How to set a password on the Android app

How to set a password on the Android app

Modern phones are characterized by a high level of security and safety of personal data. This manifests itself in the installation of high-quality fingerprint scanners, as well as the development of special software that can protect the device from the hands of intruders. But sometimes such means of protection are not enough, especially when you need to temporarily pass your smartphone to a relative or a friend. Because of curiosity, a friend can enter some important program, such as messenger. To avoid this, let's figure out how to put a password on the Android app and what you need to do.

How can this be done

Some users have come up with the desire to set a password for important applications on their own. But after visiting certain sections of the settings and not finding the necessary item, the desire to secure your personal data disappears abruptly. In fact, you can set a graphical key or password to the program either through the built-in system features or through third-party utilities.

However, you should understand that smartphones running "bare" Android do not have this feature by default. That is why such devices have to download additional applications from Google Play.


You can use the built-in functionality to set a password on apps on Xiaomi, Meizu, Huawei, Honor and Asus phones. The following instructions are suitable for smartphones that run on Android 6, 7, 8, 9 and higher.

Set a common password for all applications

The decision to set a common password for all applications is the most correct, because it allows you to avoid having to remember a large number of codes. However, this option has a significant disadvantage - a low level of security. By learning the PIN from one utility, another person will be able to apply it to all installed applications. So, here are the ways both using the built-in functionality of the system and using third-party software.

On the Xiaomi phone

You probably know that the manufacturer installs MIUI firmware on Xiaomi smartphones, based on the Android operating system. This shell is characterized by simplicity and ease of use, so it is not surprising that it has built-in by default the ability to set a password for programs. It's easy to activate the necessary protection, but for clarity we recommend using the step-by-step instructions:

  1. Open the settings.
  2. Go to "Application protection".
  3. Check the checkboxes next to the programs for which you want to activate protection. And then click the button "Set Password".
  4. Set a strong graphical key by entering it twice. By the way, if you want to set a numeric code, click on the line "Method of protection"and select the desired option.

How to set a password on the app on Xiaomi

This completes the installation of the application password. If you wish, you can link the graphic key to your Mi account, which will allow you to restore it in case of loss.

On a Meizu phone

Recently, devices from the company Meizu began to lose popularity, but their smartphones are still used by a large number of people. The manufacturer also did not merge with the gray mass, and installed on its phones proprietary firmware Flyme. About her they say contradictory things, but built-in protection applications developers provided. To activate it, we recommend using the detailed instructions below:

  1. Open the settings.
  2. Go to "Fingerprints and security".
  3. Go to the subcategory "Application protection"
  4. Move the slider to the right next to the line "Application protection". And now at the bottom of the screen you can see the programs that you can secure.
  5. Check the desired applications and set a password or a graphic key.

With these simple actions, we were able to protect important data in the applications from unauthorized people.

On Huawei and Honor phones

Huawei and Xiaomi are direct competitors, as they offer quality smartphones at affordable prices. A few years ago, a major manufacturer introduced a separate brand called Honor, designed for the younger population. All Huawei and Honor phones run the Android operating system, as well as EMUI branded firmware. It's not hard to guess that it also features the ability to set passwords for applications. How to do this is described in detail in the following instruction:

  1. Open the settings.
  2. Go to "Security and privacy".
  3. Click on "Application blocking".
  4. Create a security code and select the programs for which you want to activate protection.

How to set a password on the application on Huawei and Honor

Now, when you try to open a locked application, the system will ask you to enter a password that only you know. If you want to unprotect an application, follow the instructions in reverse order.


Note that you can use fingerprint unlocking instead of entering a PIN or an ID key.

Using third-party applications

It's clear that not every phone has a built-in tool that allows you to set a password for apps. But it can always be added by installing an additional program from Google Play. Just about the highest quality utilities we will describe in detail further on.

Smart AppLock

Smart AppLock is one of the best utilities that allows you to password protect applications from unauthorized people. The program is completely free, but has a huge number of built-in tools. Let's install it and do the initial setup:

  1. Go to Google Play and search for Smart AppLock.
  2. Open the page with the application and click on the button "Install".
  3. Wait for the end of the installation and run the software.

