Android Safe Mode Lock

LEGACY INFORMATION PAGE

NOTE: Preventing use of Safe Mode for phones using Android 7 or higher is Not Possible at this time.

 

Safe Mode Lock prevents your child from using their device in Safe Mode!

This function provides an extra layer of protection against bypassing restrictions set by parents, or tampering with the MMGuardian application. The Safe Mode Lock function as described on this page is applicable to phones and tablets up to Android 6.

Prevent your child from using their device in Safe Mode.

In Android Safe Mode, downloaded applications will not run and can not be used. Whilst that means that the apps that your child has downloaded can not be used, it also means that MMGuardian will not properly perform it’s intended functions, including: restricting calls, ensuring safe web browsing or monitoring of texts.

It also prevents your child from using Safe Mode as a way to possibly tamper with the MMGuardian app, such that it does not work properly when the phone is powered up normally.

Prevent your child from using their device before MMGuardian is running

On some phones, when a device is powered up into normal mode, apps such as MMGuardian will not be able to start running for some tens of seconds. This opens up a window of opportunity for your child to make a quick call, briefly use a “blocked” app, etc. Safe Mode Lock also will prevent your child from gaining full access to their device during these critical seconds.

Safe Mode Lock works as follows:

  • The parent sets a PIN or password that will be used by the child to access the device in normal operation.
  • If the phone or tablet is booted into the Android Safe Mode, the device will be locked with the Android Screen Lock, and the MMGuardian admin password will be required to access the device.
  • When the device is powered up into normal mode, the device will be locked with the Android Screen Lock during the initial device start up, and the MMGuardian admin password will be required to access the device. Then, as soon as apps such as MMGuardian are allowed to run, the device will be able to be accessed using the parent-defined child’s PIN or password. On most devices, this delay is just a few seconds; however on some devices it can be some tens of seconds.

Please note that the Android Screen Lock is different to the MMGuardian Lock screen. When a phone is locked using the Android Screen Lock, it is usually only possible to make calls to the emergency services (USA: 911, UK: 999 etc); calls to you will not be possible.

How to enable Safe Mode Lock:

  • Launch the MMGuardian app on your child’s Android device, and select Settings.
  • Scroll down to “Safe Mode Lock” and tap on it.
  • In the Safe Mode Lock screen, chose the kid’s password type: either PIN, Password or None*.
  • If using PIN or Password, enter a PIN or password for your child, and tap the Save button. (If selecting None, just tap the Save button).
  • Tell your child the PIN/password.
  • Hint: You child may already be using a PIN or password to protect their device, and you can of course use this as the kid’s password for Safe Mode Lock.

Safe Mode Lock can currently only be enabled from within the MMGuardian app on the device being protected.

*It is preferable to use either a PIN or password, and not “None”, to ensure that unauthorised people can not gain access to your child’s device.

Please Remember:

  • When the screen is locked with the Android Screen Lock, your child will need to use the kid’s PIN/password that you defined to unlock and gain access to the full functions of the device.
  • On recent versions of Android, the conditions under which the device will be locked with the Android Screen Lock are defined in the (Android) Settings: Security menu. On older versions, the menu is located at (Android) Settings: Lock screen. These conditions include: whenever the power button is pressed, and after some pre-set time has elapsed from when the phone has gone to sleep.
  • When Safe Mode Lock is enabled, the device will always be locked with the Android Screen Lock after it has been powered up. This applies even if the Screen Lock was disabled, or changed to “Swipe”, prior to the device being powered off.

Availability
Safe Mode Lock is available starting from the following app versions:

  • Phone (MMGuardian Parental Control): 2.2.0
  • Tablet (MMGuardian Tablet Security): 2.2.1
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