TimeLimit.io

Flexible

Apps are grouped to categories (a category can contain one or multiple App).

You can chose per category at which times it should be allowed. This allows preventing playing games too late.

Additionally, you can configure time limit rules. These rules limit the total usage duration at one day or over multiple days (e.g. a weekend). It is possible to combine both, e.g. 2 hours per week end day, but in total only 3 hours.

Moreover, there is the possibility to set an extra time. This allows using something longer than regulary once. This can be used as bonus. There is additionally the option to disable all time limits temporarily (e.g. for the whole day or an hour).

Multi user support

There is the scenario that one device is used by exactly one user. However, with tablets, there are often multiple possible users. Due to that, it is possible to create multiple user profiles in TimeLimit. Each user has got different settings and time counters. There are two kinds of users: parents and children. If a parent was chosen as user, then there are no restrictions. Parents can chose any other user as current user. Children can only chose themselves as current user.

Multi device support

There are scenarios in which one user has got multiple devices. Instead of time limits per device and splitting the limits across the devices, it is possible to assign one user to multiple devices.
Then the usage durations are counted together and allowing an App automatically affects all devices. Depending on the settings, only one device per time can be used or multiple devices at the same time. However, un the second case, it is possible to use more time than available e.g. at connection interruptions.

Connected

It is possible to view and change settings from any linked device. This connection is possible - if wanted - using your server.

Notes

Some features cost money if you don't use your own server. These features cost 1 € per month/ 10 € per year (in Germany).

TimeLimit does not work good at some smartphone brands (mostly Huawei and Wiko). With the correct settings, it can work better. But better is not good.

If it "does not work": This can be caused by power saving features. You can find at https://dontkillmyapp.com/ how you can disable these features. Get in touch with the support if that does not help.

TimeLimit uses the permission for the usage stats access. This is only used to detect the currently used App. Based on the currently used App, the App is blocked, allowed, or the remaining time is calculated.

The device admin permission is used to detect an uninstallation of TimeLimit.

TimeLimit uses the notification access to block notifications of blocked apps and to count and block background playback. Notifications and their contents are not saved.

TimeLimit uses an accessibility service to press the home button before showing the lock screen. This fixes blocking in some cases. Moreover, this allows opening the lockscreen at newer Android versions.

TimeLimit uses the permission "draw over other Apps" to allow opening the lockscreen at newer android versions and to overlay blocked Apps until the lockscreen is launched.

TimeLimit uses the location access to detect the used WiFi network and allow/ block Apps depending on it and your settings. The location access is not used otherwise.

If the connected mode is used, then TimeLimit may transmit the usage durations and - if enabled - the installed Apps to the parent user.

Is TimeLimit.io free to download?
Yes. The APK file linked from this page is free. The developer may offer in-app purchases once installed, but obtaining the installer itself costs nothing.

What Android version does TimeLimit.io require?
Android 4.1+ or newer. Installing on older devices may cause crashes or refuse to install.

Is TimeLimit.io safe to install?
We link to the exact APK published by F-Droid Open Source. We do not modify the file. Still, as with any sideloaded app, scan it with a reputable antivirus before opening it, and only grant permissions the app genuinely needs.

How do I update TimeLimit.io?
Install the newer version on top of the old one — Android will keep your data. If the signature differs, uninstall first (you may lose local progress).

Why is the app not installing?
Common causes: not enough storage, an older Android version than 4.1+, or a conflicting build already installed. Free up space, check your OS version, and uninstall any previous copy before retrying.

1. Tap the Download APK button above and save the file to your device.
2. Open your device Settings → Security (or Apps → Special access → Install unknown apps) and allow your file manager or browser to install unknown apps for this one file only.
3. Open the downloaded io.timelimit.android.aosp.direct.apk file from your Downloads folder.
4. Tap Install and wait for Android to finish.
5. Open «TimeLimit.io» by F-Droid Open Source and grant only the permissions it actually needs.
6. Revoke the "unknown sources" permission once you are done installing.

Note: this page hosts or links to the installer only. The application name, icon and description are provided for identification. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.