Many people are already familiar with the use of some sort of biometric lock, or PIN protection, on their Android devices. For added security, you might want to lock specific apps on your device. While some apps such as banking apps and password managers offer an integrated app lock feature, this functionality isn’t available in all apps.
Android allows you to lock apps very quickly due to its flexibility. Follow the below guide.
How to Lock Android Apps
There are many third-party apps that can lock your Android device. These apps allow you to lock app settings and toggle behind a password or passcode.
It’s obvious that when locking an app, you need to use a different pattern/PIN than the unlock pattern on your device. Locking the app with the same unlock key/PIN will cause it to be ineffective.
- You can download appLock directly from Google Play to your Android device. Although the app is free to download, to unlock advanced functionality and remove ads, you must purchase the full version.
- You will be asked for a Master PIN when you open the app for the first time. Enter a four-digit pin, but keep it separate from the unlock PIN on your phone. To confirm, you’ll need to enter your PIN twice.
- AppLock will ask whether you wish to lock apps using your fingerprint scanner if it is set up on your phone. You can choose to tap Yes, or Not depending on which preference you have.
- Click the + symbol to choose the apps you wish to lock. You can lock as much as you wish. Tap the + symbol to confirm your selection
AppLock requires you to grant certain permissions when you first lock an app. This dialog box will automatically open.
Next, tap OK. AppLock will then be granted access to the Access Permission. Also, grant the app permission to Appear on top. Finally, the app will need permission to access your internal storage.
After you have granted the required permissions, selected apps will be locked. The next time you attempt to open any locked application, you’ll be asked to enter either the unlock PIN, or to confirm your identity using a fingerprint scanner. AppLock will require you to either use the fingerprint reader or the unlock PIN.
How to lock notifications
You can disable all notifications coming from locked apps from showing up in the notification shade. Instead, these apps will display a “Notifications are locked” message.
Open AppLock, tap the notification lock icon near the name of your app to do this. To do this the first time, you will have to grant AppLock Notification access. After granting Notification access to AppLock, you’ll need to verify your fingerprint or enter the AppLock pattern/password before you can view content from locked notifications.
AppLock also allows you to set different passwords per app. To change the password/pin/lock, go to AppLock’s Settings > Multiple Passwords.
Lock Apps to Ensure Additional Security
You should use an Android device with a PIN/password lock. Additionally, app locking adds another layer of security. It is still a good idea for apps with sensitive data or important information to be locked, especially if this gives you some peace of mind.