Smart AppLock

The program does not require any serious settings, so you can go straight to the activation of the desired function. Traditionally, a step-by-step tutorial will help you do everything right:

  1. Press the button "Turn onThe "screen center" is located in the center of the screen.
  2. Check the applications for which you want to activate protection. Then select "Turn on".
  3. Create a graphic key by connecting at least 4 points.
  4. Give the utility the necessary permissions, including overlaying on top of other windows.

Smart AppLock

This completes the setup, which means that if you try to open one of the selected applications, you will need to enter the graphics key.

AppLock

AppLock - protection and locking
AppLock - protection and locking
Developer: SpSoft
Price: Free

The AppLock app allows you to quickly and, most importantly, completely free of charge set passwords to the apps you want. You can download it from Google Play on almost any modern phone running Android 5 or higher. Let's look at how the program works in the form of a step-by-step instruction:

  1. Launch the application and come up with an unlock PIN.
  2. Go to the tab "Applications"and click on the plus sign.
  3. Mark the software that needs to be protected.

AppLock

And now we move on to granting the necessary permits, of which there are quite a few this time:

  1. Press the button "Ok" in the program, and then allow access to the usage history.
  2. Activate access to notifications by moving the slider to the right next to the app name.

AppLock

Now all applications are securely protected, because without knowing the password they cannot be opened.

Application blocking

Locking the application
Locking the application

We think that the name of this program makes it clear what it is for. The utility is also completely free, and you can install it from Play Market. After completing the installation, you need to perform the initial setup of the application. The detailed manual will help you to do everything correctly:

  1. Open the utility and click the button "Go to settings".
  2. In the list, find the desired program and move the slider to the right next to it.
  3. Go back to the start screen of the application.

Application blocking

Now we can move on to setting a password for specific applications. To do this, click on the button "Think of a password"and then follow the recommendations in the instructions:

  1. Create a graphic key and confirm it.
  2. Press the button "Let's get started".
  3. Select the programs that you want to block with a password.
  4. Next, go to the tab "Profiles"and select "Block everything".

Application blocking

As you can guess, now to open the selected programs you will need to enter a graphic key.

How to set a password on certain Android apps

Not every user wants to set a password for all applications. Some need to restrict unauthorized people's access to a messenger, while others need to restrict access to a banking program. Read the material below to learn how to create a PIN code for individual applications.

Gallery

Gallery Lock (Russian)
Gallery Lock (Russian)
Developer: Morrison Software
Price: Free

In general, you can use one of the utilities presented above to put a password on the gallery. But there is also a specialized program called Gallery Lock. Let's install it and then configure it:

  1. Open the utility and click the button " several timesNext". After that select the option "Start".
  2. Provide the necessary permissions by clicking in the window that appears on the button "Allow".
  3. Next, go to settings and open the tab "Change password". Enter a new PIN code and press the button "Ok".

How to set a password on the Android Gallery app

Now your photos and videos are protected, so no one else can view them.

Messages

Message Lock (SMS Lock)
Message Lock (SMS Lock)
Developer: ThinkYeah Mobile
Price: Free

Do you want to restrict other people's access to your messages? The Message Lock utility is a great way to accomplish this task. We suggest that you install it from Google Play, and then configure it. As usual, a step-by-step guide will help you do everything right:

  1. Start the program and click the big button "OFF". The utility automatically detects the application installed on your phone to send messages.
  2. We create a graphic key, and then confirm it.
  3. Enter the email address to restore the password if it is lost, and click on the button "Ok".

How to set a password on messages in your smartphone

It remains to provide the necessary permissions, and the utility will begin to perform its task.

Browser

The browser contains a lot of data, including saved passwords from many sites. Therefore, it is advisable to put a PIN code or a graphic key on the web browser application. One of the aforementioned utilities, such as AppLock, can help you do this. However, you can also install a third-party browser that already has a built-in password setting function. The Aloha Lite web browser can serve as such. Let's install it from PlayMarket and then configure it:

  1. Open the browser and click on the settings icon located in the upper right corner of the screen.
  2. Go to "Privacy settings".
  3. Move the slider to the right next to "Password".
  4. Create a secure PIN, and then confirm it again.

Setting a password on the android browser

Now, when you log in to the browser, the system will ask for a password that only you know. There are a lot of similar web browsers, so you can choose some other program to access the Internet.

