Smartphones contain personal photos, chats, banking apps, and private documents. To protect this sensitive data, many users install third-party app lockers. However, most modern Android phones and iPhones already include built-in app-locking features that are more secure, reliable, and faster. Using these built-in tools reduces dependence on external apps that might access your data and drain your battery.

This guide explains how to lock apps without third-party apps on Android, iPhone, and brand-specific interfaces. You will learn step-by-step methods, hidden settings, and the most secure ways to keep your apps private.

Why You Should Use Built-In App Locking Instead of Third-Party Apps

Third-party app lockers often require unnecessary permissions, run in the background, show ads, and drain your battery. In contrast:

• System-level app locking is more secure

• No ads, no background battery drain

• No risk of data leaks

• Instant locking integrated with system security

• Works smoothly with fingerprint and face unlock

Built-in security is always the better choice when available.

1. Lock Apps Using Built-In App Lock (Android)

Most Android phones today come with a native App Lock feature. The location may vary depending on the brand.

Samsung (Secure Folder)

Samsung does not provide a simple app lock, but Secure Folder works much better.

Steps

1. Go to Settings

2. Tap Biometrics and Security

3. Select Secure Folder

4. Set up your Samsung account

5. Create a lock type (PIN, Password, or Pattern)

6. Add apps inside Secure Folder

Any app placed inside Secure Folder stays locked behind a separate security layer. Even if someone unlocks your phone, they cannot open apps inside Secure Folder.

Xiaomi / Redmi / Poco

These brands include one of the best built-in App Lock features.

Steps

1. Open Settings

2. Scroll to Apps

3. Select App Lock

4. Enable App Lock

5. Set a PIN or use fingerprint

6. Choose apps you want to lock

MIUI also supports hiding apps for extra privacy.

Vivo / iQOO

Steps

1. Open Settings

2. Tap Security or Privacy

3. Select App Lock

4. Enable App Lock

5. Set a password or fingerprint protection

6. Select apps to lock

Vivo’s Funtouch OS allows different passwords for different apps if needed.

Oppo / Realme / OnePlus (ColorOS / OxygenOS)

Steps

1. Go to Settings

2. Tap Privacy

3. Select App Lock

4. Set a privacy password

5. Choose apps to lock

These phones also support hiding apps using “Hide Apps” under the Privacy section.

Tecno / Infinix (HiOS / XOS)

Steps

1. Open Settings

2. Go to Security

3. Select App Lock

4. Create a password

5. Select apps you want to lock

Most budget phones under these brands include strong built-in locking.

2. Lock Apps Using Screen Pinning (Android)

This method does not fully lock apps but prevents someone from leaving a selected app. Useful when giving someone your phone temporarily.

How Screen Pinning Works

The user can only use the pinned app and cannot exit it without your PIN or pattern.

Steps

1. Go to Settings

2. Tap Security

3. Select Screen Pinning / App Pinning

4. Enable it

5. Open the app you want to pin

6. Open Recents and tap the Pin icon

To unpin, use the button combination shown on your screen (requires your lock screen password).

This locks the phone inside one app—great for kids or someone borrowing your phone.

3. Use Secure Folder / Private Space (Brand-Specific)

Many brands now offer a complete private zone that requires separate authentication.

Samsung Secure Folder (Best method)

Allows you to clone apps and store files separately with Knox security.

Vivo / iQOO “Hide Apps + Privacy Space”

Creates a hidden space accessible only by fingerprint or password.

Realme / Oppo / OnePlus “Private Safe / Hide Apps”

Works in combination with App Lock to protect sensitive content.

Xiaomi “Second Space”

Creates a separate phone environment with its own apps, files, and settings.

Steps

Settings → Special Features → Second Space → Create Second Space

Apps inside the second space are not visible in the main space.

4. Lock Apps Using Built-In Parental Controls

Android offers a feature called “Digital Wellbeing” with a profile-based restriction option.

Steps

1. Go to Settings

2. Choose Digital Wellbeing and Parental Controls

3. Select Set Up Parental Controls

4. Create a restricted profile

5. Enable only specific apps

This is not a traditional app lock but prevents access to apps you do not select.

5. Lock Apps on iPhone Without Third-Party Apps

iOS does not offer a direct app lock like Android, but it has powerful tools that achieve the same result.

A. Use Screen Time to Lock Apps

This is the best built-in method for iPhones.

Steps

1. Open Settings

2. Tap Screen Time

3. Enable Screen Time (If off)

4. Tap App Limits

5. Add Limit

6. Select the apps you want to lock

7. Set limit to 1 minute

8. Tap “Block at End of Limit”

When the time is consumed, the app locks and requires your Screen Time passcode to open.

B. Use Guided Access to Lock the Phone to One App

Similar to Android’s Screen Pinning.

Steps

1. Go to Settings

2. Tap Accessibility

3. Select Guided Access

4. Turn it on

5. Set a passcode

Now open the app → triple-click the side button → Guided Access starts.
To exit, triple-click and enter passcode.

C. Hide Photos and Notes With Built-In Features

Even though this does not lock apps, it protects sensitive data inside them.

Photos App

Move to Hidden or Recently Deleted album and lock it with Face ID.

Notes App

Lock individual notes with Face ID or password.

6. Lock Apps Using Secure Biometrics

Some apps on both Android and iPhone have individual built-in lock settings.

Examples

• WhatsApp

• Telegram

• Google Pay

• Paytm

• Banking apps

• Email apps

How to enable

Open the app → Settings → Privacy → Fingerprint / Face unlock

This adds an extra security layer even if your phone is unlocked.

7. Extra Tips to Improve App Security Without Third-Party Tools

• Always use a strong lock screen password

• Enable fingerprint or Face ID

• Disable notification previews on the lock screen

• Avoid giving apps unnecessary permissions

• Remove unused apps

• Keep your system updated

• Enable Find My Device / Find My iPhone

These steps strengthen your privacy without relying on external lock apps.

Conclusion

Locking apps without third-party apps is easy and far more secure than using external tools. Android offers native App Lock features across major brands like Xiaomi, Realme, Oppo, Vivo, Samsung, and more. iPhone users can use Screen Time, Guided Access, and individual app biometrics to protect private applications.

By using the methods above, you can secure your banking apps, gallery, chats, and other sensitive data without installing a single external app. Built-in tools ensure better privacy, zero ads, lower battery drain, and seamless system performance.

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