2. Install and set up
Install Bubble
- Download the latest APK from the Releases page.
- Open it and allow your browser or file manager to install apps when Android asks.
- Open Bubble.
From 2027 Android will require apps installed outside stores to come from a verified developer. See developer verification for what that means for Bubble.
Step 1 of 2: pair Bubble
Bubble needs Android's shell identity to build the bubble. It gets it through wireless debugging, which you allow once with a pairing code. After this step Bubble turns wireless debugging on only while it works and off again.
- Turn on Developer options: Settings → About phone → tap Build number seven times. Enter your PIN if asked.
- Make sure you are on Wi-Fi. In Bubble, tap Pair. This starts the pairing notification and opens Developer options.
- In Developer options, turn on Wireless debugging. If Android asks "Allow wireless debugging on this network?", tick Always allow on this network and accept.
- Tap Wireless debugging (the name, not the switch) and open Pair device with pairing code. A 6-digit code appears. Leave this dialog open.
- Keep the dialog open and stay in Settings. Open Bubble's notification and tap Pair.
- Enter the 6-digit code there and send the reply.
- When the notification shows Paired, return to Bubble.
If the code is rejected ("The code does not match or the pairing dialog closed"), open the pairing dialog again (the code changes each time) and repeat steps 4 to 6.
Step 2 of 2: create the bubble
Tap Create the bubble. It takes about a minute. Bubble:
- Creates a Private Space with only the system parts Android needs to run it, leaving out every Google service.
- Watches the system while it starts; if anything crashes, it removes the new profile at once.
- Installs F-Droid inside, so you can install apps, and a keyboard without internet (your phone's Gboard, or HeliBoard if you have no Gboard).
- Sets up the bubble's firewall (only F-Droid has internet at first), the smart lock and the silencing of system events.
If you already have a Private Space, Bubble does not touch it and asks:
- It has Google services: it cannot be the bubble. Delete and create removes it, with its apps and data, and creates the bubble.
- It has no Google services: Use this one keeps it as it is, with its apps and data, or Delete and create replaces it.
When it finishes, Bubble shows The bubble is ready. Tap Start.
Enter the bubble for the first time
Open the app drawer and scroll to the bottom: there is a Private section. Tap it and unlock it with your screen lock. You will see F-Droid there. That is the bubble.
After a reboot
You do not need to pair again. After a reboot Bubble restores its protection by itself the next time it has Wi-Fi. The bubble starts locked; open it from the Private section as usual.