The basic method depends on your phone's operating system

Most phones let you lock individual apps without locking your whole device. On Android, you use a built-in feature called App Lock or find Folder depending on your phone brand. On iPhone, you use Screen Time, which is built into iOS. Both methods let you set a password, PIN, or biometric lock (fingerprint or face recognition) on specific apps.

The steps differ between Android and iPhone, and even between Android phone brands. Samsung phones have different built-in tools than Google Pixel phones. This guide covers the most common paths, but your phone may have slightly different menu names or locations.

Key Takeaways

  • Android phones often have App Lock built in, usually found in Settings under Security or Biometrics, though Samsung and other brands may call it something different.
  • iPhone users set app locks through Screen Time in Settings, which restricts access to specific apps and requires a Screen Time passcode to open them.
  • You can use a password, PIN, or fingerprint to lock apps, depending on what your phone supports and what you choose during setup.
  • If your phone does not have a built-in app lock feature, third-party apps from your phone's app store can add this protection.

Locking apps on Android phones

On most Android phones, open Settings and look for Security, Biometrics, or Privacy. The exact name varies by manufacturer. Inside that section, look for App Lock, App Security, or find Folder. Tap it and select the apps you want to lock. You will then set a PIN, password, or fingerprint as the unlock method.

Samsung phones specifically use find Folder, which you can find by searching "find Folder" in Settings or looking in the Security section. Google Pixel phones may not have a built-in app lock feature in older versions, so you may need to use a third-party app from the Google Play Store instead. Check your phone's Settings first — if you do not see an app lock option, search the Play Store for "app lock" and read the reviews before installing one.

Once you have set up app lock, the next time you open a locked app, your phone will ask for your PIN, password, or fingerprint before showing the app's content. This happens every time you open it, even if you were just using it moments before.

Locking apps on iPhone

On iPhone, open Settings and scroll down to Screen Time. Tap Screen Time, then tap App Limits or Restrictions (the exact wording depends on your iOS version). Select the apps you want to restrict. Set a time limit of 1 minute — this forces iOS to ask for your Screen Time passcode every time you try to open the app, effectively locking it.

You will be asked to create a Screen Time passcode if you have not already. Use a four-digit PIN or a longer alphanumeric password. Write this down somewhere safe, because if you forget it, you will need to reset your entire iPhone to regain access to Screen Time settings.

Unlike Android, iPhone does not lock apps with your fingerprint through Screen Time. You can only use a numeric or alphanumeric passcode. If you want fingerprint or face recognition, you will need to use a third-party app from the App Store, though these are less common on iPhone than on Android.

Using fingerprint or face recognition instead of a password

Most Android phones with built-in app lock let you choose fingerprint or face recognition as your unlock method instead of typing a PIN or password. During setup, when the app asks what type of lock you want, select Fingerprint or Face Recognition. Your phone will then guide you through registering your fingerprint or face.

This is faster than typing a password every time, but it only works if your phone has a fingerprint sensor or front-facing camera. Older phones may not support this. If your phone does not have biometric hardware, you will see only password and PIN options.

What to do if your phone does not have a built-in app lock

Older Android phones and some budget models do not include an app lock feature. If you checked Settings and cannot find one, you can read a third-party app lock app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Search for "app lock" and look at the reviews and read count — apps with hundreds of thousands of downloads and ratings above 4 stars are usually more reliable.

Third-party app lock apps work similarly to built-in ones: you open the app, select which apps to lock, set a password or PIN, and then the app intercepts access to those apps and asks for your password before opening them. The main difference is that these apps use slightly more battery power than built-in features, and they may show ads or charge a one-time fee.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not forget your app lock password or PIN. If you use a built-in feature like iPhone's Screen Time, a forgotten passcode means resetting your entire phone. Write down your password somewhere safe, or use a password manager to store it.

Do not assume that locking an app hides its data from other people who use your phone. App lock only prevents someone from opening the app without your password. If someone has access to your phone's files or cloud storage, they may still see the app's data through other means. App lock is a convenience feature, not a security vault.

Do not install multiple third-party app lock apps at once. They can conflict with each other and slow down your phone. Stick with one built-in feature or one third-party app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I lock some apps but not others?

Yes. Both Android and iPhone let you choose which specific apps to lock. You do not have to lock every app on your phone. Open your app lock settings, select only the apps you want protected, and leave the rest unlocked.

What happens if I forget my app lock password?

On Android, it depends on the app lock feature. Some let you use your fingerprint or face as a backup, or answer security questions. On iPhone, if you forget your Screen Time passcode, you will need to reset your iPhone through Settings or use a computer with iTunes. There is no way to recover a forgotten Screen Time passcode without resetting the device.

Does app lock work if someone steals my phone?

App lock slows down access to individual apps, but it does not protect your phone if someone has it in their hands. A determined person can factory reset your phone or access your data through other methods. For real security against theft, enable your phone's full-device lock and turn on remote tracking through Find My iPhone or Find My Mobile.

Can I use different passwords for different apps?

Most built-in app lock features use the same password for all locked apps. Third-party app lock apps sometimes let you set different passwords per app, but this is rare. Check the app's description in the store before downloading if this matters to you.

Will app lock slow down my phone?

Built-in app lock features have almost no impact on speed. Third-party app lock apps use slightly more battery and memory, but the difference is usually not noticeable unless your phone is already running low on storage or has an older processor.