Are you curious about how to lock apps on Android? This article has got your back with a step-by-step thorough guide. Android is one of the most popular operating systems for smartphones and tablets, but it doesn’t come without some security risks. Anybody who has an Android device can open your apps and see your personal information, such as messages, photos, contacts, and more. To prevent this from happening, you may want to lock some of the applications to prevent others from accessing them.
Can you lock apps on Android?
Yes, you can lock apps on Android, and there are many methods of doing so. Some of these methods are the built-in features of these devices and others require the installation of third-party applications. These locking apps help you protect your privacy, prevent unwanted changes, and limit the screen time for your children.
There are three ways to lock apps on Android and these are:
App lock
You can use a built-in app lock feature in Android which lets you lock specific apps.
Using a secure folder
You can create a secure folder and keep apps in it while the folder is protected by a pattern or passcode.
Using a third-party Application to protect your app
You can lock certain apps using a third-party app locker such as Norton App lock, or you can limit an app after being used for a set time limit by using screen time controlling apps such as FlashGet kids app.
Can I put a password on an app?
Yes, you can set up a password on an app using a third-party application. For example, AppLock by InShot Inc. is a free app that lets you lock any app using a pattern, password or fingerprint. You have the ability to customize the lock screen, hide the app icon, and prevent random uninstallation of your apps. To make use of it, download it from the PlayStore and after you open it, create a master password for the App Lock. After that, select all the apps you want to lock and simply turn on the lock option. You can also change the settings to match your preferences.
How to lock apps on Android?
There are several different ways to lock apps on Android devices and it all depends on your device model and your personal preferences. Following are the most common methods of doing so:
Using a Guest Profile
Step 1. Launch your phone “Settings” go to “System”.
Step 2. Then “Advanced” > “Multiple Users”.
Step 3. Select “Guest”. You can choose to turn on Phone Calls in order to receive phone calls.
Step 4. Press OK, and your separate guest profile is all set to use.
Screen pinning
A built-in feature, it allows you to lock one app on the screen. In order to utilize it, you will have to activate it in the settings.
Step 1. go to “Settings” > “Security & privacy”.
Step 2. In Security & privacy, press “More security settings” > App pinning.
Step 3. Tap the app icon and choose “Pin this app.”
Samsung Secure Folder
This feature is available by default on your Samsung devices that lets you create a separate and secure space for your apps and files.
Step 1. Open the “Settings” > “Biometrics and security”.
Step 2. In “Biometrics and Security” go to > “Secure Folder” and set it up with your Samsung account and a lock method.
Then, you can add the apps that you want to lock to the Secure Folder by tapping Add apps and selecting them. To gain entry to restricted applications, it is necessary to open the Secure Folder and authenticate it using your chosen locking mechanism.
Third-party apps
There are many apps that you can download from the Google Play Store that can help you lock apps on Android. AppLock, Norton App Lock are some of the most reputed and reliable options out there. These apps usually offer more features and customization options than the built-in methods. However, these applications require a lot more permissions and system privileges.
How to lock applications on Android without using another app?
If you do not like to use third-party applications to lock your Android apps, you can also utilize the screen pinning method discussed earlier. This built-in feature doesn’t require the installation of any extra apps. Nonetheless, it does come with certain restrictions, including:
- At a given time, only one application can be pinned.
- While the app is pinned, you can still have access to the notifications and quick settings panel.
- You need to unpin the app before you can switch to another app or go to the home screen.
How to use fingerprints to lock an app on an Android device?
If your device has a fingerprint scanner, it is the best and fastest way to lock an app. You can use the built-in feature of your device to lock apps using your fingerprint if it supports fingerprint authentication. If that’s not an option, you have the alternative of utilizing external tools like AppLock, Norton App Lock, Smart AppLock, or LOCKit. Apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram have their own built-in app locks supporting fingerprint authentication so you can also use them.
In order to use this mode of security, you will have to register your fingerprint on your device if you haven’t already.
Step 1. go to “Settings” > “Biometric Verification”.
Step 2. In the “Biometric Verification” section press > “Fingerprint” and set up your fingerprint.
Step 3. Now go to “settings” > “app lock”.
Step 4. Select the apps to be locked, set the lock method to fingerprint.
If you want to use a third-party app lock app, you have to install it, grant the necessary permissions to it, again choose the applications you want to lock, and set fingerprint as the method. In order to use the built-in app lock of a particular app, you need to go to its settings, privacy and then select the lock option that best suits you. After doing so, you will be able to use it.
How to lock apps on Android Samsung?
If your device is a Samsung one, you can utilize its built-in feature called Samsung Secure Folder to lock apps. This feature allows you to create an isolated secure place on your device, where you can store and lock different apps, files, photos, videos, and more.
Step 1. Go to the Settings app.
Step 2. Find the Biometrics and security option, and tap on Secure Folder
Step 3. Create a Samsung account if you do not already have one.
Step 4. Choose a lock method. Then add apps to the folder using the “Add Apps” button and lock the ones you want to.
Conclusion
Locking crucial applications on your device serves to safeguard your privacy, avoid unauthorized alterations, and restrict screen time for your children. There are many methods to lock apps and some of them are using screen pinning, Samsung Secure Folder, and third-party apps. However, if you want advanced security and more control over your device, FlashGet Kids Parental Control App allows you to do exactly that.
FlashGet Kids is a comprehensive remote control software for parents. Using just one account, you can not only track the location of your child but also monitor their activities online. FlashGet Kids also allows you to lock any application with a password, pattern, or fingerprint and remotely control your child’s device usage in real-time. To try out the FlashGet Kids App, you can install it from the Google Play Store and its official website. You can also find detailed tutorials on how to use it on the official website.
FAQ
Where do I find the App Lock setting?
App Lock setting can be found in the “Settings” > “Security & privacy” > “More security settings” > “App pinning” (or Pin windows, or Screen pinning). The outcome will differ based on your device in use and its model. You can simply use the search bar at the top of the screen.
What is the best app lock for Android?
This is a very subjective question because different apps out there have different features, performance, and compatibility. However, the most popular and the most reliable ones are AppLock, Norton App Lock, and FlashGet Kids.
How to lock the gallery app on Samsung?
The gallery on your phone can be secured using the Samsung Secure Folder option, which prevents unauthorized access. You can create a separate space for your apps and files. Open the “Settings” > “Biometrics and security” > “Secure Folder” and set it up using your Samsung account and set a lock method.
