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How to lock apps on your phone
You hand your phone to a friend to show a photo or to a child to play a game, and suddenly your messages, photos and banking are one swipe away. A strong phone passcode protects against strangers, but not against people you have already unlocked it for. Locking individual apps closes that gap.
A practical approach, then app lock apps, with a section for app lock apps rising by visits on the Censuus ranking.
App lock apps rising by visits and sponsorship on Censuus
A younger iPhone app from an independent developer:
ALocker - Lock & Block4.8★ App Storean app to lock and block apps on iPhone, now without a subscription.- Your app hereFree, foreverList my app
Use what your phone already has
Recent versions of iOS, and many Android phones, can require Face ID, a fingerprint or a passcode to open specific apps, and many messaging, banking and notes apps have their own lock setting. Check these before installing anything else.
Decide what really needs a lock
Lock the apps where privacy matters most: messages, photos, notes, email, banking and health. Too many locks become annoying and you will end up turning them off.
Lend your phone safely
Guided Access on iPhone and screen pinning on Android keep the person in the one app you opened. It is the simplest way to hand a phone to a child or a friend without worry. To limit distracting apps for yourself, see apps to focus and block distractions.
Hide previews and keep the passcode strong
Turn off message previews on the lock screen and use a passcode longer than the minimum. Compare tools in app lock apps for iPhone.
| Step | What you do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Strong phone passcode | longer than the default, biometrics on | the first lock |
| 2. Built-in app locks | in system settings or the app itself | no extra app needed |
| 3. Lock the private ones | messages, photos, notes, banking | what others should not see |
| 4. Lend safely | guided access or screen pinning | they stay in one app |
| 5. Check notifications | hide previews on the lock screen | no messages on show |
Frequently asked questions
How do I lock individual apps on my phone?
Use the built-in option in your phone settings or in the app itself to require Face ID, Touch ID or a passcode, or use an app lock app.
How do I let a child use my phone safely?
Use Guided Access on iPhone or screen pinning on Android to keep them in one app.
Which apps should I lock?
Messages, photos, notes, email, banking and health apps, where privacy matters most.