Nowadays, mobile devices have become a indispensable extension of our personal and professional lifeWe store confidential information, private conversations, images, banking documents, and other data that require maximum protection. Therefore, Protecting your apps with a password becomes an essential measure to safeguard your privacy and prevent unauthorized access, whether on Android or iOS.
Other people's curiosity, the use of shared devices (family, children, friends), or the simple loss or theft of your phone can put that sensitive information at risk. Fortunately, today there are various native options and third-party applications that allow you to set passwords, patterns, PINs, or even biometric authentication to prevent anyone from opening your most important apps.
Why password protect your apps?
The main reason is the privacyMany of our apps store confidential chats, intimate photos, work files, banking information, social media accounts, or personal data that we wouldn't want anyone else to see. Plus, Protecting your apps adds an extra layer of security against theft or loss: Even if someone unlocks your phone, they will need to overcome the additional protection of each sensitive app.
- parental control: Prevents children from accessing inappropriate applications or making unwanted changes to the system.
- Shared devicesIf you lend your phone to someone else, make sure they can only access what you decide.
- Prevent leaksProtect yourself from coworkers, acquaintances, or curious people who might snoop on your conversations, files, or social networks.
- Sensitive data: Protects banking apps, password managers, digital wallets, health, email, or cloud storage.
Putting a password on your applications is essential. to keep your digital life safe.
Methods to protect applications on Android
Android offers multiple methods for protecting your apps, which may vary depending on the manufacturer and operating system version. Below, we describe all the available options so you can choose the one that best suits you.
Native options by manufacturer
If you have a device from a well-known brand such as Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, OnePlus, OPPO, Realme or vivo, you probably have native functions to lock applicationsThis avoids the installation of third-party apps and takes advantage of full integration with the system:
- Samsung: Secure Folder
Allows you to create an encrypted space protected with a password, pattern, PIN, fingerprint sensor or facial recognition. You can move any app or file there so that they are only accessible after authentication. - Huawei: Private Space and App Lock
It offers two levels: a “private space”, which acts as a second user to separate data and apps, and the individual app blocking from “Security > App Lock”. - Xiaomi: App Lock
In MIUI, go to Settings > Applications > App lock, turn on the feature and select which apps you want to protect with a pattern, PIN, fingerprint, or face. You can even lock new apps automatically. - OnePlus: App Locker
Available from Settings > Utilities > App Lock. Select which apps you want to block and choose the blocking type. - OPPO and Realme: ColorOS/Realme UI Lock
Similar to OnePlus, access the privacy section in settings. It allows you to lock apps with a PIN, pattern, fingerprint, or face, and manage all protected apps. - vivo: App encryption in Funtouch OS
Through the app iManager > Utility Tools > App Encryption, you can add passwords to any apps you choose.
What happens on pure Android or Google Pixel?
On Google Pixel devices or those with pure Android, The native option to lock apps is not yet present 100%. However, Google is gradually implementing the blocking individual apps in new versions. If your phone doesn't yet include it, you'll need to use third-party apps.
Step by Step: How to Enable Native Lock on Android
- Go to Settings of your mobile.
- Search Privacy , Security, Applications, or your brand-specific option (Secure Folder, Private Space, etc.).
- Sign in Application blocking or the corresponding function.
- Create a secure unlock method: pattern, PIN, password, fingerprint, or facial recognition.
- Select the apps you want to protect.
- Configure advanced options, such as relock time, hiding the Secure Folder icon, or automatically locking new apps.
These native functions are more secure, do not require additional permissions, and are better integrated into the system.
Advanced options for native app locks
- Unlocking with biometrics: Maximum comfort whether you use fingerprint or face.
- Automatic lock after turning off the screen: Ensures protection even if you forget to close the app.
- Blocking by location or time: On some models, you can block apps based on your location or after a period of inactivity.
Advantages and limitations of native solutions
The main advantage of native locks is the integration with the operating system and maximum securityHowever, not all devices include them, and the interface or capabilities may vary.
Third-party apps to protect your apps on Android
In case your Android device does not have a native protection system or you are looking for greater customization, you can install applications specialized in blocking apps:
- AppLock (DoMobile Lab): The most popular, with over 100 million downloads. It lets you protect apps, chats, gallery, notifications, settings, and much more. It includes PIN, pattern, fingerprint, and even face unlock. It offers the "intruder selfie" feature to take photos of anyone who cracks the password, hides the app icon, blocks uninstallation, and lock profiles based on time or location.
- Norton App LockDeveloped by the renowned antivirus brand, it allows you to lock individual apps using a PIN, pattern, or fingerprint. It includes features to prevent uninstallation and take photos of intruders. Although it has recently been officially discontinued, it is still available in some markets.
- App Lock (InShot Inc.): Easy to use, user-friendly interface, and support for pattern, fingerprint, or password. Protects apps, photos, and videos. Blocks the installation of new apps and can hide the lock app itself.
- SecurityMaster: Combines antivirus and app locker. Allows you to lock apps and protect the system from malware.
How to use third-party apps to lock your apps
- Download the desired app from the Google Play Store and install it.
- Grant the necessary permissions (usage access, device management, etc.).
- Set your unlock method (PIN, pattern, fingerprint, etc.).
- Select the apps you want to protect.
- Configure options like auto-relock, intruder selfie, or hidden notifications.
Always check the permissions requested by these apps, as they will have access to sensitive information. Use only apps with a good reputation and positive reviews.
