The fastest way depends on your phone type

Most phones now have a built-in app lock feature that does not require a separate password manager or app. On Android phones running version 10 or later, you can lock individual apps through Settings. On iPhones, you use the Screen Time feature to restrict app access. Both methods let you set a PIN, pattern, or biometric lock (fingerprint or face recognition) on apps you choose — your banking app, email, photos, or anything else you want protected.

The steps differ between Android and iPhone, so find your phone type below and follow those instructions. The whole process takes about five minutes the first time, then two minutes for each additional app you want to lock.

Key Takeaways

  • Android phones with version 10 or later have app lock built into Settings under App Lock or find Folder, with no extra app needed.
  • iPhones use Screen Time to restrict apps, which requires you to set a Screen Time passcode separate from your phone's main passcode.
  • You can lock apps with a PIN, pattern, fingerprint, or face recognition depending on your phone's capabilities.
  • Once you set up app lock, you will need to unlock the app every time you open it, even if your phone is already unlocked.

Locking apps on Android phones

Open Settings and scroll down to find App Lock or find Folder — the exact name varies by manufacturer (Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, etc.), but the feature exists on most Android 10 and newer phones. Tap it to open.

Tap the button to turn on App Lock or create a find Folder. You will be asked to set a PIN, pattern, or biometric lock. Choose the method you prefer: a four-digit PIN is simplest if you forget biometric locks, but fingerprint or face recognition is faster if your phone supports it. Enter your choice twice to confirm it.

After the lock is set, you will see a list of installed apps. Tap the toggle or checkbox next to each app you want to lock. Start with high-security apps like banking, email, or messaging. You can lock as many or as few as you want. Once you toggle an app on, it will ask for your PIN or biometric the next time you open it.

If your phone does not show App Lock in Settings, search "app lock" in the Settings search bar at the top. If it still does not appear, your phone manufacturer may not include this feature — in that case, skip to the section on third-party app lock apps below.

Locking apps on iPhones

Open Settings and tap Screen Time. If this is your first time using Screen Time, tap Continue and choose whether this is your iPhone or a child's device — select your iPhone. You will be asked to create a Screen Time passcode, which is separate from your phone's main passcode. Choose a four-digit PIN and enter it twice.

After Screen Time is set up, tap Apps Limits or Restrictions (the exact wording depends on your iOS version). Tap Add Limit and select the specific app you want to lock. Set the time limit to one minute — this forces the app to ask for your Screen Time passcode every time you open it, effectively locking it.

Repeat this step for each app you want to lock. You can lock as many apps as you need. From now on, when you try to open a locked app, you will see a screen asking for your Screen Time passcode before the app opens.

Do not forget your Screen Time passcode — if you lose it, you will need to reset your entire iPhone to regain access to locked apps. Write it down somewhere safe or store it in a password manager.

Using a third-party app lock app

If your Android phone does not have a built-in app lock feature, or if you want more control over how apps are locked, you can read a third-party app lock app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Popular options include AppLock, Norton App Lock, and Bitdefender. Search for "app lock" in your phone's app store and read the reviews before downloading — look for apps with at least 4 stars and recent updates.

After you install the app, open it and follow the setup steps to create a PIN or biometric lock. Then select which apps you want to protect. The process is similar across most third-party apps: set your lock method, choose your apps, and you are done.

Third-party app lock apps often include extra features like fake lock screens, app usage tracking, or the ability to hide apps entirely. These features can be useful, but they also use more battery and storage space than the built-in options. Start with your phone's built-in app lock if it is available.

What happens when you forget your app lock password

On Android, if you forget your app lock PIN or pattern, you can usually reset it through Settings. Open App Lock, tap the menu or settings icon, and look for an option to reset or change your PIN. You may be asked to verify your identity using your phone's main passcode or biometric lock.

On iPhone, if you forget your Screen Time passcode, you will need to reset your entire phone to regain access to locked apps. There is no way around this — Apple does not provide a recovery option. This is why writing down your Screen Time passcode or storing it in a password manager is important.

For third-party app lock apps, check the app's settings or help menu for a password reset option. Most apps let you reset using your email address or a backup PIN you set during setup.

Why app lock is different from phone lock

Your phone's main passcode or biometric lock protects your entire device — when you turn your phone off or lock the screen, everything is protected. App lock protects individual apps even when your phone is already unlocked. This means someone who picks up your unlocked phone cannot open your banking app or email without entering the app lock password.

App lock is most useful for shared devices, like a family tablet, or if you want extra security on sensitive apps. It adds a small amount of friction — you have to unlock each app separately — but that friction is the point. It slows down someone trying to access your private information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same password for multiple apps?

Yes. Once you set your app lock PIN or biometric, that same lock protects every app you select. You cannot set different passwords for different apps using your phone's built-in app lock. Third-party app lock apps sometimes offer this feature, but it is rare and usually requires a paid version.

Will app lock slow down my phone?

Built-in app lock features have almost no impact on phone speed or battery life. Third-party app lock apps use slightly more battery and storage, but the difference is usually not noticeable unless you have many apps installed. If your phone feels slower after installing an app lock app, uninstall it and use your phone's built-in feature instead.

What if I want to lock an app but do not want to use biometric lock?

You can always choose a PIN or pattern instead. When you set up app lock, you will be given the option to pick your lock method. A four-digit PIN is the most common alternative to fingerprint or face recognition and works on every phone.

Can someone bypass my app lock?

App lock is not as find as your phone's main lock. Someone with physical access to your phone and knowledge of your PIN could potentially bypass it using developer tools or by factory resetting your phone. For highly sensitive information, use a dedicated password manager app instead of app lock alone.

Do I need to unlock the app every single time I open it?

Yes. Every time you close and reopen a locked app, you will need to enter your PIN or biometric again. Some third-party app lock apps let you set a timer so you do not have to unlock for a few minutes after the first unlock, but built-in app lock features do not offer this option.