Limit is an Android blocker for people who have outgrown ordinary screen-time timers. It is built so a block holds in a weak moment instead of ending with one tap, while the phone stays connected to what matters.^1
Limit uses Android Device Owner, the same mobile device management path companies use on employee phones, so once it is installed it cannot be uninstalled, disabled, or bypassed unless you wait out a delay or enter a PIN.^3 Setup is a one-time USB session from a computer, because those permissions cannot be granted from the phone alone.^3 The install includes two apps: the Limit app blocker, which blocks other apps and every other browser by default, and Limit Browser, a custom Firefox-based browser with built-in website blocking.^3 Curated lists block social media feeds, pornography, and gambling with a single tap, and the browser can allow a single YouTube video without opening the feed.^1
Richard Gill started Limit after struggling for years to find a solution to his own phone habits. In his words, he wanted something that could not be circumvented, but also did not need to be constantly disabled for legitimate reasons, such as a friend sending a link.^2 Gill is a software engineer who previously ran his own software consultancy and worked at Stripe, and he lives in London.^10 Limit states its mission plainly: everyone deserves a healthy relationship with their devices, especially children, and the product exists to help people use technology intentionally, not compulsively.^2
Individuals protect changes with a delay timer, while families lock settings behind a PIN so a parent can protect a child without monitoring or tracking, and SafeSearch can be enabled.^1 Limit is still in Beta, works on Android 10 and newer including tablets, and is subscription-based after a free trial.^7^8
