Android permissions Earnest asks for
Earnest requests only the permissions it needs to count time and enforce limits, and it uses each one for a single, narrow job. Below is every permission, what it does, why it matters, and where to grant it on your phone.
Usage access
Earnest reads which app is currently in the foreground so it can count time against your balance and reconcile it accurately. It does not read the content inside those apps.
Settings, then Apps, then Special app access, then Usage access
Display over other apps
This lets Earnest draw the gentle lock screen and the countdown on top of a reward app when time is running low or has run out.
Settings, then Apps, then Special app access, then Display over other apps
Accessibility service
The service notices when a locked app opens and returns to the home screen. Earnest uses it only for enforcement and does not collect or transmit what is on your screen. See the accessibility setup guide for the consent screen you will see.
Settings, then Accessibility, then Installed services, then Earnest
Device admin
Used only to lock the screen at bedtime and school windows. Earnest does not use device admin to wipe, track, or manage anything else on the phone.
Requested in-app when you enable bedtime lock
Ignore battery optimizations
Keeps the foreground countdown service alive on phones that aggressively stop background apps, so your timers stay accurate. See the OnePlus battery guide for maker-specific steps.
Settings, then Battery, then Battery optimization, then Earnest, then Do not optimize
Why does Earnest need so much access?
Counting time honestly and gently returning a kid to the home screen when time is up simply requires these hooks on Android. Earnest asks for the minimum set to do that job, and nothing beyond it. It has no networking libraries, so even with these permissions granted it has no way to send your data off the device. You can read how that works on the security page.
Some phones, especially from OnePlus, Oppo, Xiaomi, and Samsung, add their own background limits on top of Android. If timers or the lock stop working after a while, the OnePlus battery guide covers the extra settings to check.