Protecting personal data on a smartphone is becoming the number one priority in today's digital world. Owners of a popular model Samsung Galaxy A20 often face the need to hide the contents of messengers, galleries or banking apps from prying eyes. Unfortunately, in the standard shell One UI there is no single “block all applications” button, which raises many questions among users. However, the security system of the Korean giant offers flexible and reliable tools for solving this problem.
There are several effective methods for restricting access to specific apps. You can use the built-in “Secure Folder” function, which creates an isolated space, or install specialized software from the store Google Play. The choice of a specific method depends on how deeply you want to integrate protection into the system and what data you plan to hide. In this article, we will analyze in detail each of the available options.
You should not rely only on locking the device screen, as this gives access to all installed apps immediately after unlocking. Properly setting up an additional level of security will allow you to feel more confident when handing your phone to relatives or leaving it on a table in a public place. Let's move on to the practical setup steps.
Using the built-in Secure Folder function
The most reliable and secure way to protect data on devices Samsung is to use the native function Secure Folder. This tool creates an encrypted space on your device that functions as a separate profile. Apps moved inside this folder require separate authentication to launch, even if the phone's main screen is already unlocked. This is an ideal solution for banking clients and private photos.
To activate this mode, you need to go to the general system settings. Find the section Biometrics and security or simply enter the query “Secure Folder” in the settings search. The system will prompt you to log in to your account Samsung Accountif you have not done so previously. Without linking an account, using this function is impossible, since the encryption keys are stored in the cloud.
⚠️ Attention: If you reset your phone to factory settings without first logging out of your account Samsung or disabling the security function, the data inside the folder may be irrecoverable lost. Always back up important information.
After successful setup, you will be asked to select a lock type: PIN code, pattern, fingerprint or facial recognition. It is recommended to use biometrics for quick access, but be sure to set a backup digital code in case the sensor does not work. The folder interface completely copies the desktop, allowing you to install duplicate applications.
Use different fingerprints for the main screen and Secure Folder if your phone supports registering multiple fingerprints. This will increase the level of security and restrict access.
Setting up blocking through third-party applications
If the built-in capabilities do not suit you or require more flexible management, solutions from third-party developers will come to the rescue. The store Play Market presents many utilities that specialize in blocking access to selected apps. Applications such as AppLock or Norton App Lockrun on top of the main system and intercept an attempt to launch the target software.
The installation process is usually standard: download the app, give it the necessary permissions to display on top of other windows and access to use. Next, you select from the list those applications that you want to protect with a password. An important advantage of such solutions is the ability to configure “tricky” functions, for example, hiding the icon of the blocker itself from the menu.
- 🔒 The ability to set different passwords for different groups of applications.
- 📸 The function of automatically taking a photo of an attacker if the code is entered incorrectly.
- 🎭 Hidden mode access activated by dialing a secret code in the dialer.
- ⏱ Setting the auto-lock timer for selected apps.
You should remember that third-party blockers consume more battery resources than system solutions. They constantly hang in RAM, waiting for the application launch event. On the model Samsung A20 with its modest characteristics, this can lead to a noticeable decrease in performance when running several heavy tasks simultaneously.
Restricting access through Digital Wellbeing
In modern versions of Android, including the shell One UI, there is a “Digital Wellbeing and Parental Controls” tool. Originally created to combat gadget addiction, this mechanism can be adapted to limit access. You can set a time limit for using the application, after which the icon will become inactive and will require you to enter an unlock code to continue working.
To configure this mode, go to Settings → Digital Wellbeing → Parental Controls. Here you will need to create a separate PIN code, which will be different from the screen unlock code. You can select target apps and set a limit of 1 minute or 0 minutes for them, which will effectively block them from running without your permission.
This method is less convenient for ongoing personal protection, as it requires regular extensions of time or entering a code. However, it is great for situations where you need to temporarily limit children's access to games or social networks. The system allows you to flexibly customize your schedule, blocking access to certain software at night or during school.
