Today we literally carry half my life spent on my mobile phonePrivate conversations, photos, banking apps, medical records, social media… That's why more and more people are considering going beyond the typical PIN for unlocking and Protect your apps with a passwordfingerprint or facial recognition.
If you often lend your phone to friends, family, or children, or simply want greater peace of mind in case of theft or loss, you'll be interested to know All the ways to block apps on Android, iPhone, and even your computerThere are native methods, tricks using system functions, and also specialized apps that add extra layers of security.
Why it's worth putting a password on your apps
Our smartphones have become a extension of our personal and professional lifeWe store everything from banking apps and messaging platforms to intimate photos, documents, and work emails on them.
The problem is that many times We lend the mobile phone with complete confidence.To show a photo, let a child play, or allow someone to make a call. Without specific app protection, anyone could browse conversations, view your gallery, or access your online banking. in a matter of seconds.
Blocking specific applications provides a additional layer of security to the screen lockEven if someone manages to bypass the device's PIN, pattern, fingerprint, or facial recognition, they still won't be able to access the apps you choose to protect.
Furthermore, password-protecting certain applications is key in shared mobile phones or phones used by minorsbecause it allows you to control access to social networks, in-app purchases, system settings, or sensitive content without having to hide your phone.
However, before you rush to protect everything as if there were no tomorrow, it's worth keeping in mind that It doesn't make much sense to put a password on all apps.The most practical thing to do is to prioritize those with sensitive data: messaging, banking, email, social networks, photos, health, cloud files, etc.
How to password-protect apps on Android
Android, as it comes from the factory, It does not always include a universal app lock.However, most manufacturers have added their own systems to protect applications. Furthermore, there's always the option of using third-party apps specializing in blocking.
First of all, it is essential that you have a secure screen lock configured (PIN, pattern, password, or biometrics). You can do it from Settings> Security> Screen lock or a similar menu depending on your Android brand and version.
Once you have secured access to the device, you can proceed to block apps individuallyThe procedure varies depending on the manufacturer (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, Google Pixel, Oppo, Realme, Vivo, etc.), but in all cases you will see a section related to Privacy, Security, or App Blocking.
How to password-protect apps on Samsung phones
At Samsung you have two great allies: the legendary Secure Folder and, in some models and versions, a built-in app lock within the One UI layer itself.
With Secure Folder, the mobile phone creates a encrypted space where you can store apps, photos, and files that will be protected by a PIN, pattern, password, or biometric code separate from the rest of the phone. It's like having a phone within your phone.
To configure it, you must go to Settings > Biometrics and security > Secure folderFollow the wizard, choose a locking method, and then Add the apps you want to protect. inside that folder. No one will be able to open them without first authenticating.
In newer models you may also see a section for Application blocking within Security and Privacy. In that case, you'll just need to activate the feature. define a specific PIN or pattern and select which apps you want to block one by one.
Blocking apps on Xiaomi (MIUI)
MIUI, Xiaomi's custom interface, is famous for its vast array of options and, as expected, includes a very comprehensive native app lock, further improved in recent versions such as MIUI 15 with facial recognition.
You can usually activate it from Settings > Applications > App lock or from the section Privacy and protectionAccording to the version, the first time it will ask you to configure an unlocking method (PIN, pattern, fingerprint or face).
Then you just have to Select the applications you want to lock.From then on, every time someone tries to open them, the system will display the lock screen asking for a fingerprint, Face ID (on compatible models) or the set password.
The advantage is that everything is integrated into the system itselfwithout relying on external apps, which usually offers better performance and fewer privacy risks.
Protect apps with a password on Huawei and Honor (EMUI)
On Huawei and Honor phones with EMUI, the function of App locking also comes standard and it has been reinforced with updates such as EMUI 14, which expand biometric support.
The route is usually Settings> Security (or «Security and Privacy») > Application blockingFrom there you can set a PIN, pattern, password or biometric unlock, and even facial recognition on models that support it.
Once configured, you just have to select the apps you want to protectWhen you try to open them, the corresponding verification screen will appear. If you can't find the option, you can always search for "app lock" next to your Huawei/Honor model in the online help.
Block apps on Google Pixel, Oppo, Realme, OnePlus and Vivo
On Google Pixel phones with pure Android, for years There was no native app blockingHowever, in recent versions such as Android 14, an application locking function has begun to be incorporated in certain models.
