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 Do You Need To Lock The App?
Locking your apps is a simple way to protect against these breaches. Here’s why it’s an essential feature for every Samsung user:
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Better Device Security | Stops others from using your important apps or stealing your data. |
| Protecting Children | Stops kids from deleting apps or data by mistake. |
| Privacy Protection | Makes sure only you can see your personal and private information. |
| Avoiding Mistakes | Prevents someone from deleting apps or changing settings by accident. |
| Keeping Safe from Threats | Protects your phone from hackers and dangerous apps. |
Knowing how to lock apps in Samsung phone helps protect your privacy. It’s important not just for you but also for your family to avoid any data leaks.
With hackers, keeping your phone and personal information safe is essential.
Also Read: How To Find Call Recording In Samsung Smartphone?
Which Apps Can Be Locked?
If you want to keep your phone private, it’s smart to lock some of your apps. This is very useful if kids use your phone. You won’t have to worry about them opening things they shouldn’t. That’s why many people want to know how to lock apps in Samsung phones.
Apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, or banking apps can have personal information. Using an app lock in Samsung helps keep this info safe. Samsung doesn’t have a direct Samsung app lock feature like some other phones. There’s still a way. You can use Secure Folder, which is a built-in tool. If your phone has One UI 4 or higher (like One UI 7), you can use this feature to lock apps safely. It’s one of the best answers for how to set app lock in Samsung devices.
With app lock Samsung methods like Secure Folder, your private apps stay protected.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Encrypted Space | Stores apps and data in a secure, isolated environment. |
| Dual Apps | Run separate instances of apps (e.g., personal and work WhatsApp). |
| Access Methods | Unlock with PIN, password, pattern, fingerprint, or face recognition. |
| Protection | Data remains secure even if your phone is lost or stolen, thanks to Knox encryption. |
It’s secure because it uses Samsung Knox, which is Samsung’s strong security system.
Which Samsung Phones Support Secure Folder?
Most Samsung phones that run One UI 4 or higher have this feature. This includes:
| Samsung Series | Compatible Devices |
|---|---|
| Galaxy S Series | S10, S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, S24 Ultra, and newer |
| Galaxy Z Series | Z Fold 3, 4, 5, 6 and Z Flip 3, 4, 5, 6 |
| Galaxy A Series | A35, A55, and other higher-end A-series phones |
| Galaxy M/F Series | Select mid-range models with One UI Core 4.0 or higher |
| Not Compatible | Older models such as the Galaxy J Series |
These phones are either flagships or mid-range. J Series might not support this as it’s old.
How to Check If Phone Has Secure Folder?
- Open Settings
- Go to Biometrics and Security
- Look for Secure Folder
If it’s not there, your phone doesn’t support it.
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 tool on Samsung phones that lets you lock individual apps. The best part is, you won’t need any third-party apps.
It comes pre-installed on most Samsung devices and works as an App Lock feature. This feature will help you keep your apps private and protected easily.
However, it is available on UI 4 or later devices.
How to Set Up Secure Folder on Your Samsung Phone
Secure Folder helps you keep your private apps and files safe. Follow these steps to set it up and start using it:
Step 1: Open Secure Folder
- Find the Secure Folder app in your app drawer.
- Can’t see it? Go to Settings > Apps > Secure Folder and turn it on.
- If it’s your first time using it, sign in with your Samsung account or make one.
Step 2: Set Up Security
- Go to Settings > Biometrics and Security > Secure Folder.
- Choose how you want to lock it: PIN, Password, Pattern, Fingerprint, Face Recognition.
Step 3: Add Apps to Secure Folder
- Open the Secure Folder app.
- Tap Add Apps (look for the plus sign).
- Pick the apps you want to lock (like WhatsApp, Gallery, or banking apps).
- These apps will now only open inside Secure Folder and will ask for your lock to open.
Step 4: Use Your Locked Apps
- Just open Secure Folder and unlock it with your PIN, password, or fingerprint.
- Tap on the app you want to use. It works just like normal.
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 |
Fingerprint Lock
You can use this feature to secure any individual app or secure your phone.
Face Recognition
This feature can be used to unlock your smartphone. It will add an additional layer of security.
Pattern Lock or PIN
You can set up a PIN or pattern that you have to enter before accessing the specific app.
If you want to set up all these features, you need to go to Settings -> Biometrics and Security. Now, choose your preferred method.
Pros and 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:
Can’t Find Secure Folder
- Make sure your phone is updated. Go to: 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 it 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
- Follow the steps to add it again for better speed.
App Lock Isn’t Working at All
- Go to: Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Permissions
- Give access to storage, camera, or anything else it needs to work properly.
Conclusion: How To Lock Apps In Samsung
Now you know all the details about how to lock apps on Samsung. Your phone holds a lot of personal information. If you use app locker, it adds an important layer of security. This helps protect your data if someone else tries to access your device without permission.
Saving your data is really important. This is because scammers are everywhere and anyone can fall into this trap.
App locks give you control over who can open your apps. It keep sensitive info like bank details, social media accounts, and private data safe. If you enable app lock on your Samsung phone, you ensure your personal information stays. It will only be accessible to you!
Also Read: How To Easily Transfer Data Using Samsung Smart Switch!
FAQs
How do I remove apps from Secure Folder on my Samsung phone?
To remove an app from the Secure Folder, open the Secure Folder app. Then, locate the app you want to delete. Press and hold the app icon, then tap Uninstall. This will remove the app from the Secure Folder. It will keep the original app installed on your device.
What should I do if I forget the password for my locked apps?
If you’ve locked apps inside the Secure Folder, you can reset the password using the PIN setting. This requires your linked Samsung account. For third-party apps, you can explore different methods to reset the app lock password within the app’s settings.
How to remove Samsung App Lock?
You will need to uninstall the Secure Folder app on your smartphone. Just go to Settings->Biometrics and Security->Secure Folder.
Tap on the More Settings option and press the Uninstall button. Choose the uninstall option and you are good to go.
Can I Lock Apps Like Instagram and WhatsApp On My Samsung Phone?
Yes, you can use any of the above mentioned methods to lock any app. It includes social apps like Instagram and WhatsApp.
How To Hide Apps In Samsung Phones?
You can hide apps on your Samsung phone by pressing and holding the home screen. Tapping the bottom right Settings icon and selecting “Hide Apps on Home and App screen,”. Choose the apps you want hidden.
What should I do if I forget my password for the app lock?
If you forget your app lock password, try resetting it using biometric options or recovery through email/phone. As a last resort, you can uninstall and reinstall the app, but this may lead to data loss.
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