Here's how to lock apps and files with your fingerprint

Fingerprint scanners make it easier than ever to secure your smartphone, reducing the need to type in a PIN code or password. Whether you’re locking or unlocking your device or signing into apps, it’s undoubtedly one of the most practical features in today’s phones.

There’s also another use for biometric security on smartphones, with fingerprint app lock functionality becoming a popular feature. Sadly, there’s no official solution for granting access to specific apps and files using the fingerprint reader. Thanks to third-party solutions, there are ways to do anything on Android, though, and there are some ways to accomplish this. Whether it’s your social media app or naughty photos, let’s look at how to lock content behind a fingerprint.

Lock apps and files using a third-party app

The easiest way to lock apps and files and use your fingerprint to access them is by using a third-party app. One of the most trusted and popular ones is AppLock, so let’s show you how to use this app first.

1. Download AppLock from the Google Play Store.
2. Open the app and set up an unlock pattern.
3. Once in the app, tap the Protect tab.
4. Expand the Security section.
5. Toggle on Use Fingerprint.
6. Go back to the Privacy tab.
7. Find the app you want to secure and tap the lock next to it.
8. Grant the app the necessary permissions.
9. Try to access the app you locked.
10. When the app asks you for the pattern unlock, use your fingerprint instead. The app should be unlocked.

How to lock files using AppLock

AppLock also has a neat feature that allows you to lock and access files using your fingerprint reader. The Vault feature can hide away photos, videos, audio, random files, and even APK files. The app will move the file to its own protected folders and keep it away from other apps.

1. Open AppLock.
2. Under the Privacy tab, go into Vault.
3. Select the type of file you want to protect.
4. Tap the + button.
5. Find and select the file.
6. Tap the Lock button.
7. Hit Confirm.
8. Let the app work its magic. After doing this, the selected files will only be visible within the Vault, and you can access them using your fingerprint reader.

Note: These instructions were assembled using a Google Pixel 7 running Android 14. Keep in mind steps may differ depending on your hardware and software.

Other great third-party apps for locking apps and files with your fingerprint

Of course, the Google Play Store has plenty of other options. Here are some of our other favorites.

• Norton App Lock
• AppLocker by BGN Mobi

Some phone manufacturers let you lock apps and files

The great thing about Android is that developers and manufacturers always try to fill in the voids when Google doesn’t offer a solution for something. Some smartphone manufacturers make it simple to lock apps and files using their own apps and integrations. Let’s go over some of the popular ones.

Samsung

Samsung is one of the most popular smartphone makers worldwide, so we know many of you are rocking their handsets. You’ll be happy to learn Samsung has its own method for locking apps and files, allowing you to access them with your fingerprint. There is no need to download any apps; it’s built right into the system.

Lock apps and files with your fingerprint on Samsung phones:

1. Go into the Settings.
2. Access Biometrics and security.
3. Select Secure Folder.
4. Follow the instructions to create a Secure Folder.
5. Go back into the Secure Folder settings and tap Lock type.
6. Enter your PIN, password, or pattern.
7. Under Biometrics, enable Fingerprints.
8. Go to the Secure Folder app on your home screen or app list.
9. Tap the + button and select the apps you want to protect. You can also tap the three-dot menu button and hit Add files. Select the files you want to protect.
10. You can now access the Secure Folder using your fingerprint reader. All your protected apps and files will be there.

Note: These instructions were assembled using a Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus running Android 12. Keep in mind steps may differ depending on your hardware and software.

OnePlus

OnePlus has offered fingerprint scanners since the OnePlus 2, but they’re not merely used for locking and unlocking the phone. The company has delivered fingerprint app lock functionality for a few years, dubbed App Locker.

Use the OnePlus App Lock:

1. Go into the Settings.
2. Select Privacy.
3. Tap on App Lock.
4. Enter your PIN.
5. Toggle App Lock on.
6. Toggle on the apps you want to secure and go back.
7. You’ll be asked for authentication the next time you try to access the selected apps. Use your fingerprint.

OnePlus has also added a way to hide files within its File Manager. It’s called Lockbox.

Hide files on OnePlus devices with Private Safe:

1. Go into the Settings.
2. Select Privacy.
3. Go into Private Safe.
4. Enter your PIN.
5. Tap on the three-dot menu icon.
6. Go into Settings.
7. Hit Other unlock methods.
8. Toggle on Fingerprint unlock.
9. Go back to the Private Safe main page.
10. Select the type of file you want to protect. We’ll use Images and videos for this example.
11. Tap on the + button.
12. Select the images you want to protect and hit Set as private.

OnePlus doesn’t allow taking screenshots within the Private Safe, but we can show you visual steps for getting there.

Note: These instructions were put together using a OnePlus Nord N200 running Android 12. Keep in mind steps may differ depending on your hardware and software.

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