https://github.com/johnou/playstoreblocker
Minimal Android Accessibility Service that silently blocks access to the Google Play Store.
https://github.com/johnou/playstoreblocker
Last synced: 3 days ago
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Minimal Android Accessibility Service that silently blocks access to the Google Play Store.
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/johnou/playstoreblocker
- Owner: johnou
- License: mit
- Created: 2025-04-05T14:34:12.000Z (over 1 year ago)
- Default Branch: main
- Last Pushed: 2025-04-11T06:54:42.000Z (over 1 year ago)
- Last Synced: 2026-06-08T14:00:11.304Z (about 2 months ago)
- Language: Java
- Size: 47.9 KB
- Stars: 0
- Watchers: 1
- Forks: 0
- Open Issues: 0
-
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
- License: LICENSE
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README
# PlayStoreBlocker
Minimal Android Accessibility Service that silently blocks access to the Google Play Store.
---
### What it does
When the Play Store (`com.android.vending`) is opened, this service intercepts the window event and immediately triggers a global back action — effectively closing it before the user can interact.
This is intended for use on child-managed devices (e.g. Family Link) where direct Play Store blocking isn't otherwise available.
---
### How it works
- No launcher activity
- No icon in app drawer
- No visible UI
- Launches automatically once the accessibility service is enabled manually via system settings
- Labeled inconspicuously as `System Framework Monitor` to avoid tampering
---
### Build Instructions
This project supports custom signing for both `debug` and `release` builds.
You'll need to define signing credentials in `gradle.properties`:
```properties
# Release signing
RELEASE_STORE_FILE=/home/youruser/.keystore/release.jks
RELEASE_KEY_ALIAS=releaseAlias
RELEASE_STORE_PASSWORD=yourPassword
RELEASE_KEY_PASSWORD=yourPassword
# Debug signing
DEBUG_STORE_FILE=/home/youruser/.keystore/debug.jks
DEBUG_KEY_ALIAS=debugAlias
DEBUG_STORE_PASSWORD=yourPassword
DEBUG_KEY_PASSWORD=yourPassword
```
Then run:
```bash
./gradlew assembleRelease
# or
./gradlew assembleDebug
```
APK outputs will land in:
```
app/build/outputs/apk/release/
app/build/outputs/apk/debug/
```
---
### Install Instructions
1. Host the APK locally (e.g., with Python HTTP server):
```bash
python3 -m http.server 8080
```
2. Open the URL on the target device:
```
http://:8080/app-release.apk
```
3. Enable "Install from Unknown Sources" if prompted (disable it afterwards!).
4. After install, go to:
```
Settings > Accessibility > Installed Services > System Framework Monitor
```
5. Enable the service. That's it.
---
### Known Limitations
- Service must be manually enabled in Accessibility settings.
- Can be disabled by the user unless the device is locked down (e.g., via Device Owner / Kiosk Mode).
---
### License
MIT. Use it, modify it, don't upload it to the Play Store.