I finally fixed my kid's screen time by switching to this dedicated launcher
Android Police 2026-06-25 13:30:12
Context: A parent was struggling to manage their 7-year-old child's screen time on their shared Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE, finding Android's built-in Digital Wellbeing feature to be effective but cumbersome to use, especially when switching between their own and their child's usage. They sought a better solution and discovered Before Launcher, a dedicated launcher that offers a minimalist interface and parental control features without requiring a monthly subscription. This launcher has helped the parent to effectively manage their child's screen time.
Key Facts
- The author's child is 7 years old and uses their Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE for homework and online activities, but often ends up spending more screen time than planned, particularly on games and YouTube Shorts.
- Android's built-in Digital Wellbeing feature, while effective for managing screen time, added usability friction, especially on shared devices, and required manual resets of timers in the settings.
- The author tested several paid apps and launchers, including Kids Place by Kiddoware, but found them to be either ineffective or too expensive, with essential features locked behind a paywall or requiring a monthly subscription.
- Before Launcher, a dedicated launcher with a minimalist interface, was found to be a game-changer for managing the author's child's screen time, allowing for a curated list of allowed apps on the home screen while hiding the app drawer and search tool.
- Before Launcher's core features are free, with optional extended customizations available for a one-time purchase, making it a more cost-effective solution compared to other launchers that require recurring monthly subscriptions.