MattyMode

How do I set up MattyMode for the first time?

When you first open MattyMode, a Setup Wizard walks you through five simple steps: choosing a PIN, setting a recovery question, selecting activities, choosing a timer, and reviewing your settings. After that, you're ready to go — just tap the big Start button.

What does the Start button do?

Tapping Start launches your child into the selected activity in full-screen mode. The status bar, navigation buttons, and notifications are all hidden. The only way to exit is through the parent PIN.

How do I access Parent Settings?

On the Start screen, tap the small gear icon in the top-right corner. You'll need to enter your PIN to access settings.

I forgot my PIN. What do I do?

Enter the wrong PIN five times and a "Forgot PIN?" link appears. Tap it to answer your recovery question. If you also forgot your recovery answer, enter the wrong answer five times and an Emergency Unlock option appears. The emergency code is today's month and day (MMDD). For example, January 5th would be 0105.

Can I change my PIN?

Yes. Go to Parent Settings and tap "Change PIN." You'll need to enter your current PIN first, then choose a new one. If you accessed settings through recovery, the current PIN step is skipped.

Can I get permanently locked out?

No. There is no lockout from failed PIN attempts. You can always recover access through the recovery question or emergency code. As a last resort, you can unpin the app using Android's built-in screen pinning controls, or clear the app's data in Android Settings to start fresh.

How do I add photos for the Photo Viewer?

Go to Parent Settings, scroll to the Photo Viewer section, and tap "Select Photos." Choose the photos you want from your gallery. You can tap "Select Photos" multiple times to add more. Photos stay on your device and are never uploaded anywhere.

How do I save my child's drawing?

While in the drawing activity, press and hold the small circle button in the top-right corner for about 2.5 seconds until a menu appears. Tap "Save Drawing" and the artwork is saved to your gallery in the Pictures/MattyMode folder.

How does the bubble speed work?

In Parent Settings under Bubble Options, there's a speed slider from slow to fast. Slower speeds are calmer for younger babies. Faster speeds are more engaging for older toddlers. You can also enable or disable the subtle pop sound effect.

How do I switch between activities during a session?

First, enable "Allow Activity Switching" in Parent Settings. During a session, small icons appear at the top of the screen. Tap an icon once to highlight it, then tap again within one second to switch. This double-tap prevents accidental switches from small hands.

What happens when the timer runs out?

A friendly "Time for a break!" screen appears with a sleepy character animation. There are no buttons for your child to press. To continue, press and hold the circle button in the top-right corner for 2.5 seconds, then choose "More Time" to restart the timer or "End Session" to exit.

Can I turn off the timer?

Yes. In Parent Settings under Timer, select "No limit." The session will continue until you exit manually through the hold menu and PIN.

What is screen pinning?

Screen pinning is a built-in Android feature that locks your phone to a single app. When MattyMode launches, it activates screen pinning so your child can't navigate away, pull down notifications, or open other apps.

How do I exit if I need to?

The normal way is through the in-app hold menu and your parent PIN. If you need to exit without the PIN, you can unpin the app by holding the Back and Overview buttons together (or swipe up and hold on gesture navigation). You can also force-stop the app from Android Settings.

What about phone calls?

Incoming phone calls override screen pinning — Android gives calls top priority. You can answer or decline the call, and MattyMode returns to the foreground after. Text messages and other notifications are hidden while the app is active.

Does MattyMode collect any data?

No. Zero data collection of any kind. No analytics, no tracking, no advertising, no accounts. The app works completely offline and never connects to the internet. Read our full Privacy Policy for details.

How do I reset everything?

Go to your phone's Settings, then Apps, then MattyMode, then Storage, and tap "Clear Data." This removes your PIN, settings, selected photos, and all preferences. The next time you open the app, the Setup Wizard will run again like a fresh install.

Is my PIN stored securely?

Yes. Your PIN and recovery answer are stored using SHA-256 one-way hashing. Even if someone accessed the raw app data, they would see an encrypted hash that cannot be reversed back to your actual PIN.

When are themes available?

Themes are coming soon. You can preview them in Parent Settings now. When available, each theme will transform the drawing palette, bubble colors, and app backgrounds. They'll be available individually or as discounted bundles.

What new activities are planned?

Two new activities are in development: Shape Matching (drag shapes into matching outlines with gentle celebrations) and Explore & Play (interactive floating objects to grab, drag, and throw). You can see them listed as "Coming Soon" in Parent Settings.

Will there be a brush thickness option for drawing?

Yes, a brush thickness slider is planned for a future update. It's listed as "Coming Soon" in the Canvas Options section of Parent Settings.