Custom Modes
Custom modes let you create device experiences tailored to your family’s specific needs - beyond the three built-in modes (Free Time, Focused, Quiet Time).
Why Create Custom Modes?
Section titled “Why Create Custom Modes?”The built-in modes work well for most situations, but every family is different:
| Situation | Built-in Mode Limitation | Custom Mode Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Homework with specific apps | Focused Mode may allow too much or too little | ”Homework Mode” with just school apps |
| Gaming with friends | Free Time has no limits | ”Gaming Time” with just approved games |
| Reading before bed | Focused Mode has distracting features | ”Reading Mode” with just Kindle/books |
| Creative projects | Hard to define with built-in modes | ”Creative Mode” with art/music apps |
Creating a Custom Mode
Section titled “Creating a Custom Mode”- Go to Settings → Modes in the Parent Portal
- Click Create Mode
- Configure your mode:
Basic Settings
Section titled “Basic Settings”| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | What your family calls this mode (e.g., “Homework Mode”) |
| Emoji | A quick visual identifier (e.g., 📚) |
| Color | Used in schedules and UI (e.g., orange for homework) |
| Experience Type | How the device behaves (see below) |
Experience Types
Section titled “Experience Types”Every mode uses one of three experience types that determine device behavior:
| Experience Type | Device Behavior | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Full Desktop | Normal device access | Relaxed modes, gaming time |
| Kiosk | ThrivaOS environment | Homework, focused activities |
| Device Inactive | User logged out | Bedtime, family time |
App & Website Rules
Section titled “App & Website Rules”After creating a mode, configure which apps and websites are available:
-
Edit the mode
-
Go to the App Rules tab
-
Choose your access mode:
- All Apps - Everything is available
- Only Selected - Only apps you pick are available
- All Except Selected - Everything except apps you pick
-
Go to the Website Rules tab
-
Apply the same logic for websites
Feature Toggles
Section titled “Feature Toggles”Control which Thriva features are active in this mode:
| Toggle | What It Controls |
|---|---|
| AI Assistant | Whether the child can chat with the AI |
| Chat | Whether messaging features are available |
| Rewards | Whether the rewards shop is visible |
| Counts Toward Budget | Whether time in this mode uses their screen time budget |
Child Mode Switching
Section titled “Child Mode Switching”You can allow children to switch into or out of this mode themselves:
| Setting | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Child can switch to | Child can voluntarily enter this mode |
| Child can switch from | Child can voluntarily leave this mode |
This supports autonomy - let responsible children choose Homework Mode when they’re ready to focus.
Example Custom Modes
Section titled “Example Custom Modes”Homework Mode 📚
Section titled “Homework Mode 📚”Purpose: Distraction-free homework time with school tools
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Experience Type | Kiosk |
| App Access | Only Selected |
| Allowed Apps | Calculator, Google Docs, school portals |
| Website Access | Only Selected |
| Allowed Websites | Google Classroom, Khan Academy, school sites |
| AI Assistant | Enabled (homework help) |
| Counts Toward Budget | No |
Gaming Time 🎮
Section titled “Gaming Time 🎮”Purpose: Approved gaming with friends
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Experience Type | Full Desktop |
| App Access | Only Selected |
| Allowed Apps | Roblox, Minecraft, Discord |
| AI Assistant | Disabled |
| Counts Toward Budget | Yes |
| Child can switch to | No (parent schedules this) |
Reading Hour 📖
Section titled “Reading Hour 📖”Purpose: Quiet reading time before bed
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Experience Type | Kiosk |
| App Access | Only Selected |
| Allowed Apps | Kindle, Libby, audiobook apps |
| Website Access | None |
| AI Assistant | Disabled |
| Counts Toward Budget | No |
Creative Mode 🎨
Section titled “Creative Mode 🎨”Purpose: Art, music, and creative projects
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Experience Type | Full Desktop |
| App Access | Only Selected |
| Allowed Apps | Drawing apps, GarageBand, video editors |
| AI Assistant | Enabled (creative help) |
| Child can switch to | Yes |
Scheduling Custom Modes
Section titled “Scheduling Custom Modes”Once created, custom modes appear in the schedule dropdown:
- Go to Scheduling for a child
- Click Add Schedule
- Select your custom mode from the dropdown
- Set the times and days
Your custom mode’s emoji and color will appear in the schedule view.
Tips for Success
Section titled “Tips for Success”Start with one: Create a single custom mode and see how it works before creating more.
Involve your children: Let them help name and configure modes - it builds buy-in.
Review and adjust: Check in after a week - does the mode need different apps or settings?
Keep it simple: A few well-designed modes work better than many confusing ones.
Use “words, not walls”: Explain the purpose of each mode - “This is your homework helper environment” rather than “You’re blocked from everything.”
Related
Section titled “Related”- Understanding Modes - Overview of all device modes
- Focused Mode - The built-in kiosk experience
- Creating Schedules - Automate mode changes
- App Management - Configure app rules