Open source · On-device · Free

Stop the scroll before it stops you.

MindGuard watches Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat for the instant a short-video player opens — and closes the door before you fall in. Nothing leaves your phone.

Install the APK Watch it block a Reel ↓

01 · Watch

You open Instagram.

MindGuard is already watching — reading on-screen element IDs for the four apps you've chosen to guard. Nothing else, nothing more.

02 · Detect

You tap into Reels.

In milliseconds, MindGuard recognizes the short-video player by its screen signature — the same way a screen reader would, just looking for one thing.

03 · Block

It steps in before the clip loads.

One Android Accessibility action — a back navigation, nothing more invasive. No permission to read messages, camera, or contacts is ever requested.

median response ~0.1s network requests 0

04 · Continue

You land back on your feed.

Not a closed app. Not a locked screen. Just your Home feed, exactly where you left it — minus the trap.

apps guarded

stays on your device

accounts required

Features

Smart blocking that just works

Automatic, transparent, and built to stay out of your way.

Automatic blocking

Detects short-video players and navigates you away before temptation strikes.

Instant response

No delays, no loading screens — just immediate, clean navigation away.

4 apps covered

Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat. All watched. One toggle each.

Smart navigation

On Instagram, returns you to Home feed. On others, navigates back.

Focus schedules

Set hours when blocking is always on — built for work or study.

Stats & streaks

See how many reels you've dodged. Track your clean-day streak.

100% private

All data stays on your device. No servers. No tracking, ever.

Per-app control

Block TikTok but keep YouTube Shorts? Customize for each app.

How it works

One signal, four steps, no exceptions

MindGuard runs the same pipeline every time, in this order, using Android's Accessibility Service to read screen structure — never content.

Watch

Monitors screen IDs in the four target apps only.

Detect

Recognizes the short-video player's signature.

Block

Navigates you away before the first clip loads.

Continue

You stay in context — feed, not closed app.

Supported apps

Four apps. One mission.

Instagram

Reels blocked, Home feed stays clear.

YouTube

Shorts blocked, regular videos untouched.

TikTok

For You & Following feeds blocked.

Snapchat

Spotlight blocked, camera still works.

Visual tour

See it in action

A simple interface that blocks reels without getting in your way.

Why Android warns you

MindGuard isn't on the Google Play Store, so you'll see a Play Protect warning during install. That's normal for sideloaded apps — Google simply can't vet it through their store, not a sign it's unsafe. Tap "Install anyway" to proceed. The full source is on GitHub if you want to check for yourself.

Installation

Get started in two minutes

1Download the latest APK from the GitHub release, or use the button up top.

2Android will prompt you — tap Settings → Allow from this source, then install.

3Go to Settings → Apps → MindGuard → ⋮ → Allow restricted settings.
Android 13+

4Go to Settings → Accessibility → MindGuard and turn it on.

✓Done. Open Instagram or YouTube — Reels and Shorts stop cold.