How do I lock apps on my phone?

You can lock apps on your phone using built-in features or third-party apps, depending on your phone's brand and operating system.

Locking Apps on Android

Samsung Phones

• Samsung phones typically offer a "Secure Folder" feature. You can use this to lock specific apps with a passcode.
• To use the secure folder:
  1. Look for "Secure Folder" in your phone's settings or app drawer.
  2. Follow the on-screen prompts to set up the folder.
  3. Add the apps you want to lock into the secure folder. These apps will then require authentication (such as passcode, fingerprint, or face recognition) to open.

Other Android Phones

• Many Android phones do not have a built-in app lock feature. In this case, you will need to download a third-party app.
• Several app-locking applications are available on the Google Play Store.
• When choosing an app locking tool consider user reviews and security to pick a trusted app.

Locking Apps on iOS (iPhone)

• iPhones do not have a direct "app lock" feature. However, you can use Screen Time to control access to apps.

Using Screen Time

1. Go to Settings > Screen Time.
2. Enable Screen Time if you have not already done so.
3. Tap App Limits.
4. Tap Add Limit.
5. Select the apps you want to limit.
6. Set the time limit to one minute.
7. Enable Lock at End of Limit.
8. When the time limit is reached, a passcode will be needed to use the app. You can bypass the one minute limit by tapping “ignore limit” and setting up the passcode.

Considerations

• Third-Party App Security: When using third-party app lockers, ensure you're downloading from reputable developers and that the app has good reviews to protect your security.
• Recovery Options: Make sure you set up a recovery method in case you forget your passcode for your app locker.
• Privacy: Be aware of the permissions you grant to app-locking tools and third party apps to ensure your privacy is protected.