How to Lock Apps on Android Without Third-Party Apps (2025)
Privacy is a must for everyone these days — and who doesn’t want their WhatsApp, Gallery, and banking apps to be inaccessible? Writing Not everyone wants to install third-party apps. In this guide, we’ll show you how to lock apps on Android without any additional apps — for both security and built-in features.
🤔Why Avoid Third-Party App Lockers?
-
Battery drain
-
Privacy risk (some collect data)
-
Extra ads
-
Compatibility issues with updates
Is liye built-in app lock feature ka istemal karna sabse behtar vikalp hai.
✅ Method 1: Use Built-in App Lock (MIUI, Realme, OnePlus, etc.)
Most Android phones offer a built-in app lock feature.
Example (Xiaomi/MI
-
Go to Settings > Apps > App Lock
-
Set a PIN, Pattern, or Fingerprint
-
Select apps to lock (e.g., WhatsApp, Instagram)
Works even after restart & no internet needed
Realme/Oppo:
-
Settings > Privacy > App Lock
-
Enable for desired apps
-
Add password or biometric lock
✅ Method 2: Samsung Secure Folder (Samsung Phones)
Samsung devices offer Secure Folder, which keeps apps and files in a separate, secure environment.
Steps:
-
Go to Settings > Biometrics and Security > Secure Folder
-
Set it up with Samsung Account
-
Add apps you want to hide/lock
-
Lock with PIN, Password, or Biometrics
🔐 Highly secure and trusted by businesses too
✅ Method 3: Use Digital Wellbeing (Limited)
Some Android phones allow app usage restriction via Digital Wellbeing.
-
Go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing > Dashboard
-
Set app timer
-
After time ends, app locks for rest of the day
Useful for limiting time, not full privacy.
✅ Method 4: Guest Mode / Multiple Users
-
Swipe down > Tap on user icon
-
Select Guest Mode
-
Your personal apps/data become invisible
Great for sharing phone temporarily without full access
✅ Method 5: File Lock Instead of App Lock
Do you want to lock only the files that are inside a specific app?
Use:
-
Google Files App → Safe Folder
-
Samsung My Files → Lock or Move to Secure Folder
🔐 Tips for Better Privacy
-
Use fingerprint lock if available
-
Don’t rely on just screen lock — secure each sensitive app
-
Avoid shady third-party apps — use phone’s own tools
FAQs
Q: Can I lock WhatsApp without installing AppLock?
A: Yes, using built-in app lock in MIUI, Realme, Samsung, etc.
Q: What if my phone doesn’t have a built-in app lock?
As a last resort, consider using Secure Folder (Samsung) or a trusted third-party app.
Q: Will the app open after restart?
A: Yes, with a built-in lock, it stays protected after reboot.
📝 Final Words
If you value privacy, then the screen lock feature should not be limited. In this 2025 guide, you can protect your sensitive apps quickly, safely, and easily without needing any extra apps.