If you use a Samsung phone, it’s important to know how to lock apps in Samsung. This will keep your data safe from people who shouldn’t see it.
By following these steps, you can lock apps on your Samsung phone and keep your personal stuff safe. This includes things like your photos, private messages, and social media accounts.
This guide will show you an easy way to do it. Let’s check out all the details now:
Also Read: How To Take Screenshot On Samsung Tablet And Phones?
Why You Should Lock Apps On Samsung Phones?
Locking your apps is a simple way to protect against these breaches. Here’s why it’s an essential feature for every Samsung user:
- Protect Your Data: It stops others from opening apps with personal information.
- Keep Kids Safe: It prevents children from deleting apps or files by mistake.
- Maintain Privacy: Here, only you can access sensitive apps.
- Avoid Mistakes: It protects apps and settings from accidental changes.
- Stay Safe From Hackers: The locks make it harder for malicious apps to access your phone.
With hackers, keeping your phone and personal information safe is essential.
Also Read: How To Find Call Recording In Samsung Smartphone?
Which Apps Should You Lock?
You should lock apps that contain personal or sensitive information, such as:
- Messaging apps: WhatsApp, Telegram, Messenger
- Social media: Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat
- Banking or finance apps
- Photo and video galleries
- Email apps like Gmail or Outlook
With app lock Samsung methods like Secure Folder, your private apps stay protected.
Step-By-Step Guide On How To Lock Apps In Samsung Phone
Here’s a quick and easy-to-follow guide on how to lock apps in Samsung phones.
1. Via Samsung Secure Folder
Secure Folder is a built-in Samsung feature that creates a safe, private space for apps and files. It uses Samsung Knox security. This makes it very secure.
Supported Devices For Secure Folders:
Most Samsung phones with One UI 4 or higher, like:
- Galaxy S Series: S10 and newer
- Galaxy Z Fold/Flip: Z Fold/Flip 3 to 6
- Galaxy A Series: A35, A55
- Galaxy M/F Series: select mid-range models
Older phones like Galaxy J series do not support Secure Folder.
How to Set Up Secure Folder on Your Samsung Phone
- Open Secure Folder from your apps. If missing: Settings > Apps > Secure Folder > Turn On.
- Sign in with your Samsung account.
- Choose a lock method: PIN, pattern, password, fingerprint, or face.
- Tap Add Apps and select the apps you want to lock.
- Open apps through Secure Folder when needed.
Also Read: How To Prevent Automatic App Installs On Samsung Smartphones?
2. Lock Apps On Samsung Using A Third-Party App
If your phone doesn’t have Secure Folder, you can use other apps like AppLock by DoMobile or Norton App Lock. These apps help keep your apps safe.
How to use a third-party app:
- Go to the Google Play Store and download AppLock or Norton App Lock.
- Open the app and set a PIN, pattern, or use your fingerprint or face to lock.
- You can link your Google account in case you forget your password (this step is optional).
- Choose which apps you want to lock from the list.
- Tap the lock icon next to each app to turn on the lock.
- Use the main switch in the app to lock or unlock all the apps at once.
Note: If you’re using One UI 7 or Android 15, you might see a warning. It will tell you the the app may not work properly. Just make sure the app is updated from the Play Store.
3. Use Samsung’s In-Built Lock Feature
You can lock apps using Samsung’s Secure Folder. Other than this, you can lock apps in the following ways.
| Method | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Secure Folder | Creates a private, locked space for apps, files, and data |
| Fingerprint Lock | Use your fingerprint to lock/unlock apps or your phone |
| Face Recognition | Unlocks your phone using your face |
| Pattern or PIN Lock | Set a pattern or PIN to lock specific apps or secure your device |
| How to Set Up | Go to Settings → Biometrics and Security, then choose your preferred method |
Pros & Cons Of Methods Of How To Lock Apps In Samsung
Let’s check out the benefits and limitations of each methods mentioned:
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Secure Folder | Built-in, highly secure with Knox, supports dual apps, no extra downloads. | Limited to Samsung devices, requires setup. |
| Biometric/Screen Lock | Easy to set up, uses existing phone security, no additional apps needed. | Protects the entire device, not individual apps. |
| Third-Party Apps | Customisable, available for all Android devices. | Potential security risks, ads in free versions, may have issues on One UI 7. |
Tips For Effective App Locking On Samsung Phones
Samsung regularly provides updates and security patches to keep your data safe. There are many ways to lock apps on Samsung devices. Here are some effective tips to boost your phone’s security:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Use a Strong PIN/Password | Pick a strong PIN or password that you can remember, but others can’t guess. |
| 2. Change PIN/Password Often | Update your PIN or password regularly to keep your apps more secure. |
| 3. Use the Phone’s Built-In Lock | Use the built-in app lock feature (like Samsung’s Secure Folder) instead of third-party apps. |
| 4. Use Fingerprint or Face Lock | Set up fingerprint or face recognition so only you can unlock the apps. |
How To Remove The Lock On Apps?
