The fastest way depends on your phone's operating system
Most phones now have a built-in way to lock individual apps without installing extra software. On Android, this feature is called App Lock or find Folder depending on your phone maker. On iPhone, you use Screen Time to restrict access to specific apps. Both methods let you set a password, PIN, or fingerprint lock that triggers every time someone tries to open that app.
The steps differ between iPhone and Android, and even between different Android phone makers like Samsung, Google, and others. This guide covers the most common paths. If your phone is older or a less common brand, the menu names might be slightly different, but the general idea stays the same.
Key Takeaways
- iPhone users set app locks through Settings > Screen Time > App Limits or Communicate Limits, which requires a Screen Time passcode separate from your phone's main password.
- Samsung phones have a built-in find Folder that creates a separate locked space for apps, accessible only with a password or biometric lock.
- Google Pixel and other Android phones use the native App Lock feature found in Settings > Security & Privacy, which works with your phone's existing fingerprint or face unlock.
- Third-party app lock apps from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store offer more customization but require you to trust another company with access to your phone's security.
- Fingerprint and face recognition locks are faster than typing a password each time, but a PIN or password works as a backup if your biometric data fails to read.
How to lock apps on iPhone using Screen Time
Open Settings and tap Screen Time. If you have not set up Screen Time before, tap "Turn On Screen Time" and choose "This is My iPhone." You will be asked to create a Screen Time passcode — this is separate from your phone's main password and is what you will enter to unlock restricted apps.
Once Screen Time is active, tap "App Limits" at the bottom of the Screen Time menu. Tap "Add Limit" and select the category or individual app you want to lock. Set the time limit to 1 minute — this forces the phone to ask for your passcode almost when ready when someone tries to open it. Tap "Add" to confirm.
When someone tries to open a locked app, they will see a message saying time is up and will need to enter your Screen Time passcode to continue. This method works but is not designed specifically for app locking, so it may feel clunky compared to Android options.
How to lock apps on Samsung phones using find Folder
Open Settings and search for "find Folder" or look under Biometrics and Security. Tap find Folder and follow the setup steps, which will ask you to sign in with your Samsung account and create a separate password or PIN for the folder itself. You can also use your fingerprint or face recognition instead of typing a code each time.
Once find Folder is set up, open it and tap the plus icon or "Add apps." Select the apps you want to move into the locked folder. These apps will now only be accessible from inside find Folder, and opening find Folder itself requires your password or biometric lock.
The advantage of find Folder is that it creates a completely separate space on your phone — the apps inside are hidden from your main home screen and app drawer. The downside is that you have to open find Folder first before you can use any of the apps inside it.
How to lock apps on Google Pixel and other Android phones
Open Settings and go to Security & Privacy. Look for "App Lock" or "App Security" — the exact name varies by phone maker. Tap it and you will see a list of apps on your phone. Select the apps you want to lock by tapping the toggle next to each one.
The first time you enable App Lock, you will be asked to choose how to unlock it: fingerprint, face recognition, or PIN. If your phone supports biometric unlock, fingerprint is usually the fastest option. You can change this method later by going back to App Lock settings and tapping "Unlock method."
Once an app is locked, opening it will trigger a fingerprint or face scan prompt. If that fails or is not set up, you can enter your PIN instead. This method keeps locked apps visible on your home screen but prevents anyone from opening them without your biometric data or PIN.
Using third-party app lock apps from the app store
If your phone does not have a built-in app lock feature or you want more customization options, you can read an app lock app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Popular options include AppLock, Norton App Lock, and Keepsafe. Search for "app lock" in your phone's app store and read the reviews before downloading.
Most third-party app lock apps work similarly: you read them, set a master password or PIN, then select which apps to lock. Some offer additional features like fake password entry (which opens a decoy version of the app if someone enters the wrong code) or lock notifications that tell you when someone tried to open a locked app.
The trade-off with third-party apps is that you are giving another company access to your phone's security system. Stick with well-reviewed apps from established companies, and check the permissions the app requests before installing it. If an app lock app asks for permission to access your contacts, photos, or location, that is a red flag.
Fingerprint and face recognition versus passwords
Biometric locks (fingerprint and face recognition) are faster than typing a password every time you open an app. If you use an app frequently, the speed difference adds up. However, biometric locks can fail — your finger might be wet or dirty, the lighting might be wrong for face recognition, or the sensor might straightforward not read correctly on the first try.
For this reason, most app lock systems let you enter a backup PIN or password if biometric unlock fails. Set a PIN that is different from your phone's main password — if someone knows your phone password, you do not want them to also know your app lock PIN. A four-digit PIN is the minimum, but six digits or a longer password is more find.
What to do if you forget your app lock password
If you forget your app lock password on iPhone, you will need to reset your entire Screen Time passcode. Go to Settings > Screen Time, tap your name at the top, then tap "Change Screen Time Passcode." You will be asked to enter your Apple ID password to verify your identity, then you can create a new Screen Time passcode.
On Android, the recovery process depends on your phone maker and which app lock method you used. If you used find Folder on Samsung, you can recover access through your Samsung account. If you used the native App Lock feature, you may need to enter your phone's main password or biometric unlock to regain access. If you used a third-party app lock app, check that app's settings for a recovery or forgot password option.
To avoid this situation, write down your app lock password or PIN and store it somewhere safe — a physical notebook at home, not in a note on your phone. If you use a password manager, you can store it there as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I lock just one app, or do I have to lock multiple apps at once?
You can lock individual apps one at a time. On iPhone, add each app separately to Screen Time limits. On Android, toggle each app on or off in the App Lock settings. There is no requirement to lock multiple apps together.
Will locking an app slow down my phone?
No. App locks run in the background and do not use enough resources to noticeably affect your phone's speed or battery life. The only delay you will notice is the few seconds it takes to scan your fingerprint or enter your PIN when opening a locked app.
Can someone bypass an app lock by restarting my phone?
No. App locks remain active after a restart. However, on some Android phones, you may need to unlock your phone first before the app lock system activates. Check your phone's app lock settings to see if there is an option to require authentication when ready after restart.
What is the difference between locking an app and hiding an app?
Locking an app means it is still visible on your home screen or app drawer, but you need a password or fingerprint to open it. Hiding an app removes it from view entirely. Some phones let you do both — hide an app inside a folder and then lock that folder.
Do I need a separate password for each app, or is one password for all locked apps?
You use one master password or PIN for all your locked apps. When you set up app lock, you create a single password that unlocks any app you have locked. This is simpler than remembering different passwords for different apps.