Readme.md

DeepWatch

For deep learning, not shallow scrolling.

An Android app that creates intentional friction when accessing YouTube Shorts, helping you reclaim your attention.

Installation

1. Download app-debug.apk to your Android device
2. Tap the APK to install
3. Open DeepWatch and grant permissions

Troubleshooting

"App blocked by Play Protect"

Google Play Protect may block installation of apps from outside the Play Store.

To install anyway:

1. Tap "Got it" on the warning dialog
2. Tap "More details"
3. Tap "Install anyway"

If "Install anyway" doesn't appear:

1. Open Play Store app
2. Tap your Profile icon (top right)
3. Tap Play Protect
4. Tap Settings (gear icon)
5. Toggle OFF "Scan apps with Play Protect"
6. Install the APK
7. Toggle Play Protect back ON after installation

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"Controlled by restricted settings"

Android 13+ blocks sensitive permissions for sideloaded apps until explicitly allowed.

To allow restricted settings:

1. Long-press the DeepWatch app icon
2. Tap "App info"
3. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner
4. Tap "Allow restricted settings"
5. Confirm with your PIN/fingerprint if prompted
6. Return to DeepWatch and enable permissions

Alternative path:

Settings → Apps → DeepWatch → ⋮ (top right) → Allow restricted settings

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Accessibility Service shows "Not working"

If the service crashes or stops:

1. Go to Settings → Accessibility → DeepWatch
2. Toggle it OFF, then ON again
3. If that fails, force stop the app and re-enable

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Setup Checklist

After installation, ensure both permissions are granted:

• Accessibility Service - Detects when you navigate to Shorts
• Overlay Permission - Shows the blocking overlay

Both are required for DeepWatch to function.

How It Works

1. You open YouTube and tap on Shorts
2. DeepWatch detects this via Accessibility Service
3. A 10-second blocking overlay appears
4. You can tap "Go Back" immediately, or wait
5. After 10 seconds, you must tap to proceed (extra friction)
6. If you proceed, there's a 5-minute cooldown before next intervention

Settings

• Countdown Duration: 5-30 seconds (default: 10)
• Cooldown After Proceed: 1-30 minutes (default: 5)

Building from Source

# Requires Java 17 and Android SDK
./gradlew assembleDebug

# APK location
app/build/outputs/apk/debug/app-debug.apk

License

MIT