Latch is a focus and safety layer for your Android device. It blocks distracting and adult content on the device itself and shows a calm, full-screen block screen when something is off-limits. There is no notification or sound when a block happens, so nothing tips off a child.
Filtering runs locally. Latch uses a local VPN to check DNS requests against the rules you set. Requests stay on the device, and Latch does not sell or share browsing data.
What you can do:
- Block by category. Adult, gambling, social media, short-form video, streaming, gaming, messaging, shopping, AI chat, and news and forums. Turn on what you want gone.
- Block specific apps. Pick any installed app. Opening it shows the Latch block screen instead.
- Set schedules. Quiet hours like a sleep lock, or homework hours on weekday afternoons.
- Start a focus session. A timed session that blocks the categories you choose. Strict sessions can't be ended early.
- Use profiles. Solo or family presets for personal, student, teen, or family-safe setups, each with sensible defaults you can tune.
- Lock it down with a guardian PIN. A 6-digit PIN, with optional fingerprint unlock, protects every sensitive change. Rules can't be turned off without it.
- Turn on uninstall protection. Make Latch a device admin so the app can't be removed until you turn this off with the PIN.
Latch is built to be quiet. Blocks never make a sound or post a notification, and the block screen gives no instructions for turning protection off.
Subscription: Latch Premium is $2.99/month, billed through Google Play, and unlocks the app's blocking and protection features. Cancel anytime in Google Play. A persistent VPN key icon stays in the status bar while filtering is on, which Android requires for any on-device VPN.
Accessibility permission: Latch uses Android's Accessibility service to detect which app is in the foreground so it can show the Latch block screen over apps you have chosen to block. This is essential to on-device app blocking. Latch does not collect, store, or share the contents of your screen.