Setup guide · Beta · Android

Get started with Elvana.

Elvana is currently in closed beta. Join the waitlist and you'll receive the download link directly in your email — then this guide walks you through install and setup on your Android phone.

Install instructions
≈ 5 min setup · Android 9+ · v0.1.0 · Direct APK
01 Download Direct APK

Step 1 — Get the download link.

Elvana is currently in closed beta. The download link is sent personally — not posted publicly.

Check your email.

If you've joined the waitlist, you should have received a download link from [email protected]. Can't find it? Check your spam folder — or join the waitlist below.

v0.1.0 · Android 9+ · Closed beta · Invite only
02 Install Per phone brand

Step 2 — Install the APK.

Android blocks apps from outside the Play Store by default. Here's how to allow it — find your phone brand below.

Stock Android / Pixel
Settings → Apps → Special app access → Install unknown apps → select Chrome or Files → toggle ON
Samsung
Settings → Biometrics and security → Install unknown apps → select your browser → toggle ON
Xiaomi / Redmi / POCO
Settings → Privacy → Special app access → Install unknown apps → toggle ON
Realme / OPPO / OnePlus
Settings → Additional Settings → Privacy → Install unknown apps → toggle ON
Vivo
Settings → Security → Install unknown apps → toggle ON
Any phone — easiest
Just tap the downloaded APK file. Android will show a popup saying "blocked for security" — tap Settings on that popup and it takes you directly to the right screen. Toggle ON and go back to install.
03 Play Protect If you see a warning

Seeing an "App blocked" warning?

Why it happens Google Play Protect may show a warning that Elvana can request access to sensitive data. This is because Elvana uses Accessibility Service to detect when you open a distracting app — it does not read your screen content or collect personal data.
— What to do

Tap OK on the warning, then try installing again. You should see an Install anyway option. Tap it.

— Alternative path

Or go to Play Store → profile picture → Play Protect → Settings and turn off Scan apps with Play Protect. Then install.

04 First-time setup ≈ 3 minutes

Step 3 — Set up Elvana.

Open the app and follow the onboarding. Here's what to expect, in order.

  1. Sign in with Google.

    Use the Google account you want Elvana tied to. Nothing is shared — sign-in is just for sync.

  2. Complete onboarding.

    Add your nickname, the habits you want help with, and your monthly goal. This calibrates how Elvana speaks to you.

  3. Grant all permissions when asked.

    Each one unlocks a piece of how Elvana works. None of them ship your data anywhere.

    • Usage Access
      Lets Elvana detect when you open a blocked app.
    • Draw Over Apps
      Lets Elvana show the overlay when you open a blocked app.
    • Notifications
      Lets Elvana send you personalized nudges.
    • Accessibility Service Required
      The most important one. Without this the overlay will not appear.
      Settings → Accessibility → Installed apps → Elvana → toggle ON
    • Battery Optimization Required
      Without this Android may kill Elvana in the background.
      Settings → Battery → Elvana → Unrestricted / No restrictions

  4. Pick the apps to block.

    Instagram, YouTube, anything you want to use less. You can change this list anytime.

  5. Use your phone normally.

    Elvana will quietly nudge you when you open a blocked app — within 1–2 seconds.

05 Overlay troubleshooting If nothing shows up

The overlay isn't showing.

Run through this checklist in order — one of these is almost always the cause.

Note The overlay appears within 1–2 seconds of opening a blocked app. If it appeared once but stopped, check battery optimization — Android may have killed the background service.
06 Need help I respond personally

Still stuck?

Dhvanit Vaghela
Founder · Elvana

I'm Dhvanit, the solo founder of Elvana. I personally respond to every message. Email me with your phone brand, Android version, and what step you're stuck on — I'll help you get it working.

Email [email protected]

You can also reply directly to the email you received from me.