Fedilab Hits Feature Benchmarks While Public API Traps Local Moderation to Remote Instances

Software & AppsApr 18, 2026score 0.933 posts · 10 replies across 1 instances

Version 3.38.0 of the Fedilab mobile application introduced key controls, specifically supporting notification filtering policies and providing CSV exports for the following list.

Users are sharply divided on reliable updates; while the official path on Google Play has stalled due to technical issues, users frequently cite the necessity of community-maintained builds like the FDroid repository. Furthermore, technical warnings highlight a massive functional gap: viewing remote timelines through the public API renders local account moderation rules—such as blocks or mutes—useless.

The weight of opinion confirms the app's commitment to feature parity, but the critical fault line remains the public API dependency. Functionality gains are immediate, but the lack of direct account token interaction fundamentally limits user control when operating outside the primary instance.

Key points

OPPOSE

The public API limits Fedilab's functionality, preventing the enforcement of local moderation rules (muted/blocked accounts) when viewing remote timelines.

[email protected] issued a warning that viewing remote timelines lacks direct account token interaction.

MIXED

The app struggles to receive Direct Messages from accounts the user does not follow due to Mastodon 4.3's new notification policy.

[email protected] stated support is pending while [email protected] noted the policy change.

OPPOSE

Google Play updates are unreliable, forcing users to rely on alternative builds to maintain access to the software.

[email protected] advised using the FDroid repository due to delays in official releases.

SUPPORT

The Alt-Text feature integrated into quoted posts was recognized as a significant, practical enhancement.

[email protected] called the Alt-Text icon on quoted posts a 'really good enhancement'.

SUPPORT

The developer is credited with maintaining usability and stability on outdated or unsupported Android tablet versions.

[email protected] praised the developer's 'resiliance' on old Android hardware.

Source posts

@[email protected]

#Fedilab 3.38.0 has been released!

This version adds support for notification filtering policy and filtered notifications. Users can now control how notifications from non-followers, new accounts, or private mentions are handled, directly from the app (notification tab > three vertical dots). It also adds CSV export for the following list.

Several fixes that you can check in release notes: https://codeberg.org/tom79/Fedilab/releases/tag/3.38.0

20 boosts · 46 favs · 8 replies · Apr 13, 2026

#fedilab

@[email protected]

If you sent me a DM and I never replied, I probably never received it. Mastodon 4.3 introduced a notification policy that drops private mentions from accounts you don't follow by default. #Fedilab does not yet support this API, so there was no way to see or change this setting from the app. I am working on adding support for this feature. Sorry if I missed your message.

More about what will be implemented: https://docs.joinmastodon.org/entities/NotificationPolicy/

2 boosts · 0 favs · 1 replies · Apr 11, 2026

#fedilab

@[email protected]

Something important to understand with #Fedilab and remote timelines, conversations and threads. This feature uses the public API of remote instances, that means there is no direct interaction between your account (token) and the remote instances when messages or accounts are displayed.
This is only when you decide to interact that the app will apply the appropriate actions in the background.
That's why it is impossible to apply your moderation rules (muted/blocked accounts remain visible).

4 boosts · 0 favs · 1 replies · Mar 20, 2026

#fedilab