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Operating System Permissions Setup

To enforce screen time limits, track locations, and prevent unauthorized uninstallation, the Fami Hero Kids app requires several device permissions. The app includes an automated setup wizard that guides you through each setting.

πŸ€– Android Permissions Checklist​

On Android, the app guides you through the following permissions in sequence.

OS PermissionWhy It MattersYes/No Safe State
1. Location (Allow all the time)Required for background GPS updates and SOS location reports.Yes: Active even in background.
No: Active only when app is open.
2. NotificationsAllows the app to show local warnings and alerts to the child.Yes: Alerts enabled.
No: Blocked by user.
3. Notification AccessEnables Fami Hero to monitor system warnings and alerts.Yes: Service enabled.
No: Revoked.
4. Disable Battery OptimizationPrevents the Android system from shutting down the app in the background.Yes: App ignored/optimized off.
No: Battery saver active.
5. Usage AccessPowers the app-limit system by monitoring which apps are open.Yes: Usage tracking allowed.
No: Inactive, limits cannot enforce.
6. VPN Connection (Local VPN)Powers the remote Web Filtering feature by monitoring and filtering domain name requests (DNS) locally on the device.Yes: Local VPN is active and filters unsafe sites.
No: Inactive, web filtering will not work.
7. Display Over Other AppsRenders the fullscreen "Time Out" or "App Blocked" overlay screens.Yes: Allowed to draw over apps.
No: Inactive, child bypass possible.
8. Accessibility ServiceCrucial to detect uninstallation attempts, clearing cache, or disabling services.Yes: Accessibility enabled.
No: Revoked, vulnerable to bypass.
9. Device AdminProvides advanced uninstall protection.Yes: Device admin active.
No: Inactive.

πŸ› οΈ Step-by-Step Settings Configuration​

The Fami Hero Kids app will automatically open the exact system settings page for each permission. Follow these clear steps:

  1. Tap Enable Permission on the app screen.
  2. The system settings page will launch.
  3. Locate Fami Hero Kids (or Fami Hero Child) in the list.
  4. Toggle the switch to On or Allow.
  5. Tap the back button to return to Fami Hero Kids; the app will immediately verify the permission and route you to the next step.

Child Android Permissions Setup Sequence

Caption: The Fami Hero Kids setup screen displays the complete sequence of permissions required for Android.

Highlight 1: Background Location Permission (Allow all the time)​

For continuous, real-time background location updates and reliable safety monitoring, Android requires you to explicitly select Allow all the time in the system location settings:

Background Location Permission Active State in Android Settings

Caption: System Settings Location Permission page showing Fami Hero Child configured with 'Allow all the time' background location access.

Highlight 2: Enabling Accessibility​

Because the Accessibility service is Android's most sensitive permission, Android may show a standard system warning. Fami Hero only uses this service to lock settings and protect the app from being uninstalled without parent approval.

Accessibility Permission Active State in Android Settings

Caption: System Settings window confirming that the Fami Hero Kids/Child Accessibility Service is successfully turned on (On).

Highlight 3: VPN Connection Setup​

To protect your child from accessing inappropriate websites and block custom web domains remotely, Fami Hero uses a secure, local-only VPN. When prompted, you must allow Fami Hero to set up a VPN connection.

No internet traffic is routed through external proxy serversβ€”all filtering is done entirely offline on the child's device for optimal privacy and performance.

Android VPN Connection Permission Settings

Caption: System consent window prompting you to allow the local Fami Hero VPN connection to enable DNS-based web filtering.

🍏 iOS Permissions Setup​

For iOS devices, the permission setup relies on Apple's standard framework:

  1. Location Access: Set to Always Allow. This allows the parent to track the device location in the background.
  2. Push Notifications: Tap Allow. This ensures the child receives real-time alerts and time extensions.
  3. Screen Time API / MDM Profile: (If configured) Follow the on-screen prompts to trust the certificate in iOS Settings.

πŸ”’ Remote Child Anti-Uninstall Protection​

To prevent the child from bypassing parental controls by uninstalling the Fami Hero Kids app, the platform includes a powerful Child Anti-Uninstall feature. This setting is managed entirely remotely by the parent, meaning you do not need physical access to the child's device to enable or disable it.

How it Works:​

When Child Anti-Uninstall is enabled, Fami Hero uses the Android Accessibility Service and Device Administrator permissions on the child's device to monitor uninstall attempts or settings modifications. If the child attempts to uninstall the app or revoke permissions:

  1. The app detects the attempt instantly.
  2. It blocks the action and forces the device screen to lock or redirect back to the home screen.
  3. The parent receives an immediate push notification alert.

How to Toggle Anti-Uninstall Remotely:​

  1. Open the Fami Hero Parent App and tap the Menu tab on the bottom bar.
  2. Locate the Child Anti-Uninstall card.
  3. Toggle the switch ON (active blue state) to enable remote protection, or OFF to temporarily disable it (e.g., when you legitimately need to update or uninstall the child's app).
  4. The setting updates instantly on the child's device via a secure background command.

Parent App Screen: Remote Child Anti-Uninstall Toggle

Caption: Activating the remote Child Anti-Uninstall toggle switch from the parent's Menu tab.

πŸ” How Parents Can Verify Health Status​

You do not need to check the child's physical device to verify that permissions are configured correctly:

  1. Open the Fami Hero Parent App.
  2. Tap the Dashboard tab and select your child's profile.
  3. Check the Monitoring Status card:
    • Active/Healthy: All core permissions are active.
    • Action Required: Displays a clear warning (e.g., "Usage Access Revoked" or "Accessibility Service Inactive").

[!WARNING] If a permission is revoked by the child or disabled by a system battery-saver program, the Parent App will send a high-priority push alert immediately. See Troubleshooting and Battery Optimizations to resolve.

⏭️ Next Step​

Now that the child's device is paired and protected with correct system permissions, you can configure your first rules. Continue to Screen Time Controls.