How to Lock Apps on a Google Pixel Phone

Google Pixel phones are known for their sleek design, exceptional cameras, and seamless integration with Google’s services. First launched in 2016, the Pixel line was designed to showcase the best of Google's Android operating system, offering an experience that is as pure as it gets. The Pixel has evolved over the years, maintaining a balance between high-end hardware and advanced software features. With regular updates, impressive security, and AI-driven capabilities, Google Pixel phones continue to set the bar for what smartphones can achieve. One of the standout features of the Pixel series is its emphasis on security, and today, we'll delve into how you can enhance your privacy by locking apps on your Google Pixel phone.

Why Locking Apps is Important?

Locking apps on your phone adds an extra layer of security, preventing unauthorized access to your personal data. Whether you want to safeguard sensitive apps like banking, social media, or messaging apps, app locking ensures that only you can access them. Google Pixel doesn't offer native app-locking options out-of-the-box, but there are several workarounds to make this possible. We'll walk you through these methods step by step.

How to Lock Apps on a Google Pixel Phone

While Google Pixel doesn’t have a built-in app lock feature like some Android devices, there are several ways to lock apps on your Pixel phone using third-party apps, password protection, and other tricks. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to lock apps:

1. Using the Built-in Fingerprint and Face Unlock Feature

Google Pixel phones come with powerful biometric security features such as fingerprint recognition and face unlock, which can be leveraged to secure your apps.

- Step 1: First, make sure you have set up fingerprint recognition or face unlock on your Google Pixel phone. To set it up:

  - Open the Settings app.

  - Tap on Security.

  - Select Fingerprint or Face Unlock.

  - Follow the prompts to add your biometric data.

- Step 2: Now, the built-in fingerprint or face unlock security will be used to unlock your phone, which is a basic form of locking apps indirectly. To use this for securing specific apps, you will need to enable biometric authentication for certain apps that support this feature, such as your bank’s app or other sensitive apps. This adds a layer of protection as these apps will require your fingerprint or face recognition to access.

2. Using Third-Party App Locking Apps

Since Google Pixel doesn’t include a native option for locking apps, you can use third-party apps from the Google Play Store. These apps offer app-locking functionalities and provide additional security features such as PIN, pattern, and fingerprint locking. Here are the steps to install and use an app-locking application:

- Step 1: Go to the Google Play Store on your Pixel phone.

- Step 2: Search for “App Lock” in the search bar. Some of the popular choices include:

  - AppLockby DoMobile Lab.

  - Norton App Lockby NortonLifeLock.

  - Smart AppLock.

- Step 3: Download and install the app you prefer.

- Step 4: Once the app is installed, open it and follow the setup instructions. You will be asked to set up a password or PIN. Some apps may also allow you to use your fingerprint or facial recognition for app unlocking.

- Step 5: After setting up your password/PIN, select the apps you want to lock. You will see a list of apps installed on your Pixel, and you can choose which ones should be protected.

- Step 6: Enable the app lock feature for the selected apps. Once this is done, whenever you try to open a locked app, the app will prompt you for the password, PIN, or fingerprint recognition.

3. Using Google’s Secure Folder Feature (for Google Drive and Photos)

Though not a complete app-locking solution, Google offers a Secure Folder for apps like Google Photos and Google Drive, where you can keep sensitive files private and hidden from unauthorized eyes. Here's how to use this feature:

- Step 1: Open the Google Photos or Google Drive app.

- Step 2: Select the files or photos you want to keep secure.

- Step 3: Tap on the three dots in the upper-right corner of the screen and select Move to Locked Folder.

- Step 4: You will be asked to authenticate using your fingerprint or password.

While this method doesn’t lock the apps themselves, it provides an encrypted area within apps where you can store your most private photos or documents.

4. Using Digital Wellbeing for App Time Management

For more of a "usage lock" rather than a privacy lock, Google’s Digital Wellbeing can be helpful in limiting app usage. Though it doesn’t lock apps entirely, it can restrict how long you can use certain apps in a day:

- Step 1: Open the Settings app.

- Step 2: Scroll down and tap on Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls.

- Step 3: Tap on Dashboard.

- Step 4: Find the app you want to limit and tap on the hourglass icon next to it.

- Step 5: Set the daily timer for that app. Once the timer is up, the app will be locked for the rest of the day.

This method is not as effective for locking apps entirely but is useful for restricting app usage on a more casual basis.

5. Using Guest Mode or Multiple User Accounts

Another built-in feature of Android that can act as a workaround is Guest Mode or Multiple Users. This allows you to create a separate space on your Pixel phone for someone else to use without accessing your personal apps.

- Step 1: Open the Settings app.

- Step 2: Tap on System> Multiple Users.

- Step 3: Tap Add User to create a guest profile or another user account.

- Step 4: Switch to this new user account to temporarily hide your apps from others.

This method is more about creating separate user spaces, rather than locking individual apps.

Conclusion

While Google Pixel phones don’t natively include an app-lock feature, there are still multiple ways to secure your apps and sensitive data. Using biometric authentication, third-party apps, Google’s secure folders, or Android’s guest mode can help you lock down apps and keep your privacy intact. Whether you want to keep prying eyes away from your banking apps or simply want to limit app access, the Pixel offers versatile ways to enhance your phone’s security.