Protecting confidential data on a smartphone begins with limiting access to applications. Even if you use a screen lock, certain apps - instant messengers, banking clients or galleries - may contain information that should be hidden from prying eyes. In this article we will look all current ways to password protect an Android appfrom standard functions of manufacturers to specialized utilities.

It is important to understand that there is no universal solution: the methods depend on the version Android, device model and even the shell (for example, MIUI from Xiaomi or One UI from Samsung). We tested each method on devices from different brands and collected checklists with step-by-step guide. We will pay special attention hidden capabilities of Android 12+that many users overlook.

If you are looking for a way to protect not a single application, but the entire smartphone, go to our setup guide screen locking. Here we will talk exclusively about selective protection (when a password is required only for specific apps).

1. Built-in functions of manufacturers: Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and others

Many brands add tools for blocking applications to their shells. These functions do not require the installation of third-party software, but their availability and location in the menu depend on the model. Let's consider the most common options. Android Application blocking tools. These functions do not require the installation of third-party software, but their availability and location in the menu depend on the model. Let's look at the most common options.

On devices Samsung (series Galaxy S, Note, A) the service is used Secure Folder —a protected container where you can transfer any applications. It is encrypted at the system level and requires separate authentication (password, fingerprint or face scan). To activate it:

  1. Go to Settings → Biometrics and security → Secure Folder.
  2. Agree with the terms and choose an unlocking method (we recommend a combination of PIN + biometrics).
  3. Add applications via menu Add applications or drag their icons to the folder Secure Folder on the main screen.

On Xiaomi, Redmi i POCO (shell MIUI) there is a function App Lock:

  • 🔒 Open Settings → Applications → Application blocking.
  • 📱 Select apps from the list (for example, WhatsApp, Gallery, SberBank Online).
  • 🔐 Set a password (other than the screen lock) or use a fingerprint.
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On some models Xiaomi the function App Lock is hidden. To find it, enter the query “application lock” in the search settings.

Owners Huawei i Honor is available PrivateSpace - an analogue of Secure Folder, but with the ability to create a separate user profile. Activated through Settings → Security → PrivateSpace. The main advantage is applications in PrivateSpace are not displayed in the main menu and are not visible in the list of recently opened ones.

What to do if App Lock does not work on Xiaomi?

If after setting App Lock applications are not blocked, check:

1. Is the switch turned on Application lock in the settings.

2. Is the function in the menu disabled Battery → Energy saving mode (some shells block the background operation of App Lock).

3. Is the firmware updated to the latest version (in older versions MIUI there were bugs with biometrics).

If the problem persists, reset the settings App Lock via Settings → Applications → Reset lock settings.

2. Using Android App Pinning

Function App Pinning (or "Pinning applications") is available on all devices with Android 5.0+. It does not set a password, but it allows pin the application on the screen so that you cannot switch to other apps without entering the lock screen PIN.. This is useful if you temporarily give the phone to another person (for example, to show photos).

How to enable:

  1. Open Settings → Security → Pinning applications (on some devices the path may differ: Settings → Lock screen → Advanced).
  2. Activate switch and check the box Request a PIN code when unpinning.
  3. Open the desired application, click the button Browse (square in the bottom navigation bar) and tap on the application icon → Pin.

To unpin an application, hold the Back and Review buttons at the same time (on devices with gestures, swipe up and hold). The system will ask for a PIN code or pattern.

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App Pinning does not replace a full password lock, but serves as temporary protection against accidental access to other apps.

Method limitations:

  • ❌ Does not work with system applications (for example Settings or Phone).
  • ❌ Does not hide notifications from a pinned application.
  • ❌ On some devices (Samsung, OnePlus) the function is disabled by default and requires activation through Developer Settings.

3. Third-party applications for blocking: TOP-5 proven solutions

If your shell does not have a built-in blocking function, or it is too limited, use third-party utilities We have tested dozens of applications. and selected those that:

  • 🔒 Do not require root access.
  • 🛡️ Do not collect unnecessary data (tested through Exodus Privacy).
  • 📱 Support Android 13/14.
  • 🆓 Have a free version with basic functions.

Comparative table of the best applications:

Application Protection methods Features Cons
AppLock (by DoMobile Lab) Password, PIN, pattern key, fingerprint Built-in browser for blocking sites, hiding notifications Advertising in the free version, sometimes slow
Norton App Lock Password, biometrics Integration with Norton 360, scanning for viruses Requires registration, limit to 10 applications
Smart AppLock Password, gestures, fingerprint Hack mode (photo of the person who entered the wrong password) Complex interface, many permissions
Locx Password, PIN, biometrics Minimalistic design, no advertising Paid version for advanced functions
App Protector Password, pattern key Light (5 MB), works without the Internet Outdated interface, no support for gestures

Recommendations for selection:

  • 📲 For basic protection: Locx or App Protector (light weight, no advertising).
  • 🔍 For additional functions (hiding notifications, blocking sites): AppLock.
  • 🛡️ For maximum security: Norton App Lock (but keep in mind the limit of 10 applications).
📊 Which blocking application do you use?
Built-in smartphone function
AppLock
Norton App Lock
Other
I don’t use

Important: after installing any blocker, add it to the battery optimization exclusion list (Settings → Battery → Battery optimization), otherwise the system may suspend its operation in the background.

4. Creating a second user or guest profile

Android supports multi-user mode, which allows you to create a separate profile with a limited set of applications. This method is suitable if you want to completely isolate personal data (for example, at work). phone).

How to set up:

  1. Open Settings → System → Multi-user mode (on some devices: Settings → Users and accounts → Users).
  2. Click Add user or Guest.
  3. Set up a new profile: install applications that will be available in it.
  4. Return to the main profile and block switching between users via Settings → Security → Blocking users (if there is such an option).

