[Proven Ways] How to Lock Apps on Android Phones in 2023
On the Quora question and answer website, a user once asked: How can I lock my apps in an Android phone without locking the screen in an Android phone?
While a screen lock can help keep your Android phone secure, it doesn't fully protect sensitive data within apps. Therefore, an app lock can be a helpful secondary step by adding an extra layer of protection to your phone.
You may restrict access to specific applications using app locking, preventing unauthorized access and unintentional purchases. This thorough article will go through all the options for locking applications on your Android device, arming you with the knowledge you need to safeguard your data.
- Part 1 : Which App Can Be Locked
- Part 2 : How to Lock Apps on Android with Built-In Feature
- Part 3 : How to Lock an App on Android with Third-Party App Lock
- Part 4 : Quick Locking Tips to Common Social Apps
- Part 5 : What Should I Do If I Forget My Password for the App Lock
- Part 6 : Alternative to Locking: Hiding Apps on Your Phone
- Part 7 : Why People Want to Lock Apps on Their Android Phones
- Part 8 : Beyond App Locking: Other Ways to Safeguard Privacy on Android Phones
- Part 9 : Explore More Parenting Tips - App Lock As a Parental Control Measure for Kid's Android Phone
- Part 10 : FAQs about Locking App on Android
Part 1. Which App Can Be Locked
App locking is helpful whether you want to protect private information, prohibit kids from using particular applications, or reduce your screen time. But which apps on your Android phone may be locked?
Fortunately, whether it's a default app or a third-party app, you can lock any app installed on your Android phone. As a result, you may close well-known social networking platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, as well as messaging platforms like WhatsApp and even banking applications. Even if you misplace your phone or give it to someone else, app locking ensures your private data is protected and safe.
Part 2. How to Lock Apps on Android with Built-In Feature
This section will consider the default methods provided in the Android Settings app to lock individual Android phones. Most Android devices have a Settings app feature that allows users to keep their phone pinned to one app. Read on for various steps for locking apps on different brands of Android phones.
1How to Lock Apps on Samsung Phones
The Samsung Settings app differs from other Android versions. Below are the methods to lock apps on your Samsung device.
Pinning
You can enable the "Pin" feature in Samsung Settings to pin an app. Here we'll take Samsung Android 8.0 as an example to show you how to do this below.
- Open Settings on your phone.
- Click on Biometrics and security option.
- Navigate to Other security settings and tap on it.
Scroll down to Pin windows. Tap the switch in front of the Pin windows to enable the pinning function.
- For Android 7, go to Settings > Lock screen and security > Other security settings and turn on the Pin windows.
- For Android 8 to 9, go to Settings > Biometrics and security > Other security settings and toggle on the Pin windows option.
- For Android 10 to 12, go to Settings > Biometrics and security > Other security settings > Pin windows and switch the button to On.
- For Android 13, go to Settings > Security and privacy > Other security settings > Pin app and enable the option.
- You can also find the Pin windows/Pin app option by searching it in Settings.
- Open the app you want to pin.
- After opening it, tap the Recents button at the bottom of your screen to see opened apps.
- Click on the app icon at the app's top.
A list of three options will pop up. Choose Pin this app.
- You will get a notification showing you how to unpin the app: To unpin this app, touch and hold the Recents and Back buttons simultaneously.
- Complete the process by tapping the OK button.
Tips:
You can also find the Pin windows by searching it in Settings.
Secure Folder
Samsung as an alternative method for locking apps. It comes pre-installed on all Samsung devices. If you cannot find it on your Samsung and it has Android version 7 or higher, you can get it on the Google Play Store. Here is how to use it.
- Open the Settings app on your phone.
- Click on Biometrics and security option.
- Look for the Secure Folder section on the screen and pick it.
- Click on Agree and login into your Samsung account.
Choose a Lock type; pattern, pin, password, or biometric.
- Open the Secure Folder app.
