Are you tired of others snooping into your private apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, Photos, or Banking apps? If yes, then this guide is for you! Locking apps on Android is now easier than ever. Whether you want to secure your personal chats, hide photos, or protect financial apps, Android offers multiple app lock features.
In this complete guide, you will learn how to lock apps on Android using:
- Built-in App Locker options
- Third-party App Lock applications
- Secure Folder or Privacy Mode
- Fingerprint, PIN, Pattern & Face Lock
- Parental controls to lock kids’ apps
Let’s quickly get started and protect your privacy!
Why Should You Lock Apps on Android? (Must Read)
Android smartphones hold tons of private and sensitive data — photos, chats, notes, passwords, banking apps, and more. Without app locking, anyone can access your personal life in seconds. The risk increases especially if:
- You share your phone with friends or family
- Someone else uses your phone for gaming/videos
- You store financial information on your device
- You use online banking or UPI frequently
- You are worried about privacy invasion
Here are some strong reasons to lock apps:
Benefits of Locking Apps
- Protects WhatsApp & social media chats
- Secures banking & payment apps (PhonePe, Paytm, Google Pay)
- Prevents unauthorized changes in Settings
- Helps you hide gallery photos & videos
- Protects work-related and confidential apps
- Helps control what kids can access
Today, Android gives you multiple privacy features — let’s explore how to use them properly.
Read More : How to Scan Documents Using Mobile Camera (Easy Guide 2025)
Method 1: Lock Apps Using Built-in App Lock Feature (Best & Easy)
Most new Android smartphones in 2025 include a built-in App Lock option that allows fingerprint, PIN, pattern, and face unlock security — without installing any third-party app.
This feature is commonly found in brands like:
| Smartphone Brand | Built-in App Lock Feature Name |
|---|---|
| Xiaomi / Redmi / Poco | App Lock |
| Vivo & iQOO | Privacy & App Encryption |
| Oppo & Realme | App Lock |
| Samsung | Secure Folder / Lock Apps |
| OnePlus | App Locker |
| Motorola | App Lock Privacy |
| Tecno & Infinix | App Lock |
How to Use Built-in App Lock on Android
Follow these general steps (may slightly differ by brand):
- Open Settings
- Go to Privacy / Security
- Select App Lock / App Locker
- Choose the apps you want to lock — WhatsApp, Facebook, Gallery, Banking Apps etc.
- Set unlock method:
- 🔑 PIN
- 🔒 Pattern lock
- 👆 Fingerprint
- 😊 Face Unlock (optional)
- Enable Auto Lock and Hide App Notification Previews (highly recommended)
✔ Why this method is best?
- No need to install third-party apps
- System-level security — more reliable
- Protects apps & notifications
- Less battery + RAM usage
If your phone already supports it — you’re lucky! Use this first for maximum privacy protection.
Method 2: Lock Apps Using Third-Party App Lockers (For All Phones)
If your Android does not offer built-in app lock, don’t worry — there are many trusted app lock applications available on Play Store.
Top 5 Best App Locker Apps for Android (2025)
| App Name | Key Features | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| AppLock by DoMobile | Fingerprint, Hide Photos, Intruder Selfie | ⭐ 4.5 |
| Norton App Lock | Strong Security + No Ads | ⭐ 4.4 |
| Smart AppLock | Hide Lock Screen, Fake Lock | ⭐ 4.3 |
| Perfect AppLock | Remote Lock, Rotation Lock | ⭐ 4.2 |
| AppLock – Fingerprint by SpSoft | Advanced Fingerprint + Themes | ⭐ 4.3 |
How to Enable App Locker App
- Install any trusted App Lock app from Play Store
- Give permissions:
- Accessibility access
- Display over other apps
- Usage access permission
- Set your lock method
- Select apps to lock
⚠ Pro Tips for Safety
- Avoid AppLock apps that show too many ads
- Don’t grant unnecessary permissions
- Keep password different from phone unlock pattern
If you need advanced customization, third-party app lockers are perfect for you.
