock permissions

After apps are chosen, the lock permissions are granted before the wall can work:

1. Usage access - so Learnwall can see when a blocked app comes to the front.
2. Display over other apps - so the flashcard screen can appear on top of the open app.
3. Battery unrestricted (recommended) - helps keep the lock service alive; optional, not required like the first two.

Without the two required permissions, opening a blocked app will not show the lock screen.

3. Opening a blocked app - the lock appears

When the wall is on, opening an enabled blocked app shows the flashcard screen. That is the study gate: flashcards on the chosen topic first, then the scroll apps.

4. Unlock window after flashcards

At the very start, before review cards exist in the pack, unlock needs reading three new flashcards. In later sessions: one new card when available, plus the required number of correct review answers (default 2; settings allow 2, 3 or 5).

Default window is 15 minutes. Options are also 5, 10, 15, 20 or 30 minutes. Making rules gentler waits 24 hours; stricter changes apply right away.

5. Emergency unlock once a day

Once a day, emergency unlock is available after a 30-second wait, unless emergency is turned off (it is on by default). That path exists on purpose: the wall is a study gate, not a claim that bypass is impossible.

FAQ

Which apps can be blocked with Learnwall?

The ones chosen at setup and later on the list. Suggested social apps (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube) start on if installed. The list shows apps with an icon on the home screen or in the app drawer - not an all-packages permission.

What permissions does Learnwall need?

Required: usage access and display over other apps. Battery unrestricted is only a recommendation. Without the two required permissions, the lock screen will not appear.

How does unlocking a blocked app work?

A short flashcard session: three new cards at the start, later one new card when available plus the required correct reviews (default 2). Then a time window - usually 15 minutes. Once a day, emergency unlock after 30 seconds remains available unless emergency is turned off.

Learnwall is a study and app-blocking tool. This is not medical, therapeutic, or parental-control advice, and it does not guarantee exam results.

Pre-register on Google Play