App Is Locked? Learn Smart Ways to Unlock or Secure Apps

Samuel Spenser Published on October 28, 2025Unlock iOS3-min reading

In the era of readily available information, mobile phones have long been not only a communication tool, but also a pocket safe for storing personal privacy and important information. Learning how to lock apps on iPhone or Android is a key step to improving your sense of security, whether it's keeping your kids from getting addicted to games or allowing people to view chats and photos. Instead of just unlocking your screen to protect your privacy, application-level protection allows you to keep sensitive information truly in your hands.

Part 1. Can You Lock Apps on iPhone or Android

A lot of people ask: Can you lock apps on an iPhone? In other words, can you add a separate layer of protection to your application, like locking your door? The answer is yes, but the way it is implemented varies from system to system.

On the iPhone, the system doesn't provide an app Lock button directly, but indirectly through features like screen time, Face ID/Touch ID verification and guided access. These methods are a little stealthier, but they can also protect privacy.

On Android, the situation is more intuitive. Most brands, especially Samsung phones, come with an app lock feature that users can enable directly in the system Settings. In this way, whether it is chat history or a photo album, it can be separately protected.

If you're also wondering how do you put locks on apps, the answer depends on the device you're using. Next, we will introduce the specific steps for iPhone and Android, respectively.

Part 2. How to Lock Apps on iPhone

While the iPhone doesn't have a one-click app lock, Apple has built a number of features into the system that can help users protect their privacy or control app use. If you're looking for how to lock apps on your iPhone, the following three solutions will all work for different scenarios.

Screen Time Restrictions

The most straightforward way to figure out how to lock apps on iPhone with a password is to take advantage of the screen time feature. By setting a time limit for your app, you can force the password to be entered after the time has expired, thereby locking it.

Face ID for Individual Apps

If you're on iOS 18 or later, some apps can be locked directly using Face ID or Touch ID because of Apple's enhanced privacy features. In this way, there is no need to install additional apps to lock apps on the iPhone, and the verification is automatically triggered when the app is opened.

Guided Access Mode

In addition to passwords and biometrics, Apple offers Guided Access, a mode that allows only a single app. The feature keeps the device stuck in an app until a password is entered.

Part 3. How to Lock Apps on Android

Android offers more intuitive options for locking apps than the iPhone. If you're searching for how to lock apps on Android, you'll find that different brands of phones often have built-in app lock features.

Built-in Application Lock

Most Android phones, such as Xiaomi, Huawei, and OPPO, provide app lock in the Settings. Once enabled, you can set a separate password or biometrics for each app.

For Samsung

If you're looking for a way to lock apps on Samsung, the phones offer a feature called Secure Folder, where apps and data can be encrypted separately.

Bonus Tips: Remove Screen Time Passcode When You Forgot

In daily use, many iPhone or iPad users will encounter such a situation: the screen time is set to lock the app, but once you forget the password, the system will prompt that the app is locked, resulting in normal use. Instead of trying again and again, use a professional tool like imyPass iPassGo to solve the problem quickly.

Conclusion

Whether you're using an iPhone or Android, learning to lock your apps can make your privacy and use more secure. If you've forgotten your password and the app is locked, it's easy to unlock with imyPass iPassGo. Try the methods described above now to keep common applications firmly in your hands and make your device more secure!