- Click on Add apps to include the apps you want to lock.
Press the Add button once it pops up.
- Click on the hamburger icon at the top right corner of the screen to get a drop-down list.
- Select Lock and exit from the list. You will get a message telling you that Secure Folder is locked.
2How to Lock Apps on Motorola Smartphones
By following these steps, you can add an extra layer of security to your Motorola smartphones.
- Open the Settings app on your phone.
- Look for the Security option.
- Tap on the Screen lock button.
- Pick Screen Lock options and choose one option from Swipe, Pattern, PIN and Password..
- Touch the Overview key to select the apps that you only want to show on the screen.
Tap on the icon to pin the app.
3How to Lock Apps on Google Pixel 6 and Later
Google Pixel devices also allow you to enable this feature. Here is how to use it.
- Open your phone's Settings.
- Navigate to the Security option and click on it.
- Find the Advanced section to access other hidden settings.
Tap on the Screen pinning option to turn on it if it is not active. You'd better also enable Ask for unlock pattern before unpinning.
Press the multitask key to see recently opened apps.
Click the app's icon that you want to pin on the screen and pick the tap Pin.
You have already fixed the app on the screen. Anytime you need to stop it, please press and hold the Back and Recent App buttons at the same time.
4How to Lock Apps on LG Mobile
The LG Mobile Android phones also have the pinning feature in their Settings app. Here is how to use it.
- Launch the Settings app.
- Navigate to the Security option and click on it.
- Find the Lock screen setting and set a type of secure unlock (Knock Code, pattern, PIN, or password) .
- Tap on the Screen pin and the Pin to activate it.
- Launch the app you want to want used exclusively.
- Load the recent apps by clicking the recent apps button at the bottom of the screen.
- You will see the Screen pin on your most recent app. Click on the app icon you want to pin.
- Press the Screen Pin icon and then tap YES to lock the app.
If you wannt to deactivate the feature, touch and hold the Back and Recent App buttons at the same time, then input your unlock sequence.
5How to Lock Apps on Oneplus Smartphones
The Oneplus Smartphone is another Android brand that has the build-in feature to pin an app.
- Launch your phone's Settings app.
- Navigate to the Security and Fingerprint option and click on it.
- You will find the App Locker.
Find the app you want to lock and switch the button beside it.
6How to Lock Apps on Huawei Phones
With the "App Lock" function, Huawei offers a unique app lock option that adds a layer of security to your apps. The steps to lock an app on a Huawei handset are as follows:
- Open Settings on your Huawei phone.
- Scroll down and click on Security.
- Choose App Lock and enable it by entering your password.
- Decide which applications you wish to lock.
7How to Lock Apps on Redmi/Xiaomi Phones
To lock an app on a Xiaomi/Redmi device, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings.
- Select Apps > App lock, and click on Turn on.
- It will then require you to add your Mi account. You may sign in and add or ignore it.
- Tap Use App lock; now, you may decide which apps to lock.
Part 3. How to Lock an App on Android with Third-Party App Lock
Do you worry about how private some of the applications on your Android device are? To stop unauthorized access, do you wish to shut them down? Other than the default method of using Settings to lock apps on Android, you can lock apps using a third-party app lock for Android phones.
1AppLock (by DoMobile Lab)
AppLock is a free app with extensive functionality. It has an intruder selfie mode that can capture the face of anyone attempting to open your locked apps without your consent. Like most Android app pin features, it allows security options like pin, password, biometric, and pattern. You can also use a fake icon to replace the app lock feature, such as a calculator, calendar, or notepad. Here are the simple steps for you to use AppLock to lock apps on your Android phone
Step 1: Download and install AppLock from the Google Play Store.
Step 2: Open the app and set a password or pattern.
Step 3: Tap the app name or icon to choose which apps to lock.
After that, the locked app requires entering the password you set to access.
