Modern smartphones, such as Honor 10have become an integral part of our lives, storing huge amounts of personal information. From banking apps to personal photo galleries, access to this data should be strictly regulated, especially if the device is used by children or colleagues. Owners of EMUI-based devices are often faced with the need to restrict access to certain functions without completely removing apps.
The Android operating system with the EMUI add-on provides users with flexible tools for controlling access. However, the default settings are not always obvious to beginners. In this article, we will look in detail at how to block an Android app Honor 10, using both built-in security features and proven third-party solutions. You will learn how to set up password protection, activate guest mode and effectively manage the digital space of your device.
Built-in application blocking function
The first and most reliable method of protection is to use the standard functionality of the EMUI security system. Huawei and Honor developers have integrated a powerful Phone Manager module, which allows you to hide and block the launch of apps without installing additional software. This solution works at the system level, ensuring maximum stability.
To activate protection, you need to find an icon on your desktop with the name Phone Manager or Phone Manager. Inside this section you should go to category Application lock. The system will ask you to set a security password if you have not done so previously. This password will be different from the screen unlock code, which creates an additional level of security.
After setting the password, a list of all installed apps will open in front of you. You just need to switch the sliders next to those applications that require protection. Now, every time you try to launch the selected app, the system will request the previously entered code or fingerprint. This is an ideal option for protecting messengers and galleries from prying eyes.
- 🔒 Reliable password or biometric protection
- ⚙️ No need to download third-party software
- 🚀 Instant activation through the system manager
⚠️ Attention: A forgotten application lock password can only be reset by answering a security question or completely flashing the device, so write it down in a safe place.
Using the “Child” mode for restrictions
If your goal is not just to close one application with a password, but to completely limit the child’s access to the phone, you should use the mode Child. This feature creates a sandboxed environment where only apps you've explicitly allowed are available. All other apps, settings and contacts will be hidden from the little user.
The mode is activated through the settings or notification panel. In the menu you need to select the item Child mode and follow the instructions of the setup wizard. You can set time limits on device use and select a “white list” of apps. In this mode, a child will not be able to accidentally delete important files or make a purchase in an online store.
A feature of this mode Honor 10 is the ability to customize the schedule. You can restrict access to learning apps only during certain hours of the day. Exiting the mode is possible only after entering the parent's password, which guarantees complete control over the situation. This is much more effective than simply blocking individual icons.
☑️ Setting up parental controls
It is important to understand that in child mode the phone interface changes. Unnecessary widgets disappear, and the wallpapers are replaced with brighter and more childish ones. This is done specifically so that the baby feels in his own environment. A parent can always quickly switch between normal mode and child mode through the notification panel.
Hiding applications via the desktop
Sometimes users need not so much to lock an application with a password, but to make it invisible to strangers. The hide applications feature on Honor 10 allows you to remove icons from the desktop and menus, leaving them accessible only through a special gesture or search. This is useful for apps that you rarely use and do not want guests to see.
To use this function, you need to go to Settings, then select the section Security and find the item Hide applications. In some firmware versions this path may differ: Settings → Desktop and wallpaper → Hide applications. After enabling the function, you can tick the apps that you want to hide.
Hidden applications are accessed by typing a special gesture on the desktop or through search string. For example, you can set it so that when you spread two fingers apart on the main screen, a folder with hidden software will open. To enter this folder you will also need to enter a password, which provides double protection.
| Protection method | Difficulty level | Reliability | For whom it is suitable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch lock | Low | High | To protect personal data |
| Child mode | Medium | Very high | For control children |
| Hide icons | Low | Medium | For privacy from guests |
| Third-party launchers | High | High | For advanced users |
How to restore hidden applications?
If you have forgotten which apps you have hidden, go to the settings for hiding applications through the security menu. A complete list of hidden software will be displayed there, and you can uncheck the boxes to return the icons to the desktop.
Using third-party locker apps
In cases where the built-in functions are not enough or the EMUI interface seems inconvenient, third-party applications from the Google Play Store come to the rescue. There are many lockers, such as AppLock, Norton App Lock or Smart AppLockthat offer advanced functionality. They allow you not only to set a password, but also to take a photo of the attacker if the code is entered unsuccessfully.
Installation of such software requires special permissions. After downloading, the application will ask for access to use on top of other windows and the right to change system settings. This is necessary so that the lock screen can overlap the interface of the protected app. The setup process usually takes no more than five minutes.
One of the advantages of third-party solutions is the ability to mask. Some lockers can pretend to be a calculator or a voice recorder. When you launch the “calculator” and enter a special code, the lock management menu opens. This is a great way to hide the fact that your phone is protected from prying eyes.
- 📸 “Intruder Selfie” function when guessing a password
- 🎭 Masking as system utilities
- 🔔 Notifications about hacking attempts
⚠️ Warning: Third-party blockers may consume more battery power as they constantly run in the background to monitor application launches.
Set up guest mode for temporary access
When you give your phone to a friend or colleague to make a call or look at a photo, you don't necessarily have to give them access to all your data. Guest mode in Android creates a temporary account that is completely isolated from your main one. This profile does not contain your contacts, messages, or browser history.
To activate guest mode on Honor 10 lower the notification shade twice to reveal all the switches. Find your user icon (usually a silhouette of a person) and click on it. In the menu that appears, select Guest. The system will create a clean desktop where you can temporarily install the necessary apps or use basic functions.
Switching between profiles occurs instantly. The guest will not be able to see your files even through the file manager, since the storage is logically divided. When you are finished using it, you can delete the guest session and all data created in it will be permanently deleted, freeing up memory space.
Before handing over the phone in guest mode, make sure that the guest has access to the Internet if he needs to download the messenger, since Wi-Fi settings may be reset in this profile.
Solving access and reset problems
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where a blocked application does not open even after entering the correct password, or the system gives an error. Most often this is due to a security update or a software version conflict. In such cases, it is recommended to reboot the device first as this clears the cache of blocking processes.
If the problem persists, check whether the application Phone Manager necessary permissions have been revoked. Go to Settings → Applications → Phone Manager → Rights and make sure that all items related to changing system settings and displaying on top of other windows are activated. Without these rights, the lock will not work correctly.
As a last resort, if the password is lost forever, the only way out is to reset the phone to factory settings. Before this procedure, be sure to back up your important data to Huawei Cloud or your computer. Remember that resetting will delete all user data, including photos and contacts not saved in the account.
⚠️ Attention: The settings interface may vary slightly depending on the EMUI version. If you do not find the described item, use the search in the settings by entering the keyword “Blocking”.
Regularly rebooting the smartphone helps to avoid software failures in the operation of security modules and blocking applications.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to block system applications on Honor 10?
Blocking critical system applications (for example, “Phone” or “Settings”) through the standard manager is usually not available to prevent system breakdown. However, third-party lockers may try to do this, but this is not recommended.
What to do if you forgot your application lock password?
When installing protection, you should have asked a security question. Click "Forgot Password" on the input screen and answer the question. If the answer is incorrect or the question is not asked, you will need to reset your phone.
Does blocking applications affect notifications?
No, notifications from blocked applications continue to appear in the status bar. The locking only works when you try to open the application itself to view the content.
Is it possible to use a fingerprint instead of a password?
Yes, if fingerprint unlocking is enabled in the security settings, the system will prompt you to use your finger instead of entering a digital code when launching protected apps. This speeds up access.
Is the lock reset when the system is updated?
Usually application lock settings are saved after a firmware update. However, in rare cases, during major Android updates, you may need to re-configure the security password.