On compatible Pixel devices, it is usually activated from Settings > Privacy > App Lockby setting up a PIN, pattern or password and then selecting the apps you want to protect individually.
In other brands with their own layers, the function is usually very accessible. Oppo and Realme (ColorOS and Realme UI), the typical route is Settings > Privacy or Security > App Lockwhere you can define a privacy password and decide which apps will be locked with it, being able to use fingerprint or facial recognition to unlock them.
En OnePlusOxygenOS offers an "Application Blocker" within the section Utilities from the settings. You just need to activate it and select the desired applications so that they ask for a code every time they open.
Meanwhile, mobile phones live FuntouchOS usually delegates this task to the app. iManagerInside you'll find options like "Utility Tools" or "App Encryption," from where you can create a specific password and choose which apps are encrypted.
When the system does not have app blocking: use third-party applications
If your Android device doesn't have any options to protect apps, or if you want advanced privacy featuresIt's time to turn to Google Play and use specialized blocking apps or solutions for hide apps from the drawer.
The idea is always the same: you install the app, grant it the necessary permissions, You set a PIN, pattern, or password. Then you select the applications you want to protect. From then on, any attempt to open them will go through that application's lock screen.
It's worth checking very carefully. the permissions these apps request (accessibility, "All Files Access", etc.) and install only popular, well-rated tools and, where possible, open source applications, downloaded from the official google play store to avoid surprises.
AppLock (DoMobile Lab) and other featured apps
Following the disappearance of Norton App Lock, many guides point to AppLock by DoMobile Lab as one of the most comprehensive solutions for blocking apps on Android, with over one hundred million downloads and a very high rating.
With AppLock you can lock virtually any application (WhatsApp, Messenger, Gmail, social networks, system settings, Play Store, etc.), in addition to hiding photos and videos in a kind of safe or “photo vault” encrypted.
It allows you to choose different blocking methods (pattern, numeric password, even fingerprint if the mobile is compatible) and offers very useful extras such as random keyboard to prevent them from memorizing the position of the numbers, and selfie intruder, which takes a picture with the front camera when someone enters the wrong password.
Other similar alternatives include apps like App Lock (InShot) or AppLock – Fingerprint (Lock), which add additional functions for Restrict calls, WiFi and Bluetooth connections or automatically block new apps that are installed.
In addition, there are more comprehensive security suites, such as some Antivirus with application blocking module (AVG, for example), which combine malware protection with app and file encryption, although they tend to be heavier and more complex to configure.
How to password-protect specific apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.)
Before you complicate things with external tools, it's worth checking if the app you're concerned about already includes an internal locking systemMany messaging, banking, or file management applications come with their own layer of security.
In the case of WhatsAppOn both Android and iOS, you can activate fingerprint, Face ID, or Touch ID lock from the app's privacy settings. On Android, go to Settings > Privacy > Fingerprint Lock; on iPhone, on Settings > Privacy > Screen lock.
Once activated, every time you open WhatsApp you will be asked biometric authentication or the device code. Additionally, you can choose how often it asks for your fingerprint or Face ID again (immediately, after 1 minute, after 30 minutes, etc.).
However, you should keep in mind that this block only affects the opening the appIf you don't change your notification settings, you may continue to see them. Message previews on the lock screen or they can be answered from the notifications themselves.
En Telegram You also have more than one layer: you can set a app lock code And, in addition, activate two-step verification to protect your account. All of this is configured from Settings > Privacy and security within the app.
How to password-protect apps on iPhone and iPad (iOS)
Apple has always been very strict with system control, which has the advantage that It does not allow third-party apps that directly block other apps.But it also somewhat limits the options compared to Android.
The good news is that with iOS 18 things have changed: now you can block and even hide individual applications Using Face ID, Touch ID, or your iPhone passcode without any tricks. And if your iPhone is still on iOS 17 or earlier, you can continue using Use time to restrict access.
Lock apps in iOS 18 with Face ID, Touch ID or passcode
With iOS 18, Apple added a direct feature to ensure certain apps always require biometric authentication or code when opened, even if the iPhone is already unlocked.
