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2 Easy Ways to Lock Apps on Samsung Phones

Written by Ahmad Tsalis

We all have private information on our phones that we don’t want others to access. That's why locking certain apps is essential. By doing this, you can prevent anyone from tampering with or misusing your phone.

Samsung phones come with a built-in feature to lock apps, though not everyone knows how to use it, since these details aren't always covered in the user guide.

Don’t worry, though! In this article, I'll share two ways to lock apps on your Samsung phone. Follow the steps below so you can try it yourself at home.

Using Secure Folder

Most Samsung phones come with a security feature called Knox, which includes the Secure Folder. This allows you to lock and hide apps and files so that others can’t access them.

The Secure Folder works by creating a duplicate version of the app, which is stored in a protected folder. This folder requires a password, fingerprint, or other security method to open.

The duplicated app runs independently from the original, with different data. Even if you uninstall the original app, the duplicated one will remain in the Secure Folder. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Enable Secure Folder

aktivasi secure folder

First, you’ll need to enable the Secure Folder feature. To do this, open the “Settings” app, which looks like a gear icon. You can find it in the app drawer or by swiping down from the top of the screen to open the Quick Settings panel.

Scroll down and tap on “Security and privacy.” From there, find and select “Secure Folder.” You’ll see a welcome screen saying “Welcome to Secure Folder.” Just click “Continue” on each prompt to proceed.

2. Set up the security system

lock secure folder

The Secure Folder setup will start right away and will take about 3 minutes. Once it’s done, you’ll see the “Secure Folder” app icon in your app drawer—it looks like a folder with a keyhole in the middle.

Now, it’s time to set up your security. Tap on the Secure Folder icon and choose how you want to lock it. You can pick between a PIN, password, pattern, or fingerprint.

You’ll also need to provide an email address for recovery in case you ever forget how to unlock the folder. You can use your Samsung account to enable the reset option. Once you’ve finished, tap “Next.”

3. Choose which apps to lock

aplikasi secure folder

Now, you can decide which apps you want to duplicate and lock in the Secure Folder. Tap the “+” button inside the Secure Folder and select the apps you want to protect.

You can also adjust other settings, like how the folder looks or when it should lock automatically. These options are available by tapping the three-dot menu next to the plus and search buttons.

Once everything is set, the apps in your Secure Folder will be locked. Anyone trying to access them will need to enter the security method you set, whether it’s a PIN, password, or fingerprint.

Using Third-Party Apps

While Secure Folder works well for many, it might feel a bit complicated for some. Plus, since it duplicates apps, it can take up extra storage space.

If that’s a concern, you can try using third-party apps to lock certain apps instead. These apps often come with more flexibility and features. Here are some options you can consider.

1. AppLock by DoMobile Lab

applock domobile

AppLock by DoMobile Lab is a free and easy-to-use app. Right when you open it for the first time, it asks you to create a pattern. This pattern will be required whenever you open AppLock or any app you’ve locked with it.

To work properly, AppLock will ask for several permissions, including access to your data, the ability to manage other apps, and access to files stored on your phone. Once these permissions are granted, AppLock can lock any app you’ve installed.

Apart from app-locking, AppLock also offers additional features like hiding files, a secure browser, a tool to clean junk files, and even some light games to pass the time.

2. AppLock by SailingLab

applock sailinglab

AppLock by SailingLab requires you to create a pattern password when you first set it up. You’ll use this password whenever you open AppLock or any apps it locks. Before it can start working, the app asks for three key permissions:

  • Monitoring other apps, including tracking data usage.
  • Displaying in a floating window when you open other apps.
  • Running in the background.

It also asks for access to your files, allowing you to hide sensitive documents. Some extra features include saving a friend’s WhatsApp status and using an eavesdropping-safe browser.

SailingLab’s AppLock is free, but it does come with ads. If you’d prefer an ad-free experience, you can pay for a subscription.

3. AppLock by KewlApps

applock kewlapps

AppLock by KewlApps works like most other app lockers, asking you to set up a pattern password right away. However, this one offers the option to use a numeric password if you prefer. You can also unlock apps using your fingerprint.

Although the app is free, it contains ads, which can be removed with a subscription. One feature that sets it apart is the recovery option. If you forget your password or pattern, you can reset it using a recovery link sent to your email.

Another unique feature is uninstall protection, which prevents the app from being easily removed. This ensures that the lock on other apps remains secure.

Before using this app, make sure you grant all the necessary permissions, including access to monitor other apps, activate a floating window, and run in the background.

Each method to lock apps on Samsung phones has its pros and cons. Samsung’s built-in Secure Folder feature works well for most users, but third-party apps tend to be simpler to use and offer extra functionality.

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