Now that you know how to set an app lock in Samsung, you may also wonder how to unlock it. The easiest way to do this is to long-press the app on which you have set the lock.
- Long-press the locked app icon.
- Tap on “Settings” > “Biometrics and Security” > “Secure Folder” > “More Settings.”
- Select “Unlock” and confirm that you want to remove the lock.
Troubleshooting App Lock Problems
Here are some easy fixes for common issues:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Can’t Find Secure Folder | – Make sure your phone is updated: Settings > Software Update. – If it still doesn’t show up, your phone might not support Secure Folder. |
| Forgot Secure Folder Password | – Go to: Settings > Biometrics and Security > Secure Folder > Forgot PIN. – Follow the steps to reset using your Samsung ID and password. |
| Third-Party App (like AppLock) Keeps Crashing | – Open the Google Play Store and update the app. – If it still crashes, try a different app like Norton App Lock. |
| Fingerprint or Face Unlock is Slow | – Go to: Settings > Biometrics and Security > Fingerprints / Face Recognition. – Remove and add your fingerprint or face again for better speed. |
| App Lock Isn’t Working at All | – Go to: Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Permissions. – Give access to storage, camera, or other permissions the app needs to work. |
How Secure Is Samsung Knox Really?
Samsung Knox is one of the strongest mobile security systems in the world. Governments, militaries, and big companies use Samsung Knox to protect information. Here’s why it’s extremely hard to break:
| Feature | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Military-Grade Encryption | Knox uses AES-256 encryption. It is used by the U.S. government and NATO for top-secret data. |
| Hardware-Backed Security | Knox has a special security chip built into the phone. Even if someone removes the chip, the data stays encrypted and useless. |
| Knox Vault | Introduced in Galaxy S21 and newer. Stores fingerprints, PINs, passwords, and Secure Folder keys in a separate processor that even Android cannot touch. |
| Real-Time Kernel Protection | Monitors the core of Android constantly. If malware tries to mess with the system, Knox immediately blocks it. |
| Secure Boot & Defeat Detection | Checks the phone every time it starts. If it sees tampering (like rooting or custom software), Knox can permanently disable banking apps, Samsung Pay, and Secure Folder. |
| TIMA & Periodic Attestation | Continuously checks for compromises and reports to Samsung. Even the U.S. Department of Defense uses this. |
| Isolated Secure Folder | Secure Folder runs separately from the rest of Android. Even if the phone is hacked, your apps and files in this folder stay safe. |
| Approved by Governments | Certified by U.S. DoD, UK CESG, China CCC, Finland FICORA, and others for handling classified information. |
Conclusion: How To Lock Apps In Samsung
Now you know how to lock apps on your Samsung phone. Your phone has a lot of personal information, so using an app lock is a smart way to protect it. This extra security stops anyone from opening your apps without your permission.
Keeping your data safe is really important. This is because scammers are everywhere and anyone can fall into their traps.
App locks give you control over who can open your apps. They keep sensitive information like bank details, social media accounts, and private files safe. If you turn on app lock on your Samsung phone, your personal information stays secure. Only you can access your private information.
Also Read: How To Easily Transfer Data Using Samsung Smart Switch!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why should I lock apps on my Samsung phone?
Locking apps keeps your personal data safe, such as photos, chats, and banking apps. It also stops children or others from opening or deleting apps by mistake.
Which apps should I lock first?
You should lock apps that contain private information, like WhatsApp, Instagram, Gallery, Gmail, and banking or payment apps.
What is Secure Folder on Samsung phones?
Secure Folder is a built-in Samsung feature that creates a private and protected space for apps and files. It can be unlocked using a PIN, password, pattern, fingerprint, or face recognition.
How can I check if my phone has Secure Folder?
Go to Settings > Biometrics and Security > Secure Folder. If you see it, your phone supports Secure Folder.
How do I lock apps using Secure Folder?
Set up Secure Folder with a lock. Then open Secure Folder, tap Add Apps, and choose the apps you want to lock. These apps can only be opened from inside Secure Folder.
Can I lock apps without using Secure Folder?
Yes. You can use trusted third-party apps like AppLock or Norton App Lock from the Play Store.
What other ways can I lock apps on Samsung phones?
You can use fingerprint, face recognition, PIN, pattern, or password options available in your phone’s security settings.
Is Secure Folder safe to use in 2026?
Yes. Secure Folder is protected by Samsung Knox security. It is considered very safe in 2026.
Is locking apps useful for students?
Yes. It helps students protect personal data, avoid distractions, and keep important apps safe.
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