If you want to give your phone to someone else, it might be a good idea to prevent them from opening your apps. WhatsApp, Gmail, and the image gallery can all contain private content that you may want to keep to yourself. But fear not - you can protect sensitive information from prying eyes with a feature called app lock. Show
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Several smartphone brands offer the app lock feature as part of their custom Android skin. Below, we have explained how to use the app lock feature on the most popular Android skins out there. But what if your phone runs stock Android which still does not get the app lock feature? Well, we have addressed your concerns too and show you how to get around this problem. Use the Built-in App Lock featureAs mentioned earlier, you might not even need to look for a third-party app in case your smartphone is made by some of the manufacturers listed below. Using the built-in app lock feature is also inherently more secure than opting for a third-party tool. How to use App Lock on Samsung smartphonesUsing Samsung App Lock Lower-end/mid-range Samsung devices may come pre-installed with an own App Lock app called S Secure. It can be invoked from within the following menu. If you do not see this option, click here to check the other method.
If you do not see this option, you will need to download the S Secure app from the Google Play Store. How to use the App Lock feature on Samsung devices / © NextPit
Lock Apps using Samsung Secure Folder Depending on where you live and which smartphone model you may be using, the App Lock feature may not be available for you. Chances are high your device will have a feature called Samsung Secure Folder instead. This feature lets you store apps, pictures, and other files in the Secure Folder. This is shielded from your main account by a separate code. You can't even access the data in the secure folder externally with a USB cable and a PC. To access Secure Folder;
Using the Secure Folder does mean that you will need to completely set up WhatsApp or other apps again. Notifications are sent from the Secure Folder to your main profile. A luxurious settings menu makes it easy to set your desired privacy options. In return, you get protection at the system level, which makes it difficult even for resourceful spies. How to use App Lock on OnePlus smartphonesIf you own a OnePlus smartphone, your device already comes with an app lock feature of its own. Here's how you can enable it.
How to use App Lock on Xiaomi / Poco smartphonesIf you own a Xiaomi/Poco/Redmi device running MIUI, this is how you can enable the app lock feature.
That's it! How to use App Lock on Huawei smartphonesTo use the App lock feature on Huawei devices, this is what you need to do.
How to use App Lock on Oppo/ Realme smartphones
Use a launcher that supports App LockIn case your smartphone does not feature an in-built App lock feature, one option you do have is to switch to a launcher that supports the feature. This is also an option for devices that run stock Android. If you do not want to miss out on the stock Android UI, you will need to look for other options. Our choice for a launcher that supports the App lock feature is Apex Launcher. Download and install Apex Launcher from the Google Play Store. Running stock Android? Download an App Lock app from the Google Play StoreIn case your phone runs stock Android, the best option you're left with is to download and install a dedicated app for locking apps. One of the better apps that I came across came from Norton - the maker of the popular antivirus tool. The app is called Norton LifeLock, and you can install it from the Google Play Store.
Create a user or guest accountIf you aren't too comfortable using a third-party app, the only other option left for you is to use the 'Guest mode' feature on Android. To enable this, you will need to do this.
That's it. From now on, every time you need to hand over your phone to someone else, you can switch to the Guest mode, and they won't have access to your personal files and apps. They will have their own account or no Google account at all. They’ll only be allowed to install apps from the Play Store, and can’t make phone calls, send SMS messages, or access others’ data. This, of course, also includes your apps. If you set it up as a user and not as a guest, you can even regularly pass the phone to another person, who can store their data on it too. ConclusionIf you're still reading this article, well, thank you! On that note, we'd like to know if you found the steps mentioned above useful. If it did, please do let us know about it in the comments section below. If you know of any other methods for locking apps, you can say it loud as well. This article was comprehensively updated in June 2021. Older comments have been retained. Can I put a lock on certain apps?Android does let third-party apps control access to other apps, so you can install one of these app lockers and block access to any apps you don't want other people snooping around inside. A passcode is usually required to gain access, though some locking tools can work with fingerprint sensors or face recognition.
How can I lock certain apps on my iPhone?How to lock apps on iPhone?. Open the Settings app.. Go to the Screen Time tab, enable it, and head to the Content and Privacy Restrictions section.. Now tap on the Allowed Apps option and turn off toggles for all the apps you do not want to use.. Head back to the home screen to save the settings.. |