Support & Help
Need help with ToolPhone? We're here to assist you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I grant the required permissions?
ToolPhone needs two special permissions:
- Usage Access: Go to Settings → Apps → Special Access → Usage access → Enable "ToolPhone"
- Display over other apps: Go to Settings → Apps → Special Access → Display over other apps → Enable "ToolPhone"
The app will guide you through these during onboarding.
Why isn't the pause screen showing when I open blocked apps?
Check these common issues:
- Ensure monitoring is turned ON (check the FAB button in the app)
- Verify the app you're trying to open is actually in your blocked list
- Make sure "Display over other apps" permission is granted
- Try force-stopping the app and starting monitoring again
How do I add or remove blocked apps?
From the main screen, tap on any app in the list to toggle blocking on/off. Apps with switches in the ON position will show the pause screen when opened.
Where is my data stored?
All your personal data (reflections, journal entries, app selections) is stored locally on your device. We never upload this data to external servers. Only anonymous crash reports and usage statistics are sent to Firebase.
Can I export my journal or statistics?
Export functionality is planned for a future update. Currently, all data remains on your device and can be viewed within the app.
Does Phone is a Tool drain battery?
The app runs a lightweight background service that monitors app usage. Battery impact is minimal (typically <1% per day) as it only checks which app is in the foreground once per second.
What happens if I uninstall the app?
All your local data (journals, reflections, statistics) will be permanently deleted when you uninstall. There is no way to recover this data, so consider exporting important reflections first (copy/paste to notes).
Can I use this on multiple devices?
Yes, but each device will have its own separate data. There is currently no sync feature between devices as all data is stored locally.
Is there a premium/paid version?
ToolPhone is currently completely free with all features unlocked. We may add optional premium features in the future, but core blocking functionality will always remain free.
Troubleshooting
The service keeps stopping
Some manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, etc.) aggressively kill background services to save battery. To fix this:
- Go to Settings → Apps → ToolPhone → Battery → Set to "Unrestricted"
- Disable battery optimization for the app
- Add the app to the "protected apps" list (manufacturer-specific)
- Visit dontkillmyapp.com for device-specific instructions
Statistics not showing correctly
If statistics or screen time data seems incorrect:
- Verify "Usage access" permission is granted
- Try restarting your device
- Make sure the app has been running for at least one full day to collect data
Pause screen appearing for wrong apps
Check your blocked apps list to ensure only the intended apps are selected. You may have accidentally enabled monitoring for more apps than intended.
Contact Us
Still need help? Have a feature request or bug report?
Email: support@pasoevi.com
We typically respond within 24-48 hours.
When contacting us, please include:
- Your device model and Android version
- App version (found in Settings → About)
- Description of the issue
- Steps to reproduce (if applicable)
Feature Requests
Have an idea for improving ToolPhone? We'd love to hear it! Email us with your suggestions.
Popular requested features we're considering:
- Custom blocking schedules (work hours, bedtime, etc.)
- Data export functionality
- Widgets for quick stats
- Goals and challenges
- Multi-device sync
Community & Updates
Stay updated with the latest features and join our community:
- Follow development updates
- Share tips and experiences
- Connect with other mindful phone users
(Community links coming soon)