Is there a fast way to turn an android phone into an mp3 player?
October 15, 2024 12:57 PM Subscribe
My son has asked for a music player for his 8th birthday. I've bought him what is essentially a cheap android that has no sim or camera. Is there a fast way to disable everything but an mp3 app and maybe spotify?
I'm aware that there are parental controls but it looks like I'll need to sign in using my own google account if I want to install any apps - is there an easy way around this? I bought a device aimed at kids whose parents don't want them to have a fully functional phone and I was expecting some sort of custom OS but instead it's just a stock android 11 install. I want it to be as locked down as possible - if it were easier or cheaper to buy him an old ipod I would have done that!
I'm aware that there are parental controls but it looks like I'll need to sign in using my own google account if I want to install any apps - is there an easy way around this? I bought a device aimed at kids whose parents don't want them to have a fully functional phone and I was expecting some sort of custom OS but instead it's just a stock android 11 install. I want it to be as locked down as possible - if it were easier or cheaper to buy him an old ipod I would have done that!
You could probably sideload F-Droid (an open-source "app store") onto it and then an mp3 player app from there.
posted by BungaDunga at 1:18 PM on October 15 [2 favorites]
posted by BungaDunga at 1:18 PM on October 15 [2 favorites]
you can just copy over an apk file and sideload from the file manager. built in apps can be disabled by going to settings -> apps and then disabling them there
posted by onya at 2:18 PM on October 15
posted by onya at 2:18 PM on October 15
If you find a single app that would be suitable, you can 'pin' that app to make it impossible to exit without supplying the password.
Alternatively, if you do want him to be able to use multiple apps, you may want to look at apps offering a 'kiosk mode', where you can customize the restrictions. I'm not sure how far you'll get without a Google account and/or rooting the phone, though.
Finally, you could install a custom ROM which allows you to avoid Google entirely. That's probably beyond 'easy', though.
posted by demi-octopus at 2:20 PM on October 15
Alternatively, if you do want him to be able to use multiple apps, you may want to look at apps offering a 'kiosk mode', where you can customize the restrictions. I'm not sure how far you'll get without a Google account and/or rooting the phone, though.
Finally, you could install a custom ROM which allows you to avoid Google entirely. That's probably beyond 'easy', though.
posted by demi-octopus at 2:20 PM on October 15
Not exactly an answer to your question (sorry) but following up on JohnnyGunn's suggestion, at some point your kid is going to need/want a Google account anyway, so why not set one up for him now, in advance of that eventuality, and link it to the phone?
posted by spamloaf at 3:07 PM on October 15
posted by spamloaf at 3:07 PM on October 15
I've been going through a similar struggle trying to tailor a podcast device for my 8-year-old. The problem with Spotify - and every other podcast software out there - is that they not only provide but actually promote alt-right/incel content like Ben Shapiro, Jordan Peterson etc. I say "promote" because these controversial and adult podcasts are heavily and visibly featured on the home and discovery parts of the app. Again, this is seemingly every podcast app, not just Spotify.
The best solution I've been able to come up with is downloading the material I want and then entirely disabling WiFi. You can use an app like VLC to play the files while offline.
As for initial setup, you can create a fresh google account right on the phone, I think.
posted by splitpeasoup at 3:32 PM on October 15
The best solution I've been able to come up with is downloading the material I want and then entirely disabling WiFi. You can use an app like VLC to play the files while offline.
As for initial setup, you can create a fresh google account right on the phone, I think.
posted by splitpeasoup at 3:32 PM on October 15
PS: if that's too complicated, you can still use a SanDisk MP3 player as a dumb (and offline) podcast/music player - you'll need a computer to download files and transfer them to the SanDisk over USB cable.
posted by splitpeasoup at 3:35 PM on October 15
posted by splitpeasoup at 3:35 PM on October 15
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posted by JohnnyGunn at 1:05 PM on October 15 [1 favorite]