Safe Mode in VollaOS

The Security Mode is an application implemented in VollaOS with the following functions:

1. With Security Mode enabled, you can block apps and filter internet addresses using lists.
2. In the Security Mode user interface, you define the apps to be hidden and blocked. These apps will also not run in the background. This is suitable for untrusted apps that need to be used for work, or apps for employees, customers, or young users where the functionality needs to be controlled. The apps are no longer shown in the app overview of the launcher, but they are still listed (as they are installed) in the list of installed apps within the system settings.
3. In the user interface, you can block apps' internet access. This allows apps to be used offline without sending data over the internet.
4. Additionally, in the user interface, you can use an inclusion or exclusion list to determine which internet addresses are explicitly allowed or blocked.

Activating Security Mode

For first-time use of Security Mode:

When using VollaLauncher

Step	Action
1	VollaLauncher → Swipe right twice → Settings
2	Press and hold the entry “Security Mode is OFF” and slide to “Security Mode is ON” and release
3	First time: Enter (newly assigned) “password” (please enter carefully and make sure to remember it)
4	“Repeat password”: Exactly repeat the password assigned in Step 3

When using other launchers

1. Settings
2. Privacy & Security
3. More Settings → Security Mode

Security Mode is now active with the default settings.

Deactivating Security Mode

Step	Action
1	VollaLauncher → Swipe right twice → Settings
2	Press and hold the entry “Security Mode is ON” and slide to “Security Mode is OFF” and release
3	Enter password

Alternatively, Security Mode can also be deactivated via the quick settings tile.

Reactivating Security Mode after Deactivation

Step	Action
1	VollaLauncher → Swipe right twice → Settings
2	Press and hold the entry “Security Mode is OFF” and slide to “Security Mode is ON” and release
3	Check the box for “Use existing password” and confirm with OK

Caution: In case of a lost password, for security reasons, there is no way to deactivate or modify Security Mode. Security Mode can only be reset by performing a complete reset (data loss) of the phone.

Adjusting Security Mode Settings

Adjusting Security Mode settings is only possible when Security Mode is deactivated.

Deactivation

Step	Action
1	VollaLauncher → Swipe right twice → Settings
2	Press and hold the entry “Security Mode is ON” and slide to “Security Mode is OFF” and release
3	Enter the password assigned for Security Mode and confirm with OK

Accessing the Configuration Interface

1. VollaOS → System Settings (“Settings”)
2. Privacy and Security
3. Security Mode

The Tab: APP LOCKER

Disable Installation of New Applications

When this option is enabled, no new applications can be installed from that point onward. This protects your VollaPhone from installing additional (potentially harmful or unwanted) applications.

Link microG

When this option is enabled, microG is automatically deactivated as soon as Security Mode is active.

Lock / Unlock Apps

Here, you can lock any app (tap the open lock icon next to the desired app) or unlock a locked app (tap the closed lock icon next to the respective locked app). Locked apps are excluded from use and do not appear in the app overview of the launcher (phone’s home screen).

An example use case would be temporarily handing over the phone to third parties to hide apps that are not intended for use by others.

The Tab: FIREWALL

Inclusion List Domains

When this option is enabled, you can use the 3-dot menu (top right):

Action	Description
Import List	Import custom lists (.txt) from the phone’s storage (must be saved there beforehand)
Import Security Template	Import predefined whitelists (allowed domains) from [1]. These can be selected via checkboxes

Exclusion List Domains

When this option is enabled, you can use the 3-dot menu (top right):

Action	Description
Import List	Import custom lists (.txt) from the phone’s storage (must be saved there beforehand)
Import Security Template	Import predefined blacklists (disallowed domains) from [2]. These can be selected via checkboxes

Add Individual Domain

Tapping the “+” icon at the bottom right opens the input field for a single desired domain.

The Tab: APP FIREWALL

In this section, individual apps can be disconnected from internet access to prevent unwanted data transfers.

Step	Action
1	Search for the desired app in the list
2	Tap the globe icon
3	The app now appears with a crossed-out globe icon in the list of restricted apps – internet access is blocked

Restore Internet Access

Tap the crossed-out globe icon next to the respective app. Internet access is restored, and the app is listed in the unrestricted apps list.

Caution: When using the APP FIREWALL, restricting an app may cause certain app functions to become unavailable or the entire app to become inoperable. This depends on how the app functions and whether individual features require an internet connection (e.g., for additional features, data transfer, etc.). This needs to be tested to determine.