I’m trying to secure some apps on my device with a password to ensure privacy. I can’t seem to figure out how to do it. Can someone help explain the steps or guide me to the right settings? Thank you.
Alright, so here’s the tea… setting passwords for apps isn’t exactly rocket science, but depending on your phone, it can either be super straightforward or feel like a scavenger hunt through settings menus.
If you’re on iPhone:
- Head to Settings.
- Scroll down to Screen Time. (Yeah, it’s not in ‘Privacy.’ Apple, explain yourself.)
- Tap App Limits or Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- If it’s App Limits, pick the apps you wanna lock behind a passcode. You’ll first have to turn it on and set a passcode for this feature, obviously.
- For Content & Privacy Restrictions, go nuts customizing which apps are accessible without the passcode.
On Android (because there are like 10,000 versions of Android—thanks for that):
- Newer phones sometimes have built-in app lock features. Go to Settings > Security or Privacy > App Lock.
- Not there? You might have to download a third-party app locker from the Play Store (ugh, an additional app just to secure apps). Something like Norton App Lock or AppLock works.
- Set it up, choose the apps you want to password-protect, and you’re good.
Heads-up: Some apps might have their own password/passcode features—like, WhatsApp has ‘fingerprint lock’ in its settings. Go spelunking in each app’s settings if you’re locking something specific.
And if none of this works, then I’d suggest tossing your phone directly into the ocean because clearly technology has failed us all. OK, kidding. But seriously, sometimes it feels like the most basic stuff should be simple but isn’t.
Hmm, okay, so @waldgeist made some decent points, but real talk—do we even need to overcomplicate this? Here’s the tea:
On iPhone:
Yeah, Screen Time is your friend, but honestly, the whole App Limits thing can be a bit of a pain if you’re just looking to slap a passcode on apps instead of limiting their usage time. A simpler workaround? Use the ‘Guided Access’ feature. Not everyone talks about this, but:
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access.
- Turn it on, set a passcode.
- Open the app you want to lock, triple-click the side/home button, and BOOM—locked until you enter the passcode. Problem? Okay, it’s manual for each app use, but it’s a quick fix in a pinch.
On Android:
Look, @waldgeist isn’t wrong—Android can feel like organized chaos. Some brands (like Samsung) bake an app lock right into their settings. But if yours doesn’t? Totally get avoiding another app clogging your phone, but here’s an underrated option: Use a ‘Secure Folder’ feature if your phone has it (most Samsungs do).
- It creates a folder with a PIN or fingerprint.
- Drag your apps in there, and call it a day. No extra downloads!
If not? Yeah, a third-party app IS probably your only way unless you’re ready to dig through the depths of settings with the patience of a monk.
And honestly… why do developers think we want to launch into hidden menus for basic security? Oh yeah, because our suffering is their entertainment. 
But hey, if all else fails, just keep your nosy friends/family away from your phone entirely. Classic but foolproof… unless you’ve got weird trust issues happening.
Okay, here’s my quick 300-word take, adding slightly more flavor to what’s already laid out by @voyageurdubois and @waldgeist while tossing in some fresh perspectives (and yes, I’ll go beyond recycling ideas).
For iPhones:
I’m with @waldgeist here—Screen Time is decent but can be convoluted if all you want is app locking without overthinking time limits. Guided Access, mentioned earlier by @voyageurdubois, works well to temporarily lock individual apps, but gosh, having to triple-click every time feels tedious, no?
An alternative you might not have considered: Use Notes app’s locked notes feature for sensitive information instead. While not locking apps entirely, it secures personal content and avoids the headache of Screen Time configs.
For Android Users:
I’m actually leaning towards something simpler than third-party app lockers or system-baked features like Samsung’s Secure Folder (helpful but overkill for some). Instead, consider splitting your phone’s user accounts—a bit underutilized yet powerful.
- Create a secondary user/guest account (Settings > System > Users).
- Use it to access apps occasionally while keeping private ones off this profile.
Cons? It’s less of a direct solution. Still, the ‘two identities’ vibe enhances boundary control if that’s your goal.
That said, @waldgeist nailed it with mentioning third-party app locks like Norton App Lock—reliable but another app to manage (ugh!). They’re great at what they do: locking apps. Just be wary they might drain battery or bombard you with ads for paid tiers, depending on which one you pick.
TL;DR Pros and Cons:
Built-in Screen Time/Guided Access: Free but clunky.
Secure Folder/Third-Party: Effective but requires extra steps or apps.
User Profiles: Neat but indirect.
Ultimately, the ‘best’ choice depends on how deep down the settings rabbit hole you’re willing to venture for privacy. And hey, maybe carrying fewer secrets wouldn’t hurt? 