Terms of use
Last updated 2 August 2026.
What OwnHour is
OwnHour is a self-control tool for adults and, when Guardian mode is deliberately set up, a guardian-authorized parental-control tool. You choose which apps, sites, words, Shorts and Reels feeds to pause and how hard it should be to undo that choice. Local rules keep working offline.
What it isn't
It is not a security product or an absolute guarantee. Android can stop background services and manufacturers restrict them differently. Guardian mode uses Device Admin to resist ordinary uninstall, but safe mode, ADB, manufacturer recovery and factory reset remain possible. Protection can lapse; the Protect screen reports Broken rather than claiming protection that is no longer healthy.
Guardian mode
Guardian mode requires consent on the protected device, an authenticated parent or legal guardian who attests to that role, signed approval to activate, Accessibility disclosure, and Android's Device Admin consent. Normal removal needs that guardian's signed approval. If they are unavailable, device authentication can start a 24-hour safety recovery and is required again at completion. Device Admin is used only for uninstall resistance; OwnHour does not request password, lock, wipe or reset policies.
Safety comes first
Calls, messages and system apps are never blocked, and emergency access always works — in every mode, including Strict and Guardian. No setting can remove it.
Accountability partners
If you invite a partner, you are choosing to let them approve or decline changes to your protected settings. They can see which change you asked for and whether your protection is healthy. They cannot see what you open, browse, search or type, and they are never charged. You can disconnect an ordinary accountability partner under your chosen mode's guard. An active Guardian relationship is removed only through its signed removal or safety-recovery flow.
Paying for Pro
Pro is sold through Google Play, and Play's own terms cover payment, renewal, refunds and cancellation. Subscriptions renew until you cancel them in Play. A lifetime purchase is one payment and never renews. If a subscription lapses, your rules keep protecting you — Pro-only features become read-only rather than switching off your protection.
Your side of it
Use OwnHour for your own phone, or for a phone whose user has agreed to it. Do not use it to monitor or restrict someone without their knowledge and consent.
Liability
OwnHour is provided as-is. To the extent the law allows, we are not liable for what you do or don't do while using it, or for protection lapsing because of how a device or operating system behaved. Nothing here limits rights you have under consumer law where you live.