Lock down your data: A complete guide to locking individual apps on your devices

Nowadays, our mobile devices are way more than just simple phones; they’re digital treasure chests! From banking apps and private conversations to business documents and client data, they hold a staggering amount of sensitive information. Most of us wouldn’t think twice about locking our phone screens, but that’s only the first line of defence. The real challenge is securing what’s inside. 

Locking individual apps is an important step in protecting your privacy and your data. Whether you're working remotely, managing a team, or just trying to keep your kids from accidentally emailing your boss, learning how to control app access is vital. 

Why does locking apps matter? 

Locking your device with a PIN or biometrics is a great start, but once it's unlocked, everything inside is fair game. That means anyone holding your phone, even for a minute, can open any app they like. 

Think about messaging apps, cloud drives, or mobile banking. If those aren’t locked separately, they're vulnerable. It doesn’t take a hacker to breach your privacy, sometimes it’s a family member borrowing your phone who stumbles into something confidential. 

There’s also the issue of insider threats and accidents. For example, imagine a remote worker hands their device to a child who opens an email app and sees sensitive client information. There’s no malicious intent of course, but it’s still a breach that could have serious consequences. By locking individual apps, you're adding another layer between your data and potential misuse. 

Built-in options for locking apps 

On Android 

Many Android devices offer native app-locking features. Manufacturers like Samsung, Xiaomi, and OnePlus include options like: 

App lock 

Lets you protect apps with a separate PIN, pattern, or fingerprint. 

Secure folder 

A protected space where apps and files are sandboxed with their own security settings. 

These tools are easy to use and don’t require extra downloads. They’re especially handy if you want to lock only a few specific apps. 

On iOS 

iPhones have traditionally lacked a built-in app lock feature, but there are several ways to restrict access to specific apps, and Apple has recently introduced a native method. 

New: Lock and hide apps with face ID You can now lock and hide apps on your iPhone using Face ID. To enable it, press and hold the app icon, then choose “Require Face ID.” The app will move to a hidden section on the last home screen and require Face ID authentication to open. 

Other options: 

Screen time 

You can set app limits and protect those limits with a passcode. It’s not perfect, but it works for locking down apps like messaging, games, or social media. 

Guided access 

This mode locks the device into a single app session, which is great for presentations, children, or shared use. You control what’s accessible and when. 

It might not be as straightforward as Android’s features, but with a little setup, iOS can still offer decent app-level control. 

 

Third-party tools and advanced locking methods 

If built-in tools don’t cut it, third-party apps can help. 

Android 

Apps like AppLock let you lock almost any app behind a password or biometric scan. 

iOS 

Jailbroken devices can use tools like Locker but be cautious. Jailbreaking can open your device to new risks, so it’s not recommended for most users. 

For business use, Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions are the gold standard. These platforms let IT teams enforce app-level restrictions, monitor usage, and even remotely wipe data if needed. They’re ideal for companies in regulated industries like healthcare or finance. 

And of course, biometrics — Face ID or fingerprint unlock — are a great way to protect frequently used apps. They’re secure, fast, and far more convenient than typing a password every time. 

Who needs app-level locking the most? 

Pretty much everyone can benefit from app locking, but it’s especially useful in a few situations: 

 

Businesses with BYOD policies 

When employees use their personal phones for work, app locks help enforce data protection standards like HIPAA or GDPR. 

Remote workers and freelancers 

These users often rely on mobile tools for communication, file sharing, and accounting, making app-level security essential. 

Parents and shared-device households 

Keeping work apps or sensitive documents locked helps avoid accidental misuse. 

 

Team leads and business owners 

Admin portals, HR systems, or client apps can be locked to prevent unauthorised access in case a device is lost or stolen. 

Best practices and practical steps 

Ready to lock things down? Here’s how to do it right: 

 

Start with an audit 

List out all the apps that hold personal or professional data. 

Enable device encryption 

This ensures that data on the phone is unreadable without the unlock key. 

Lock high-risk apps individually 

Focus on email, messaging, finance, cloud storage, and work tools. Use a different PIN or password for app locks than you do for the device. 

Set inactivity timers 

Some apps can auto-lock after a few minutes of being idle. 

Use MDM if you manage teams 

It’s scalable and keeps everyone accountable. 

Keep everything updated 

OS and app updates often include new security features, so make sure you download them and don’t miss out. 

What to do right now to secure your apps 

• Turn on biometric security for any sensitive apps. 

• Don’t rely solely on-screen locks — use app-level locks for extra protection. 

• If you manage a team or business, enforce app-level security policies. 

• Use app analytics (via MDM) to track access and prevent misuse. 

• Educate your team or family on why and how to lock their apps. 

• Revisit app-lock settings regularly, especially after role changes or OS updates. 

Need help with your organisation’s cybersecurity? Contact us today to find out how we can help.