How to Lock Settings & Apps on Android

Locking settings and apps on an Android phone stops other people from opening your sensitive apps or changing important system options. This guide covers the built-in methods available on most current Android versions, plus a reliable app-based option for devices that lack native app locking. You will need your phone’s lock screen PIN, pattern, or password set up before you begin.

What You’ll Need

• An Android phone running Android 9 or newer (most features work on older versions too)
• Your lock screen PIN, pattern, or password
• Optional: a third-party app locker if your phone doesn’t have a built-in app lock feature

Step-by-Step

Part 1: Locking Settings with Screen Pinning

Screen pinning lets you lock the current app or settings screen so the other person can’t leave it without your PIN.

1. Open the Settings app on your phone.
2. Scroll down and tap Security or Security & privacy (the exact name varies by manufacturer).
3. Look for Advanced or More security settings and tap it.
4. Find Screen pinning and tap it.
5. Toggle the switch to On.
6. If prompted, enter your lock screen PIN, pattern, or password to confirm.
7. Optionally, enable Ask for PIN before unpinning. This makes it so the other person must enter your PIN to leave the pinned screen.
8. Now, open the Settings screen you want to lock (e.g., the main Settings page).
9. Tap the Overview button (the square or recent apps button at the bottom of the screen).
10. On the app’s card, tap the app icon at the top of the card, then tap Pin.
11. The screen is now pinned. To unpin, press and hold the Back and Overview buttons simultaneously (or swipe up and hold on gesture navigation) and enter your PIN if you enabled that option.

Part 2: Locking Specific Apps with Built-in App Lock (if available)

Many Android phones from Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, and others include a dedicated app lock feature. Look for it in your Settings before resorting to a third-party app.

1. Open Settings.
2. Search for App lock using the search bar at the top of the Settings screen.
3. If you see an App lock option, tap it. If not, your phone doesn’t have this built-in feature—skip to Part 3.
4. Tap Enable or Turn on.
5. Set a separate PIN or pattern for the app lock (or choose to use your lock screen method).
6. You’ll see a list of installed apps. Toggle the switch next to each app you want to lock (e.g., Settings, Messages, Banking).
7. Exit Settings. The next time you or anyone else opens a locked app, it will ask for the app lock PIN or your fingerprint.

Part 3: Using a Third-Party App Locker (if no built-in option)

If your phone lacks a built-in app lock, a third-party app locker is the most reliable way to lock individual apps, including the Settings app.

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Search for a reputable app locker such as AppLock or Norton App Lock.
3. Install the app of your choice.
4. Open the app locker and grant the permissions it asks for (usually access to usage data and overlays). These permissions are necessary for the app to detect when a locked app is opened.
5. Set a PIN or pattern for the app locker itself.
6. In the app locker’s interface, select the apps you want to lock—including Settings if you wish.
7. Enable the app locker’s accessibility service if prompted (this helps it block the app reliably).
8. Test by opening a locked app. The app locker should display its own lock screen.

Common Mistakes

• Skipping the PIN requirement for screen pinning: If you don’t enable “Ask for PIN before unpinning,” anyone can unpin the screen by holding the buttons—no PIN needed.
• Not granting the app locker permission to draw over other apps: Without this, the app locker can’t display its lock screen and will fail to protect your apps.
• Locking the Settings app with a third-party locker and then forgetting the locker PIN: You’ll be locked out of Settings, making it hard to reset the locker. Always use a PIN you’ll remember.
• Assuming every Android phone has a built-in app lock: Stock Android (Google Pixel, Android One) does not include one, so you’ll need a third-party app.

Tips

• Use a different PIN for the app locker than your lock screen PIN. That way, if someone watches you unlock your phone, they still can’t access locked apps.
• For maximum security, enable fingerprint unlock for the app locker if it supports it—it’s faster and more secure than a PIN.
• If you only want to prevent accidental changes to settings, screen pinning is lighter than a full app locker and uses no extra battery.
• On Samsung phones, you can also use Secure Folder to hide and lock apps entirely.
• Test the lock after setting it up to make sure it works before you rely on it.

Troubleshooting

Screen pinning isn’t working. Make sure you’ve enabled it in Settings and that you’re using the Overview button to pin. On gesture navigation, swipe up and hold to open Overview, then tap the app icon.

The app locker doesn’t lock apps. Check that you’ve granted all required permissions: usage access, overlay, and accessibility. Go to Settings > Apps > [App Locker] > Permissions and enable them.

You forgot the app locker PIN. Most app lockers allow you to reset the PIN by answering a security question or entering your Google account credentials. If that fails, you may need to uninstall the app locker (which will remove the locks) and reinstall it.

The Settings app can’t be found in the app locker list. Some app lockers hide system apps. Look for a toggle in the app locker’s settings to “Show system apps” or “Show all apps.”

Screen pinning doesn’t ask for a PIN when unpinning. Revisit the Screen pinning settings and make sure “Ask for PIN before unpinning” is toggled on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will locking the Settings app prevent someone from turning off the app locker?
A: No. A determined person could force-stop the app locker from Settings, but if you lock Settings itself, they can’t do that easily. For stronger protection, use a dedicated parental control app.

Q: Can I lock individual settings like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth?
A: Not directly. You can only lock the entire Settings app or use screen pinning to lock the current screen. Some phones offer “App lock” for Settings, but not for individual toggles.

Q: Does screen pinning work on any Android version?
A: Screen pinning has been available since Android 5.0 (Lollipop), so it works on virtually all modern Android phones.

Q: Is it safe to use third-party app lockers?
A: Reputable ones from well-known developers (like Norton) are generally safe. Avoid obscure apps with poor ratings. Always read the permissions they request.

Q: Will locking apps slow down my phone?
A: Negligibly. App lockers run in the background and only activate when you open a locked app. The impact on battery and performance is minimal.

Q: Can I lock apps with my fingerprint?
A: Yes, most built-in and third-party app lockers support fingerprint unlock. You’ll need to set up a fingerprint in your phone’s security settings first.

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