User Guide

📥 Installation

1

Download the APK

Go to GitHub Releases and download the latest Reality APK file.

2

Enable Unknown Sources

If prompted, allow installation from unknown sources for your browser or file manager. This is required for installing apps outside Play Store.

3

Handle Play Protect Warning

If Google Play Protect shows a warning, tap "More details" → "Install anyway". This warning appears because Reality uses Accessibility Service, which is necessary for blocking apps.

4

Launch Reality

Open the app and follow the setup wizard to grant necessary permissions.

⚠️ About Play Protect Warning

This warning is automated and appears for any app using Accessibility Service. Reality is 100% open source — you can verify every line of code on GitHub. We collect zero data.

🔐 Required Permissions

🔍 Accessibility Service Required

Allows Reality to detect which app is currently open and block access when needed. This is the core permission that makes blocking work.

📊 Usage Stats Access Required

Enables tracking of your screen time. This data stays on your device and is never uploaded anywhere.

🔲 Display Over Other Apps Required

Shows block screens and warning overlays when you try to open a blocked app.

🛡️ Device Administrator Optional

Only needed for anti-uninstall protection in Strict Mode. Can be enabled/disabled anytime.

📅 Calendar Access Optional

Only needed if you want to sync with Google Calendar for automatic focus during events.

🔔 Notifications Optional

For reminder notifications and limit warnings. Can be disabled if you prefer silent operation.

🚀 First Time Setup

1

Grant Permissions

Follow the in-app prompts to enable Accessibility Service and Usage Stats. These are essential for the app to function.

2

Add Apps to Blocklist

Go to the Blocklist tab and select apps you want to block during focus time. Start with your biggest time-wasters (social media, games).

3

Set Usage Limits (Optional)

Go to Limits tab and set daily time limits for specific apps. Example: 30 minutes of Instagram per day.

4

Start a Focus Session

From the main screen, tap the big focus button to start your first session. Choose duration (25min, 1hr, etc.) and begin!

💡 Pro Tip

Start with a short 25-minute focus session. As you build the habit, gradually increase your session durations.

🚫 Blocking Apps & Websites

Reality offers multiple blocking modes to fit your needs:

🚫 Blocklist Mode

Select specific apps to block. Everything else is allowed. Best for: blocking known distractions while keeping full access to other apps.

✅ Allowlist Mode

Select apps to ALLOW. Everything else is blocked. Best for: deep focus sessions where you only need 2-3 work apps.

💡 Website Blocking

To block websites, add them to your blocklist (e.g., "facebook.com"). Reality monitors all browsers and blocks the site across Chrome, Firefox, Brave, and any other browser.

🔒 Strict Mode Guide

Strict Mode is Reality's nuclear option. Once enabled, there's NO way to bypass blocking until the timer expires.

⏱️

Timer Lock

Set a lock duration (1 hour to 21 days). During this time, you CANNOT disable blocking or change settings. The only escape is waiting.

🔑

Password Protection

Set a password to protect settings. If you forget it, you'll need to wait 24 hours for recovery — this delay prevents impulsive unlocking.

🛡️

Anti-Uninstall Protection

Enable Device Admin and Reality cannot be uninstalled. The uninstall button simply won't work until you disable this setting.

⚠️ Use Strict Mode Carefully

Once Strict Mode timer is active, there is genuinely NO way to bypass it. Make sure you've configured your blocklist correctly before enabling. Start with short durations (1-2 hours) until you're comfortable.

🔧 Troubleshooting

🔌 App Stops Working in Background

Some phones kill background apps aggressively. Go to Settings → Apps → Reality → Battery → Allow background activity. Also disable battery optimization for Reality.

📊 Usage Stats Not Accurate

Make sure Usage Stats permission is granted. Go to Settings → Apps → Special access → Usage access → Enable for Reality.

🚫 Blocking Not Working

Verify Accessibility Service is enabled. Some phones disable it after updates. Go to Settings → Accessibility → Reality → Enable.

📅 Calendar Not Syncing

Grant Calendar permission in app settings. Then go to Schedule → Settings and enable calendar sync.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is Reality really free? What's the catch? +

Yes, Reality is 100% free with all features unlocked. No premium tier, no subscriptions, no ads. We built this app because we needed it ourselves, and we made it open source so everyone can benefit. There's no catch — just a genuine tool for digital wellbeing.

Does Reality collect my data? +

No. Reality has no internet permission — it physically cannot send data anywhere. All your usage stats, blocked apps, and settings stay on your device. We can't see any of it. You can verify this in our open source code.

Can I bypass Strict Mode if I really need to? +

That's the point — you can't. Strict Mode is designed for when you don't trust your own willpower. If you need true emergencies access, keep the "Emergency Bypass" option enabled (gives 3 bypasses per day, 5 minutes each). Otherwise, the only way out is waiting.

Why does Play Protect show a warning? +

Google flags any app using Accessibility Service because it's a powerful permission. Reality uses it legitimately — to detect which app is open and show block screens. Since we're not on Play Store, Google's automated scans flag us. Reality is open source, so you can verify every line of code yourself.

Will Reality drain my battery? +

Reality is optimized for minimal battery usage. It sits quietly in the background and only activates when you switch apps. Most users report negligible battery impact — typically under 1% per day.

Can I use Reality alongside other focus apps? +

We recommend using Reality alone to avoid conflicts. Using multiple accessibility-based blockers can cause unexpected behavior. Reality provides all the features you need in one app.

📖 Table of Contents