Do you love your privacy? Have you ever had applications that you don’t want others to see or use without your consent? Did you know you could put a password on your app? You can put a password on the app and keep your data secure from curious folks. This post talks about the best ways to password protect an app on android and IOS.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Put A Password for an App
The era of technology has given us numerous benefits. It has improved our lives in several ways and brought solutions to our issues, but it also has its downside. As an android or IOS user, you store sensitive information on your mobile device. It might be personal or business-related documentation, video, audio files, and contact details, among others. These files might be prone to theft or manipulation when accessed by unauthorized personnel. Therefore, to protect your data on apps from being tampered with or teased with, it is crucial to password protect apps.
Method 1: Use Native App Lock
Using your mobile app’s built-in security features, you can put a password on your applications. Android and IOS both have native app locks that allow you to password protect apps on your device.
Here’s how to use this feature:
For Android Devices:
1. Open the Settings app on your device.
2. Select the option ‘Security & location’ and then select ‘App Lock.’
3. Choose the app you want to lock for which you will need to enter a password or a PIN.
4. Once you’re done, you will receive notifications when someone tries to access the locked app.
Pros:
– No additional app required.
– Available on all Android devices since its an inbuilt feature.
– Easy to use and set up.
Cons:
– Limited features compared to third-party app locks.
– It doesn’t provide additional features, like photo or video vaults.
For IOS Devices:
1. Go to the Settings app on your IOS device
2. Scroll down and select ‘Screen time’ and enable it.
3. Select the ‘Use Screen time passcode’ option.
4. Once completed, go back and select ‘App Limits.’
5. Select ‘Add Limit’ and select the app that you want to lock by inputting a password or PIN.
6. Once you have completed the process, iOS will prompt to enter the passcode whenever someone tries to access the app.
Pros:
– Native iOS feature and doesn’t require any additional downloads.
– Very straightforward and easy to set up.
Cons:
– Limited number of apps can be locked.
– It can be time-consuming to password protect many apps.
Method 2: Use a Third-Party App Locker
Several third-party app lockers are available on Android and IOS. These applications provide additional features like a photo vault, video vault, break-in alerts, and cloud backups.
For Android Devices:
1. You need to download an app locker, such as AppLock, Norton App Lock, or Perfect App Lock, from Google Play Store.
2. Once you have downloaded the app of your choice, open the app and follow the instructions to set up a password or PIN.
3. Choose the app you want to lock, and you are done.
Pros:
– Many features are available.
– A higher level of customization, such as themes and lock types.
– Cloud backups and safety precautions.
Cons:
– Some app lockers may require premium features, which require payment.
– Some third-party app lockers may not be as secure.
For IOS Devices:
1. Download an app locker, such as LockMyApps or AppLocker, from the Apple App Store.
2. Open the app locker, select ‘Add,’ then choose the app you want to lock by setting a password or PIN.
3. Once you have finished set up, you will be notified when someone tries to access the locked app.
Pros:
– Several features are available, including a photo or video vault.
– A higher level of customization, such as themes and lock types.
– Cloud backups and safety precautions.
Cons:
– Some app lockers may require premium features, which require payment.
– Some third-party app lockers may not be as secure.
Method 3: Use Your Phone’s Built-In Security Features
You can lock several apps using your mobile’s built-in security features. This method is suitable for those users who have the older generation phone.
For Android Devices:
1. Download an app locker, such as Norton App Lock, or Perfect App Lock, from Google Play Store.
2. Once the device has access to the built-in security features, you can put a password on the app.
Pros:
– It’s available on all older android devices.
– Simple and easy to use.
Cons:
– Limited features compared to other app lockers.
– It’s secure, but not as effective compared to third-party app lockers.
For IOS Devices:
1. Use the ‘Restrictions’ feature within IOS to put a password on a specific app.
2. Go to the Settings app and select ‘General.’
3. Scroll down to ‘Restrictions’ and click on that option.
4. Tap on ‘Enable Restrictions’ and create a password.
5. Once you have completed the process, toggle the application you want to lock.
Pros:
– Available on all older iPhone models.
– Straightforward and quick to set up
Cons:
– This method is not available for devices running IOS 12 or later.
– It may not have as many features as third-party application lockers.
What to Do If You Can’t Put A Password for an App
If you are unable to password protect an app on your device, you can use other methods to protect your privacy.
For Android Devices:
– You can use third-party launchers such as Nova Launcher to hide apps that you don’t want visible.
– Block popups and limit cookies from scan websites.
– Activate the screen lock on your device.
For IOS Devices:
– You can hide apps by disabling them from appearing on the home screen.
– Activate a screen lock on your IOS device.
– Keep your OS up to date by installing regular updates from the Apple App Store.
Bonus Tip
If you are using third-party app lockers on your IOS device, ensure that you update it regularly to avoid security breaches.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I install multiple third-party locker apps?
A: Installing multiple third-party locker apps may cause application instability, and, in some cases, they may conflict with each other. It is, therefore, advisable to have only one-third-party app locker for a better experience.
Q2: What should I do if I forget my app password?
A: Most third-party app lockers have a forgot password option. Click on it, and you will receive password reset prompts following the app lockers’ instructions.
Q3: Can app lockers drain my device’s battery?
A: Yes, it is possible. App lockers run in the background, and they consume battery resources like any other application.
Q4: Will app lockers be affected by an OS update?
A: Yes, an OS update might interfere with third-party app lockers’ stability. Always ensure you update the third-party locker apps to work seamlessly with the OS.
Q5: Which third-party app locker is best for android and IOS?
A: Some popular options available in the market are Norton App Lock, AppLock, and Perfect App Lock.
Final Thoughts
The issue of privacy has been a significant concern in the digital era, and putting a password on your applications is one of the best solutions to keep your data secure from unauthorized access. If in doubt, always go for a third-party locker app from a reputable developer. However, remember not to overuse lockers and always keep your OS up to date.