Create a dumbphone
on Android

Beeswax prevents access to web browsers and newly installed apps. You can't browse or access new apps without your lock code.

Get it on GitHub

Get it on Obtainium README Setup guide

Why Beeswax?

Block the browser

Beeswax hides it, preventing access no matter what version of Android you use.

The apps you choose, with a code

Once Beeswax is locked, new apps you install can't be opened until approved with a lock code.

Hard to bypass

You don't need to worry about restarts, safe mode, or ADB giving you access.

Full app updates

Unlike user profile based solutions, Beeswax allows you to update your apps without allowing the ability to install new ones.

Privacy and security

Beeswax collects and shares no personal data. It has no telemetry, one permission, and no network access. It has reproducible builds so you can verify the source code is what runs on your device.

Nonetwork access
1permission
reproducible builds

Setup

1
Install Beeswax and make it device owner with a single ADB command.
2
Lock Beeswax and save its lock code.
3
Enter the lock code to access web browsers and access newly installed apps.

terminal

On your computer, open a terminal (Command Prompt on Windows) and run the command Beeswax shows on its screen:

$ adb shell dpm set-device-owner org.getflourish.beeswax/.Receiver

Beeswax should now say "Device owner: active."

What you need

You need an Android phone, a USB-C cable, and a computer with ADB installed. Android only allows adding a device owner on a phone with no accounts, no other users, and no Private Space, so you'll need to remove these if you have any of them. Alternatively a factory reset will always work. Back up all important data off your device before you start.

FAQ

Does Beeswax use AI?

Yes. This app was developed with Claude Opus 5.5. Its code was reviewed with Opus 5.5 and all issues were fixed or found inconsequential. More reviews are welcome.

Is Beeswax secure?

Beeswax uses the intended way to restrict devices on Android. It's tiny, requests one permission, and only does what it says. See more info in PRIVACY.md. You can verify you got the real Beeswax APK using the SHA256 Signing Certificate, and verify that its source code matches the released APK through reproducible builds.

What are the risks?

One risk with Beeswax, and device-owner apps in general, is the amount of trust you have to put in them. Device-owner apps are given a huge amount of permissions by Android. Beeswax uses only the few listed in PRIVACY.md, and they can be undone. See Risks to using Beeswax for more.

Will I always need ADB on GrapheneOS?

In the future, depending on GrapheneOS, Beeswax may be updated so you can install it and make it the device owner without ADB, through QR code provisioning during initial device setup (issue / earlier attempt, closed). You can add reactions to the issue to show support, but please only comment if you have something meaningful to add.

If GrapheneOS adds support for QR code provisioning, it will likely be added and then work on other Android devices.

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