Frequently asked questions
Everything people ask about 0D before installing: permissions, privacy, differences with Digital Wellbeing, and how to block Shorts without blocking the whole app.
How do I block YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels on Android?
Install 0D, open it and pick YouTube (or Instagram, Facebook). Turn on “Block Shorts” (or “Block Reels”), a Premium feature with a 7-day trial. From then on, whenever you land in Shorts or Reels, 0D asks whether you really want to watch and takes you out. Long videos and the rest of the app keep working normally. Step by step: how to block YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels.
Does it work without root or admin permissions?
Yes. Works on any Android 8.0 or newer without root. Uses the standard Android Accessibility Service, nothing special required.
Why does it need the Accessibility Service?
To know which app is in the foreground and tell a Short from a regular video. It does not read your messages, photos or passwords. Only the active activity name and public UI view IDs. Full detail in the privacy policy.
Can 0D see my messages or activity?
No. What the app looks at to work (which app is open and public UI view IDs) stays on your phone. The only things sent are usage statistics of the app itself and crash reports (Firebase), without knowing which apps you use or what you see. Details in the privacy policy.
Can I block TikTok, Instagram and WhatsApp at specific hours?
Yes. Each app can have its own automatic schedule (e.g. TikTok blocked 9:00–18:00, WhatsApp unblocked) or a daily limit in minutes. TikTok, Instagram, WhatsApp, X, YouTube, Snapchat, Facebook, LinkedIn and Pinterest are natively supported; any other app can be fully blocked.
Is it free? Any ads? What data does it send?
The free tier lets you block 1 app with all modes, up to 2 hours/day. No forced ads (only rewarded ads you choose to watch) and no data selling. The apps you use never leave your phone; only usage stats of the app itself and crash reports are sent. Premium (€1/month, 7-day trial) adds unlimited apps, Shorts/Reels blocking inside apps, “Watch just this one, then it closes” and strict mode. Lifetime €59.99 is one-time, no renewal. In the EU, the UK and Switzerland, Google asks for your consent for ads first.
How is it different from Google Digital Wellbeing?
Digital Wellbeing only shows stats and global per-app limits. 0D blocks inside the app: it closes just the Shorts or Reels leaving the rest alone. It also adds 4-7-8 breathing before unblocking and allows total blocks with your own message. Active dopamine detox, not passive. Full comparison: Digital Wellbeing alternative.
Can I uninstall or bypass the block easily?
Yes. 0D is a self-regulation aid, not parental control. Uninstall from Settings anytime. The goal is not an unbreakable block — it’s adding enough friction to pause and think before opening the app.
Does the 4-7-8 breathing actually help?
It’s a breathing technique that activates the parasympathetic nervous system (references: Brown & Gerbarg 2005, Weil 1999). In 0D it acts as a 19-second talk-to-yourself gate before opening a blocked app — enough to break scroll autopilot. Not magic — just useful friction.
Is there an iPhone or iOS version?
Android only for now (8.0+). An iOS version is under evaluation, no date. iOS does not allow the same kind of Accessibility Service 0D uses on Android.