Method 3: Locking Apps Using Secure Folder / Second Space
Some smartphone brands provide extra secure space to store private apps and data.
Brands Supporting Secure Space Features
| Brand | Feature Name |
|---|---|
| Samsung | Secure Folder |
| Xiaomi / Redmi / Poco | Second Space / Hidden Apps |
| Oppo / Realme | Private Safe / App Hide |
| Vivo | App Encryption + Hidden Apps |
Why Use Secure Folder?
- Can install duplicate WhatsApp, Facebook inside
- Fully encrypted — nobody can access without password
- Hide apps, files, photos, videos, contacts
- Perfect for privacy lovers & professionals
How to Set Up Samsung Secure Folder (Example)
- Go to Settings
- Tap Biometrics & Security
- Select Secure Folder
- Sign in with Samsung account
- Add apps you want to protect
- Enable Fingerprint Unlock
This gives next-level protection — even if someone unlocks your phone!
Method 4: Lock Apps for Kids Using Parental Control
If kids use your smartphone to play games or watch YouTube — you definitely need a lock!
You can lock or restrict:
- Social media apps
- In-app purchases
- Games & browser access
- App downloads on Play Store
How to Lock Kids’ Usage
- Open Google Play Store
- Tap Profile Icon
- Go to Family → Parental Controls
- Enable and set a PIN
- Restrict apps by age rating
You can also install Google Family Link app for more control.
This method is very useful for parents who want to keep kids away from adult or sensitive content.
Method 5: Hide Apps Instead of Locking (Smart Trick)
If you don’t want people to even know about certain apps — simply hide them.
How to Hide Apps
- Long press on Home Screen
- Select Home Settings
- Choose Hide Apps
- Select the apps you want hidden
Now these apps won’t appear in the app drawer. You can unhide anytime from the same settings.
This doesn’t fully secure the app but keeps them away from curious eyes.
Bonus: App Lock Tips for Maximum Security
Here are some smart privacy tips you should follow:
✔ Always lock messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, Messenger)
✔ Lock Gallery, File Manager & Photos app
✔ Use fingerprint lock for faster unlocking
✔ Turn on Intruder Selfie if available
✔ Don’t share your PIN with anyone
✔ Frequently change your passwords
✔ Avoid face unlock for banking apps
✔ Enable notification content hide
These small steps give big protection to your personal data.
Quick Comparison: Best App Lock Options for Android
| Method | Security Level | Best For | Extra Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in App Lock | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Everyday privacy | Free |
| Third-party Apps | ⭐⭐⭐ | Customization | Free/Paid |
| Secure Folder | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Highly private data | Free |
| Parental Controls | ⭐⭐⭐ | Child safety | Free |
| Hide Apps | ⭐⭐ | Basic privacy | Free |
Choose based on what type of protection you want.
FAQs — App Lock on Android
Q1. Which is the safest way to lock apps on Android?
A. Built-in App Lock and Secure Folder are the safest because they are system-level protections.
Q2. Can I lock apps with fingerprint on Android?
Yes! Most Android phones support fingerprint unlock for app lock.
Q3. Which is the best app locker app in 2025?
Norton App Lock and AppLock by DoMobile are highly trusted and secure.
Q4. How can I hide apps completely?
Use Secure Folder / Second Space or built-in Hide Apps feature.
Q5. Can kids bypass app lock?
If you use strong parental controls and secure PIN, bypass becomes extremely difficult.
Q6. Does app lock slow down the phone?
System-level app lock usually does not. But some third-party apps may show ads & affect performance.
Conclusion
Locking apps on Android is extremely important for your privacy. Whether you use built-in App Lock, App Locker apps, or Secure Folder, your personal data such as chats, photos, banking information, and social media apps stay protected.
Choose the method that suits you best:
- For strongest security → Secure Folder
- For fast privacy → Built-in App Lock
- For customization → Third-party apps
- For child protection → Parental Controls
deserves protection!