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Simple Mode / Kid Mode for LaunchBox Android

📋 Summary

Add a Simple Mode (also known as Kid Mode or Locked Mode) to LaunchBox for Android. This mode hides or password-locks all settings and advanced menus, creating a simplified, safe interface — ideal for children and for users running LaunchBox as their home screen launcher.


🎯 Feature Overview

Simple Mode would include:

  • A restricted UI that only shows games, platforms, and basic navigation

  • Hidden or locked settings menus, requiring a PIN or password to access

  • Optional override for exiting LaunchBox, preventing kids from accidentally leaving the launcher

  • Works seamlessly with the new Android home-screen launcher support

  • Toggle in settings (e.g. “Enable Simple Mode”) with PIN setup

Potential extra options:

  • Disable deletion or editing of games

  • Disable playlist creation or modifications

  • Disable emulator configuration access

  • Optional “Simple Theme” with larger buttons and fewer options


🧒 Example Use Case

A parent sets a handheld Android device to boot directly into LaunchBox.

Simple Mode hides all settings, preventing children from:

  • Resetting configurations

  • Breaking emulator setups

  • Exiting to Android accidentally

  • Deleting or modifying games

Kids see only the game library and can launch games safely.


📦 Benefits

  • Perfect for kid-friendly handheld setups

  • Prevents accidental setting changes

  • Pairs incredibly well with home screen launcher mode

  • Cleaner UI for users who prefer a minimalist, console-like experience

  • Makes LaunchBox Android more robust for shared devices

1 comment

This request was merged into another request

Comments1

  • dolfan058

    •

    Dec 11, 2025

    Add Simple Mode to Android App

    Now that the great Faeran is introducing home screen launcher support again for LB Android, the app would really benefit from a “simple mode” or an “kid mode” where the settings could be locked away or hidden behind a password. Retroarch has a similar function, as does Batocera. This would be great for those of us giving our kids Android based retro handhelds that will run Launchbox as the default home app, so we simplify the system further and help them not accidentally get lost in settings menus after us parents set things up for them.