YouTube

Unfortunately, the developer hasn't added the ability to set a login password to the YouTube mobile app. That's why you have to turn to third-party utilities, which were described in detail earlier. You can choose one of those programs, or you can install another, for example, Touch Lock for YouTube. This software is great for locking the screen from small children. That is, you can start some video, but your child can't close it, because you'll need to enter the password you set. So let's run the utility and set it up:

  1. When you open it for the first time, click on the line "Click here to enable". And then give permission to overlay on top of other windows.
  2. Create a graphic key and confirm it.

How to make a password for YouTube on Android

So what happens now? And now when you watch a video, all you have to do is click on the program icon and the screen will be locked until you enter the graphics key later.

Social media

Have you decided to protect your correspondence from prying eyes? Then setting a password on a particular messenger application or chat room is the best solution. Below are step-by-step instructions for the most popular programs, so you can safely use them.

Viber

How to set a password on Android Viber

Open the mobile messenger client and follow the instructions:

  1. Open the desired chat room or group in Vibere.
  2. Click on "three points"located in the upper right corner of the screen.
  3. Go to "Information"and select "Hide chat".
  4. Create a secret PIN, and then save it.

Now to access the chat you need to enter four units in the search messenger.

VKontakte

How to set a password on the Android VKontakte app

Unfortunately, the official VK app doesn't allow you to set a login password. But you can download a third-party social network client, such as the Kate Mobile program. It is completely free and has much more functionality than the official application from the developers. After installation, all you have to do is follow the recommendations in the manual:

  1. Click on "three pointsThe "On" button located in the upper right corner of the display.
  2. Go to "Settings".
  3. Open tab "Blocking".
  4. Check the box next to "Always block"and then click on the line "Lock password".
  5. Create a secure PIN and select "Change".

As you can see, setting a password on the VKontakte app is not as difficult as it seems. The mobile clients of the Odnoklassniki and Instagram social networks can be protected in the same way. If you ran out of free space while installing the program, we recommend reading our article on Clearing memory on Android.

Facebook

Facebook password

Although the social network Facebook is not very popular among Russian-speaking users, the need to set a password for this application arises. As in the previous case, this option is not provided by the developers. Therefore, you will have to use one of the utilities described at the very beginning of the article. For example, let's take a look at setting up the Smart AppLock program:

  1. Press the button "Turn on".
  2. Check Facebook and select "Turn on".
  3. Create a graphic key and confirm it.

If you want, you can use a completely different utility from Google Play.

WhatsApp

How to make a password to log in to WhatsApp

Decided to secure your correspondence in WhatsApp? Locker For Whats Chat, which you can install for free from Google Play, will help you do it perfectly. After completing the installation, you need to perform the initial configuration of the utility, using the following instructions:

  1. Create a PIN code consisting of four digits.
  2. Enter your email and click the button "Save".
  3. We provide the program with the necessary permits.
  4. Click the button in the form of a plus, and then add the desired chat. If you want, you can put a password on the entire messenger.

If this option does not suit you, you can use another universal utility.

Banking applications

Banking applications

If you have apps installed on your phone that allow you to make payments, you must set a password on them. Almost every mobile client of the electronic wallet has this feature by default. For example, in the official Yandex Money program the PIN-code is set as follows:

  1. Click on the name of the account.
  2. Go to "Settings".
  3. Choosing "Change access code".
  4. Set a new password and save the changes.

It is worth noting that almost every such program forcibly requires you to set a login password during the initial setup.

Video tutorial

Answers to popular questions

Q: Can I set a password to download apps?
Yes, this feature is implemented in many applications, such as Smart AppLock.

Q: How do I set a password to install and uninstall apps?
To create a password to install or uninstall apps, simply install the Smart AppLock utility on your phone, and then follow this path: "App Lock" - "System" - "Install/Remove".

Q: How do I set a password on the settings?
You can set a password on the settings using one of the methods described in our article. This is an ordinary program, so the principle of protection is no different. Presented instructions are suitable for any phone, be it LG, Samsung or Xiaomi.

Our article has come to an end, which means that we have looked at all the ways to set application passwords. The Android operating system is quite a flexible platform, so it can be improved in every way possible with third-party software.