2Norton
This is a second excellent choice for securing apps on your Android mobile. There are several ways to secure your applications with our app locker, including passcodes, patterns, and fingerprint recognition. Use Norton App Lock to lock an app on your Android phone by doing the following steps:
Step 1: Install the Norton App Lock app from the Google Play Store.
Step 2: Open the app and choose the app you want to lock.
Step 3: Configure a fingerprint, pattern, or password for the restricted applications.
Exit the app; a password, pattern, or fingerprint will be needed to access any protected applications.
3AppLock - Fingerprint (by SpSoft)
As its name implies, AppLock - Fingerprint by SpSoft enables you to lock down your apps using the fingerprint sensor on your device. It will also catch the faces of the intruders. You may lock applications using a pattern, motion, or PIN and even hide the locked app and shows a fake error window. Use this app to lock an app by doing the following steps:
Step 1: Install the Norton App Lock app from the Google Play Store.
Step 2: Open the app and then you need to creat a Master Pin first.
Step 3: In the "APP LOCK" section, tap the bottom "+" icon to select the app you want to lock.
Step 4: Then hit the "+" again to confirm you setting.
Part 4. Quick Locking Tips to Common Social Apps
The "App Lock" functionality on Android phones lets users lock any program to protect their data and privacy. Following the abovementioned approaches, users can easily lock Instagram, Gallery, and other popular apps on Android phones.
Furthermore, WhatsApp, Telegram, LinkedIn, and other popular social apps also feature app locks. Let's explore how to lock some popular social apps using their built-in app lock features.
1WhatsApp
WhatsApp lets users communicate, phone, share media, and more. It has a built-in app lock feature for users to lock the app to prevent other intruders. Simple steps to lock WhatsApp:
Step 1: Open WhatsApp and tap the three dots on the top right.
Step 2: Click "Settings" and "Privacy."
Step 3: Scroll down to "Fingerprint lock" or "Face lock."
Step 4: Turn on the button and configure biometric authentication.
You'll need to authenticate using your biometric method when you access WhatsApp.
2Telegram
Another popular secure messaging software is Telegram. It also allows users to lock the app to avoid anyone accessing it. Here's how to do it:
Step 1: Open WhatsApp and tap the three dots on the top right.
Step 2: Click "Settings" and "Privacy."
Step 3: Scroll down to "Fingerprint lock" or "Face lock."
Step 4: Turn on the button and configure biometric authentication.
You'll need to authenticate using your biometric method when you access WhatsApp.
3LinkedIn
As one of the leading business and employment platforms, LinkedIn lets users search for companies and reach out to their interested employers. This app can store critical career information, and it offers an app lock feature as well. Simple steps to lock LinkedIn:
Step 1: Open LinkedIn and tap your profile photo in the upper left.
Step 2: Click "Settings" and "Sign in & security."
Step 3: Scroll down to "Fingerprint lock" or "Face lock."
Step 4: Tap the "App lock" option and turn on the "App Lock" button.
Part 5. What to Do If You Forget Your App Lock Password
Don't freak out if you forget your app lock password. By doing the following procedures, you can reset the password:
Step 1. Launch the app lock program.
Step 2. Select "Reset Password" or "Forgot Password" from the menu.
Step 3. To reset your password, follow the instructions.
The procedures below can be used to reset your password if you're using the Samsung App Lock:
Step 1. Select App Lock under Settings > Lock screen and security.
Step 2. Click on "Forgot your password?"
Step 3. To reset your password, follow the instructions.
Part 6. Alternative to Locking: Hiding Apps on Your Phone
1Use the Hide Apps Feature
On some Android smartphones, the hiding app function allows you to block access to certain apps for certain users. Follow the steps to hide apps on Android phones.
Step 1. Open "Settings" on your Android phone.
Step 2. Scroll down and select "Home screen."
Step 3. In this section, click on "Hide apps."
Step 4. Now, you may choose the app you want to hide.
