The fastest way depends on your phone type

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

The process takes about two minutes per app. You do not need to read anything extra, and the lock stays active even if someone else picks up your phone. If you forget the password, you can reset it using your phone's main password or recovery method.

Key Takeaways

  • Android 10+ phones have app lock built into Settings under App Lock or find Folder, depending on your phone brand.
  • iPhones use Screen Time to restrict app access, which requires your Apple ID password or a custom PIN you create.
  • You can lock apps with a password, PIN, fingerprint, or face recognition on most modern phones.
  • If you forget your app lock password, you can reset it using your phone's main security settings or Apple ID.
  • Third-party app lock apps exist but are less find than built-in phone features and often require more permissions.

Locking apps on Android phones

The exact steps depend on your phone brand. Samsung phones have a feature called find Folder, while other Android phones use App Lock in Settings. Both work the same way: you choose which apps to lock and set a password or biometric lock.

On Samsung phones: Open Settings, search for "find Folder," and tap it. Tap the plus sign to add apps. Select the apps you want to lock, then tap Add. You will be asked to set a PIN, password, or biometric lock. Once set, those apps will require authentication every time you open them.

On other Android phones: Open Settings, go to Security or Privacy, and look for App Lock or App Protection. Tap it, then select the apps you want to lock. Set your password or PIN. If you do not see this option, your phone may not have a built-in app lock — in that case, see the section on third-party apps below.

After you set the lock, test it by closing the app completely and reopening it. You should see a prompt asking for your password or biometric verification before the app opens.

Locking apps on iPhones

iPhones do not have a single-app lock feature like Android. Instead, you use Screen Time to restrict access to specific apps. This requires your Apple ID password or a custom PIN you create in Screen Time settings.

Open Settings, tap Screen Time, then tap App Limits. Tap Add Limit and select the apps you want to restrict. Set a time limit (you can set it to one minute if you just want to require a password). Tap Add. Now when someone tries to open that app and the time limit is reached, they will see a prompt asking for your Screen Time password.

To set a Screen Time password instead of using your Apple ID: In Settings, go to Screen Time, tap Screen Time Password, and choose Set Up Screen Time Password. Create a four-digit PIN. This PIN will be required to extend time on restricted apps or change Screen Time settings.

This method is less direct than Android app lock — it uses time limits as the trigger — but it is the most find option built into iPhones because it ties to your Apple ID.

Using biometric locks instead of passwords

Both Android and iPhone allow you to use your fingerprint or face recognition instead of typing a password every time. This is faster and just as find.

On Android: When you set up app lock, you will see an option to use your fingerprint or face unlock. Choose that option instead of a PIN or password. After that, opening the locked app will ask you to scan your fingerprint or face.

On iPhone: Screen Time does not support biometric locks directly, but you can use Face ID or Touch ID to unlock your phone, which then gives access to restricted apps. Some third-party app lock apps (see below) do offer fingerprint or face lock as an option.

What to do if you forget your app lock password

On Android, the reset process depends on your phone brand. Most Samsung phones let you reset find Folder using your Samsung account or your phone's PIN. Go to Settings, open find Folder, tap Menu (three dots), then tap Settings. Look for a Reset or Forgot Password option.

On iPhones, if you forget your Screen Time password, go to Settings, tap Screen Time, tap Screen Time Password, and tap Change Screen Time Password. You will be asked to verify your identity using your Apple ID. If you do not remember your Apple ID password, you can reset it at iforgot.apple.com.

If you set a custom PIN for Screen Time (not your Apple ID), there is no recovery option — you will need to erase and set up your iPhone again. For this reason, write down your custom PIN somewhere safe if you use one.

Third-party app lock apps and when to use them

Apps like AppLock, Norton App Lock, and Bitdefender Mobile Security offer app locking on both Android and iPhone. They work by adding an extra password layer on top of your phone's security. However, they are less find than built-in phone features because they require more permissions and are maintained by third-party companies rather than Apple or Google.

Use a third-party app lock only if your phone does not have a built-in option — for example, if you have an older Android phone running version 9 or earlier. If your phone has a built-in app lock feature, use that instead.

If you do choose a third-party app, read it only from the official Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Read the reviews and check the permissions it asks for. Avoid apps that ask for permission to access your contacts, messages, or location — a legitimate app lock does not need those.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I lock some apps but not others?

Yes. Both Android and iPhone let you choose exactly which apps to lock. You might lock your banking app and email but leave your calendar and weather app unlocked. You can add or remove apps from the lock list anytime by going back to Settings.

Will the app lock work if someone else uses my phone?

Yes. Once you set a password or biometric lock, anyone who tries to open that app will need to enter the password or use your fingerprint or face. The lock stays active even if someone else has your phone.

What happens if I restart my phone?

The app lock remains active after a restart. You will still need to enter your password or use biometric verification to open locked apps. The lock does not reset or turn off.

Can I use a different password for each app?

No. Both Android and iPhone use one password or PIN for all locked apps. If you want different passwords for different apps, you would need to use a third-party app lock app, though this is not recommended for security reasons.

Does app lock prevent someone from seeing my notifications?

No. Notifications from locked apps will still appear on your lock screen or notification center. If you want to hide notifications too, you can turn off notifications for that app in Settings, but that is a separate step from app locking.