Advantages of the method:

  • 🔐 Complete data isolation (applications, files, accounts do not overlap).
  • 📱 Does not require root access or third-party apps.
  • 🔄 You can quickly switch between profiles (useful for work/personal tasks).

Disadvantages:

  • ❌ Not all applications support multi-user mode (for example, some banking clients).
  • ❌ On some devices (Samsung, Xiaomi) the function is hidden or disabled by the manufacturer.
  • ❌ Takes up additional space on the device (each profile has its own storage).

Create a new user in settings

Set a password for the main profile

Hide personal applications in guest mode

Disable notifications for the guest profile

Check application installation restrictions-->

5. Blocking via Work Profile (for corporate ones). devices)

If your smartphone is used for work, the company could set up Work Profile (work profile) via Android Enterprise or Microsoft Intune. In this case, the administrator can block access to corporate applications (for example, Outlook, Teams) without entering a working password.

How to check availability Work Profile:

  1. Open Settings → Accounts.
  2. See if there is a section Work profile or the briefcase icon next to account.
  3. If there is a profile, then applications marked "Work" (Work) are blocked by corporate policy.

What to do if you forgot your password Work Profile:

  • 🔑 Contact your company's IT department - they can reset the password remotely.
  • 📧 Check the email with instructions (usually received when you first set up your profile).
  • ⚠️ Do not try to delete Work Profile on your own - this may lead to the device being locked (some models require a factory reset settings).
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If your company uses Microsoft Intune, the password for Work Profile may be the same as the password for your corporate email or portal. Try entering it.

6. Blocking via ADB (for advanced users)

If you are ready to work with ADB (Android Debug Bridge), you can block access to applications without root access. This method is suitable for Android 7.0+ and requires connecting the smartphone to the PC.

Instructions:

  1. Enable USB debugging in Developer settings (how to enable: Settings → About phone → Build number - tap 7 times).
  2. Connect your phone to the PC and open the command line (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux).
  3. Enter a command to block the application (for example, Gallery):
adb shell pm hide com.android.gallery3d

To unlock:

adb shell pm unhide com.android.gallery3d

List of popular application packages for blocking:

  • 📷 Gallery: com.android.gallery3d or com.google.android.apps.photos
  • 💬 WhatsApp: com.whatsapp
  • 📱 Phone: com.android.dialer
  • 📧 Gmail: com.google.android.gm

Method limitations:

  • ❌ After rebooting the device, the lock is reset (you need to repeat the command).
  • ❌ Not all applications support hiding through pm hide.
  • ❌ Requires access to a PC and basic knowledge ADB.
How to find the package name of any application?

Install on your phone App Inspector (from Google Play) or use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "application_name"

For example, for search Telegram:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "telegram"

7. Alternative methods: archiving and deleting

If none of the above methods are suitable, consider radical measures:

1. Archiving and deleting the application. data-i="254">📦 Back up your app data via

  • 📦 Backup your app data via Settings → System → Backup or Titanium Backup (requires root).
  • 🗑️ Uninstall the app via Settings → Applications.
  • 🔄 If necessary, restore from backup (requires re-authorization).

2. Using Safe Folder (Google Files)

Application Google Files has a function Safe Folderwhere you can move files and some applications (for example, APK or documents). Access is protected by a PIN code:

  1. Open Google Files → Collection → Safe Folder.
  2. Set a password and move sensitive ones there files.

3. Installing applications in a hidden folder

Some launchers (for example, Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher) This does not block access, but makes them less noticeable:

  • 📂 Hold the application icon → Hide.
  • 🔍 To find a hidden application, enter its name in the launcher search.
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Archiving and deleting is a last resort. Use it only for applications that do not contain critical data. (for example, games or rarely used utilities).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about blocking applications

❓ Is it possible to password-protect system applications (for example, "Settings" or "Phone")?

Most standard methods (including AppLock and Secure Folder) do not work with system applications. The exception is ADB-commands (section 6), but they are temporary. Alternative: use guest profile (section 4) or Work Profile (section 5) if you have a phone. corporate.

❓ Why did application blocking stop working after updating Android?

Updates often reset the settings of third-party blockers. Check:

  1. Is the blocker enabled in Settings → Accessibility → Applications with special rights.
  2. Is battery optimization disabled for the blocker (Settings → Battery → Optimization).
  3. Update the blocker application to the latest version.

If the problem persists, try the alternative blocker from section 3.

❓ How to reset your password if you forgot it in AppLock?

Recovery methods depend on the application:

  • AppLock: Click Forgot your password? → answer the security question or enter a backup email.
  • Norton App Lock: Recover through your account Norton.
  • Universal method: remove the blocker via Settings → Applications, but this will reset everything settings.

⚠️ Attention: If the blocker requested administrator rights, you will need to enter the current password to remove it. As a last resort, reset your phone (Settings → System → Reset).

❓ Does blocking applications work on Android tablets?

Yes, all the methods described are applicable to tablets (for example, Samsung Tab, Lenovo Yoga. Exception - App Pinning: on some tablets with Android 10+ this function. may be disabled by default. To activate it, use the command:

adb shell settings put global enable_pinning 1
❓ Is it possible to block access to the application by time (for example, only at night)?

Yes, some blockers (for example, AppLock or Smart AppLock) support blocking schedule:

  1. Open the blocker settings.
  2. Select the application → Schedule.
  3. Set time intervals (for example, from 23:00 to 7:00).

You can also use Google Family Link (for parental controls) or Digital Wellbeing (built-in Android tool for limiting the time of use).