2Use Third-Party Android Launcher
Another way to lock apps on Android is to get a launcher for your phone with the App Lock features. Launchers serve as the theme of mobile devices. They are the software used to control the interface activities of Android phones, like the keyboard, app listing, home screen, lock screen, etc. They are relatively the most powerful feature on an Android phone.
They can even lock or hide your apps for you. These apps include Microsoft, POCO Launcher, Lawnchair 2, and Android launchers. Here we will take POCO Launcher 2.0 as an example to show you how to lock apps:
Step 1. After installing POCO Launcher 2.0, open it to set it up for your Android phone.
Step 2. Back to the main home screen, swipe up to see all apps, then click on Security.
Step 3. Click on the "App lock" option and tap "Turn on."
Step 4. Set a new password and hit "Use App lock."
Step 5. Next, you can choose which apps to lock.
Part 7. Why People Want to Lock Apps on Their Android Phones
There are several reasons to lock Android Apps. Some of them are discussed below.
- Some app locking features prevents the distraction of getting constant notification from apps.
- There are times you need someone to use only an app without having access to other apps on your device.
- You want to prevent your kid from using a malicious app.
- To prevent an app from using too much background data.
- An app using too much RAM space can be locked to limit its memory usage.
- You can lock an app if you catch yourself or your child spending too much time using it.
Part 8. Beyond App Locking: Other Ways to Safeguard Privacy on Android Phones
There are further methods for protecting your privacy and data on your Android phones in addition to app lockdown.
- One and foremost step is to enable the lock screen function on your phone.
- You may also activate PrivateSpace to make a distinct location on your phone for your private applications and information.
- You may take to safeguard your privacy, including not sharing or exposing your passcode with others and avoiding connecting to public Wi-Fi.
- To keep your phone secure, you should be cautious not to click on strange sites and constantly update antivirus software.
Part 9. Explore More Parenting Tips: App Lock As a Parental Control Measure for Kid's Android Phone
Parents worry about their child's safety, especially online. Mobile phones have grown indispensable, but they've also created new issues for parents. Social media apps, online games, and communication tools make regulating our kids' mobile use harder.
In this case, many parents will choose App locks to limit their kids' phone use, shield them from inappropriate content, and regulate their children's online usage.
However, using an app lock is insufficient for parents who want to supervise their children's mobile phone use. They should choose parental control software with more features than app lockdown, such as AirDroid Parental Control.
It is a reliable app primarily designed for parents to guide their kids when using their phones or online. Part of the tools in the app is that you can limit how long your kid spends in an app or website. Also, you can lock the app completely. If your kid tries accessing a locked screen, it will notify you. It's a great approach to stop your kid from using or watching apps that include objectionable content.
Benefits for parents using AirDroid Parental Control
- Lock or restrict specific inappropriate apps and new apps.
- Schedule time for your children to access certain apps or devices.
- Learn which apps have been used and the length of time.
This app also offers several effective features to protect your child's internet safety. For instance, it can let parents monitor app notifications on their kid's phone, such as Facebook Messenger, Line, WhatsApp, etc. In addition, thanks to the location tracking feature, you can always know where your child is, which gives you peace of mind when they're out and about.
Final Words
You can lock apps on your Android device if you don't want others to access it or if an app proves too problematic. You may use the built-in app lock feature to pin, lock, or hide an app; all the steps are detailed above.
Besides, you can use alternatives like third-party apps or Android launchers for further management. Also, we recommend using AirDroid Parental Control for parents who want to regulate their kid's phone usage, as it offers full Android app lock functions and other parental control features.
FAQs about Locking Apps on Android Phones
Samsung Secure Folder, an enhanced app locking feature that lets users lock their programs using their fingerprint, is available to Samsung users.
Launch Settings on your Samsung phone, click on "Biometrics and security"> "Secure Folder," then set up the folder as directed on the screen.
After everything is set up, you may move your apps to the Secure Folder and access them using your fingerprint.
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