Advanced features in third-party apps
- Blocking pop-up notifications to prevent messages from being displayed on the screen.
- Hide icons so that no one knows that you have the locker installed.
- Photo of intruders if someone tries to unlock your apps and fails.
- Remote closing or blocking from another device in case of loss or theft.
- Selective unlocking depending on the connected Wi-Fi or Bluetooth network.
Are these applications safe?
En general, Third-party apps are safe if they come from reputable developers. and downloaded from the Google Play Store. Review permissions, read reviews, and keep your apps updated. Avoid apps that ask for excessive permissions or aren't transparent about their privacy policies.
How to password-protect apps on iOS (iPhone and iPad)?
Apple provides less flexibility than Android for blocking apps, but newer versions have added very powerful native optionsCurrently, there are two official methods depending on the iOS version on your device.
On iOS 18 and higher: Individual app lock
- Long press on the app you want to protect from the home screen.
- Choose “Require Face ID” o “Require Touch ID”.
- Confirm the action.
From then on, every time you open the app, the system will ask for your biometric authentication or your mobile phone access code.
- You can hide apps with the “Hide and Require Face ID/Touch ID” option so they don't appear on the Home screen, search, or Siri Suggestions. They'll only be visible in the App Library > Hidden folder.
On versions prior to iOS 18: Use Screen Time
- Go to Settings > Usage time and activate a specific access code for this function.
- press App usage limits and select the apps to restrict.
- Set a minimum daily limit (for example, 1 minute).
- Once that time is reached, the app will require the “Screen Time” code to access.
This alternative, although less convenient, allows for a first layer of blocking independent of the device's general PIN.
Can third-party apps be used to block apps on iPhone?
Apple is very restrictive with system permissions, so does not allow external apps to block other apps directly. However, there are tools such as lockdown apps which offer secure container-like environments, although their operation is more limited than in Android.
Take advantage of the security features of the applications themselves
Some messaging, email, or storage apps have their own built-in locking methods.
- WhatsApp: Lock with fingerprint, Face ID or Touch ID. Go to Settings > Privacy > Fingerprint/Face ID Lock.
- Telegram: Enables lock code and two-step verification. Enter Settings > Privacy & Security > Lock Code.
- Google Drive, Gmail, and banking apps: They usually offer blocking via biometrics or internal PIN from their own settings.
These features are recommended as an extra layer even if you already use your operating system's or third-party apps' methods.
How to create strong passwords for your apps
Using a strong password is the foundation of all digital protection. Locking won't help if your password is easy to guess or involves personal information. Follow these tips:
- Combine uppercase, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Avoid dates, names, or dictionary words.
- Do not reuse passwords already used on other services.
- Use long sentences or the first letter of each word in an easy-to-remember sentence.
- Change it regularly and use a password manager if you find it difficult to remember them all.
- Take advantage of biometric unlocking options whenever possible.
Other measures to protect your mobile privacy
- Always activate the screen lock of the device (fingerprint, PIN or pattern).
- Set the two step verification (2FA) on all supported accounts.
- Turn off the sensitive notifications on lock screen.
- Review the permissions for each app and don't grant access to everything.
- Take the backup periodic.
- Update the operating system and apps to patch potential vulnerabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Password Protecting Apps
Can any app be blocked?
Yes, with both native and third-party options, you can choose virtually any app (messaging, networking, gallery, storage, password managers, banking, etc.) to protect.
What happens if I forget my lock password?
Most lock apps allow you to reset your lock via email, security questions, or your phone's own global PIN.
Do blocking apps consume a lot of battery?
They generally consume little power, although some apps with advanced features or poor optimization can affect performance. Choose lightweight and well-known solutions.
Can I lock or protect photos and videos?
Yes, both some lock apps and native features (Secure Folder, PrivateSpace, AppLock, etc.) allow you to hide and lock media files.
What happens if someone uninstalls the lock app?
The best app locks prevent uninstallation without a PIN or password, but it's important to also use the general device lock.
Are there limits to the number of protected apps?
Some systems limit the maximum number of protected apps, but in most current solutions you can choose as many as you want.
Common mistakes when protecting your apps and how to avoid them
- Use weak, easy-to-guess, or repetitive passwords.
- Forget the lock of the mobile home screen.
- Do not update apps or the operating system.
- Granting excessive permissions to untrustworthy third-party apps.
- Do not activate additional security options (biometrics, backup, hidden notifications).
- Not checking that locks work after reboots or updates.
- Unintentionally disabling protection by mistake.
The best protection is the sum of several layers of security. Be sure to combine screen lock, individual app protection, and the security features of the apps themselves.
Additional tips to maintain your digital privacy
- Be wary of suspicious links and files, even if you receive them through protected apps.
- Don't share passwords with anyone and avoid saving them in unprotected notes.
- Regularly review the devices connected to your accounts.
- Whenever you change your phone, delete sensitive data from your old device (format or factory reset).
- Use messaging apps with end-to-end encryption and activate your own locks.
- If you travel or expose your phone to public environments, activate the most restrictive modes possible.
Password-protecting your apps is now in your hands, and it's never been so accessible and customizable. Whether you're an Android or iOS user, you have native and third-party solutions at your disposal that add an effective barrier against unauthorized access to your most private information. Tailor the methods and tips to your needs, stay informed, and apply good digital security practices to enjoy the best mobile experience without sacrificing your privacy.
