Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about how Literal works, how it guarantees your privacy, and why it is the absolute best digital distraction avoider in the world right now.
Literal vs. Competitors
Why is Literal better than Apple Screen Time or Digital Wellbeing?
Built-in tools like Screen Time are inherently flawed because they rely entirely on your own willpower. When you hit your limit, they provide a simple "Ignore Limit" button. Literal removes that button. Once you hit your limit in Literal, the app is hard-locked. The only way to get more time is to ask your Keyholder for permission, creating social stakes.
Can I just uninstall Literal to bypass the block? (Like other apps)
Nice try! Most app blockers on the Play Store can be easily bypassed by just long-pressing and clicking "Uninstall". Literal features an Uninstall Protection Engine. If you try to uninstall the app while a block is active, it intercepts the action and requires a passcode or Keyholder approval. It is unbreakable by design.
How is Literal's YouTube blocker different from others?
Other blockers offer an all-or-nothing approach: they either block YouTube entirely or leave it fully open. This is terrible for students who need YouTube for math tutorials or lectures. Literal has an exclusive YouTube Study Mode that blocks the distracting Shorts feed and algorithm recommendations, but still allows you to search and watch educational content.
How It Works
What is a Keyholder?
A Keyholder is your accountability partner—a trusted friend, sibling, or parent. They hold the "digital key" to your locks. If you hit your limit, they receive a notification to approve or deny your request for extra time.
Are my messages and photos safe?
100% Yes. Literal operates as a "blindfolded security guard". It only tracks the time spent on apps to enforce your quota. It never reads your texts, sees your photos, or tracks your web history. We value absolute privacy.
What are Literal Tokens?
Tokens are your currency of commitment. You stake tokens when you promise to complete a task (like studying for 2 hours). If you succeed, you keep them. If you procrastinate and fail, you lose them forever. It introduces loss aversion to force productivity.
What is the "Emergency Glass Break"?
If your Keyholder is asleep and you have a genuine emergency, you can spend 100 Literal Tokens to force-unlock your phone. However, doing so sends a loud "Siren Alert" to your Keyholder. You can't cheat secretly!