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BrainGate v1.0

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@github-actions github-actions released this 04 Mar 03:39
· 10 commits to main since this release
v1.0
83d5bc1

BrainGate v1.0

Reclaim your attention. No ads. No cloud. No tricks — just cognitive science.

BrainGate is an open-source Android focus tool built on principles from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Instead of hard-blocking apps, it disrupts the automatic dopamine loop that drives doom-scrolling and app addiction — training your subconscious to associate opening distracting apps with friction, reflection, and delay, until the habit fades.

How it works

When you try to open a blocked app, BrainGate intercepts it via Android's Accessibility Service and presents a countdown overlay. You can't skip it. During the wait you may be shown a knowledge prompt — a question from your own personal vault — forcing a moment of conscious thought before you proceed.

This mirrors the CBT technique of urge surfing: the craving peaks, you sit with it for 30 seconds, and it passes. Over time, the compulsion weakens on its own — no willpower required.

Features

  • Timer overlay — per-app countdown that physically delays access, disrupting the automatic open reflex
  • Knowledge vault — your own Q&A prompts displayed at unlock (learn something while you wait)
  • Uninstall protection — a mandatory timer prevents impulsive uninstalls during a dopamine spike, so you only remove the app once you genuinely no longer need it
  • 30-second removal delay — blocked apps can't be instantly removed from your list, eliminating reflexive bypassing
  • Cooldown periods — rapid repeated attempts trigger a progressively longer cooldown
  • Boot-safe — uses Android Direct Boot so blocking is active before you even unlock your phone
  • No network permission — BrainGate cannot phone home, track you, serve ads, or collect any data. Enforced at the manifest level.
  • No root required — works entirely through the standard Android Accessibility Service API

Requirements

  • Android 8.0+ (API 26)
  • Accessibility Service permission (required for app interception)
  • Display Over Other Apps permission (required for the countdown overlay)

Install

Download app-release.apk below and sideload it, or build from source:

git clone https://github.com/codeNinja62/BrainGate.git
cd BrainGate
./gradlew :app:assembleRelease

See CONTRIBUTING.md for signing setup and build instructions.

MIT licensed. No telemetry. No accounts. Your data never leaves your device.

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