☑️ Setting up parental controls
Comparison of data protection methods
The choice of the optimal method depends on your specific needs and scenarios for using your smartphone. Each of the options considered has its own strengths and weaknesses that must be taken into account before setting up. Below is a comparative table to help you decide on the choice of a security tool for your Galaxy A20.
| Protection method | Security level | Impact on the battery | Setting complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protected folder | High (encryption) | Minimum | Medium |
| Third-party AppLock | Medium (overlay) | High | Low |
| Parental controls | Low (time limit) | Minimum | Low |
| Screen lock | Basic (access to everything) | Absent | Absent |
As can be seen from the table, Secure Folder wins in terms of cryptographic protection level, since the data is inside it is stored in an encrypted container. Third-party applications most often simply overlay the interface without encrypting the application files themselves, which makes them vulnerable to experienced users who know workarounds. Parental control is not intended to protect against adults at all.
For maximum protection of confidential data, use only the built-in Secure Folder, as it guarantees file isolation at the hardware level.
Possible problems and their solutions
During the setup process, users may encounter a number of technical difficulties typical for models Samsung A20. One of the common problems is that the power saving system automatically closes background applications. If you use a third-party blocker, it may be “killed” by the system, and the protection will stop working at the most inopportune moment.
To avoid this, you need to add the blocker application to the exceptions list. Go to Settings → Device Maintenance → Battery → Auto Optimization and find the desired app in the list. Disable optimization for it by switching the status to “Do not optimize” mode. This will allow the process to run in the background continuously without interruption.
⚠️ Attention: The settings menu interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version Android and updates shell One UI. If you do not find the specified item, use the settings search or check the official manual for your software version.
Another common situation is a forgotten password for the Secure Folder. In this case, the system will prompt you to reset the contents of the folder if you do not remember your account information Samsung. Unfortunately, it is impossible to restore access to encrypted data without a key; such is the nature of modern cryptography. Always back up important files to the cloud before experimenting with security settings.
What to do if you forgot your Secure Folder password?
If you linked your Samsung account, click “Forgot password” on the input screen. The system will send a confirmation code to your email or phone. If the account is not linked, the only way out is to delete the folder and all data in it through the security settings.
Additional system security measures
An integrated approach to security involves not only protecting individual applications, but also strengthening the perimeter of the entire system. On your smartphone Samsung A20 it is recommended to activate the function Find My Mobilethat allows you to remotely lock the device or erase data in case of theft. This service is closely integrated with the security system and requires an account.
It is also worth paying attention to the notification settings. Even if the app is locked, the message text may appear on the lock screen or in the notification shade. Go to the settings of a specific messenger and disable the display of notification content on the lock screen. This will prevent information leakage until the phone itself is unlocked.
- 🛡 Regularly update the security system through
Settings → Biometrics and security → Security software update. - 🚫 Disable the installation of applications from unknown sources in the browser and file settings manager.
- 👁 Use the “Hide notification panel” function on the lock screen in the display settings.
Remember that no protection system is absolute. A combination of various methods, attention to installed apps and regular software updates create a multi-level barrier for potential attackers. Your Galaxy A20 can provide a decent level of privacy if configured correctly.
Enable the “Show protection icon” function in the Secure Folder settings. This will allow you to visually distinguish protected copies of applications from regular icons on the desktop.
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to set a password for calls and contacts separately?
There is no direct function for blocking only the call log in the standard setting. However, you can move the Phone and Contacts app inside Secure folder. In this case, you will need to undergo additional authentication to access your call history. An alternative is to use third-party applications such as AppLock.
Will installing a locker reduce the speed of the Samsung A20?
Yes, it can. The model A20 is equipped with an entry-level processor and a limited amount of RAM. Heavy third-party blockers with lots of advertising and animations can cause stuttering when opening applications. It is recommended to use light versions of apps or rely on the built-in Protected Folder, which is optimized by the developer.
What will happen to the data in the application if I remove the blocker?
If you used a third-party one AppLock, then deleting the blocking app itself will remove the protection, and the applications will become available immediately. Data inside protected applications (correspondence, photos) will be saved. If you delete Secure Folder without first transferring the data outside, all information inside it will be permanently deleted.
Is it possible to use a fingerprint for different applications with different passwords?
Within one Android system, one fingerprint usually unlocks everything it is linked to. To implement the scenario “one finger is the main screen, the other finger is a secret folder,” you need to register different fingerprints under different names in the biometrics settings and assign them to the corresponding access profiles, if the functionality One UI allows such detail in the current version.
How to hide the Secure Folder icon itself?
This This can be done in the settings of the function itself. Go inside Secure Folder, click on the menu (three dots) → Settings → and activate the “Hide Secure Folder icon” switch. After this, the icon will disappear from the desktop and application menu. The folder can only be accessed through the quick settings panel in the notification shade.