The simplest way to protect an app is press and hold its icon on the home screen until the context menu appears and select the option "Require Face ID" (or Touch ID, depending on the device). The system will ask you to confirm the action.
From that moment on, every attempt to open that app will display the Face ID/Touch ID screen or ask for the passcode. It's a quick and very convenient way to to secure sensitive apps such as banking, health, email or social networks.
Furthermore, iOS 18 offers the possibility of completely hide certain appsIf you choose "Hide and require Face ID," the app disappears from your home screen, search results, notifications, and Siri suggestions.
To access these hidden apps you will have to go to the AppLibrary (app library) and enter the "Hidden" folder, where the system will again ask you to identify yourself in order to view and run them.
Block apps in iOS 17 and earlier using Screen Time
Before iOS 18, the most effective way to exert some control over apps was to leverage the feature of Use time, originally intended to limit screen time but very useful as a pseudo-lock.
The trick is to establish a minimum usage limit (for example, one minute per day) for the apps you want to protect. Once exceeded, the system will display a limit reached warning, and to continue using it, you will need to Enter the Usage Time code.
To configure it, you need to go to Settings > Usage timeActivate the feature if you haven't already, and choose "Use passcode for Screen Time" to set a unique PIN, different from the one you use to unlock your iPhone.
Then in the section App usage limitsYou can add a new limit, select the apps or categories to restrict, and set a very short time interval. By activating the option Block at the end of the limitThe mobile will require the Usage Time PIN to allow more minutes.
It's not exactly a classic padlock, but in practice it serves its purpose. prevent other people from using certain apps without your permission, as long as they do not know the Usage Time code.
Other options on iOS: restrictions and complementary tools
In addition to Screen Time, iOS allows restrict certain categories of apps or content From "Content and Privacy Restrictions". This section lets you, for example, hide apps based on age recommendations, prevent purchases, or limit access to adult content.
Although Apple doesn't usually allow tools in the App Store that generally block third-party apps, there are applications like lockdown apps or other corporate solutions that function as safe environments or workspaces where you can host apps protected by their own password or Face ID.
With these types of tools, you should normally install the app, create an access code Or you can activate biometric unlocking and, from within the app, add the programs you want to move to that secure environment. It's more of a niche solution, but useful if you manage particularly sensitive data.
Lock programs with a password on your computer
The need for Protect apps with a password It's not just limited to mobile phones. On Windows computers, for example, it's common to want to block browsers like Chrome, video calling programs like Zoom, or work apps so that other users can't open them.
The operating system, by default, is designed so that the Security is managed by user accountsEach person logs in with their own username and password, thus separating data and apps. However, many users share accounts or don't want to create multiple profiles.
In that context, it's logical to look for a kind of "Master password" for certain programsso that when running Chrome, Zoom or other software, a window appears asking for a code before it opens.
There are paid solutions that offer exactly this function, and also some free options, but there isn't one basic and integrated function in Windows that blocks individual applications just like on mobile devices. The closest thing, again, is to separate user accounts and properly protect each login.
Additional security and privacy tips
Beyond simply putting passwords on your apps, there are a number of good digital security practices which should be kept in mind to ensure the entire system is robust.
On the one hand, it is essential that the device has a good general lockA long PIN, a non-trivial pattern, a strong password, and, if possible, Face ID or fingerprint. That will be the first hurdle anyone who gets hold of your phone will have to overcome.
It's also interesting to activate features such as Two-step verification and passkeys on Android in key services (email, social networks, WhatsApp, Telegram, banking, etc.), so that even if someone steals your password, they will need a second factor to log in.
When you use third-party apps to block other applications, take a few minutes to Review access permissions, privacy policy, and feedback from other users. Think about it: you're entrusting them with part of your digital life.
Finally, try to always maintain the operating system and updated applicationsMany improvements to app locking (like those in iOS 18 or the new Android skins) come precisely in the form of updates, and to download them easily, it will be helpful to have one. Stable mobile connection and a decent data plan.
Protecting your privacy on your mobile phone or tablet isn't a matter of paranoia, but of common sense: by combining screen locks, protecting your most sensitive apps, using native Android and iOS options, and, when necessary, using a trusted security app, you can ensure that only authorized people have access to your conversations, photos, and most sensitive information, without sacrificing everyday convenience.
