Ultimate Guide to App Lock & App Hider: Lock and Hide Apps on Android, iPhone & Windows (2025)

Smartphones and computers hold our entire lives. Photos and videos from family holidays, banking and investment apps, personal journals, work documents – everything lives inside these little rectangles. A quick look at the best Android phones shows that modern devices are more than just phones. They’re also wallets, diaries and security keys. If an intruder guesses your device passcode or convinces you to hand over your phone, they can access all of it. That’s why app locks and app hiders exist. They add another layer of safety in order that despite the fact that someone unlocks your cellphone, your touchy apps and documents stay out of attain. This guide explores every modern method for locking or hiding apps on Android, iOS and Windows, explains how tools like Calculator Vault and Folder Lock work and why NewSoftwares’ Folder Lock is still the most complete solution for protecting data across devices.

Why App Locking Matters in 2025

App locks have become mainstream because basic device passcodes aren’t enough. Strangers or even friends can glance over your shoulder and see a message, bank notification or gallery thumbnail. A good app locker forces an extra authentication step before any sensitive app opens, ensuring that no one sees your private content. Some phone makers have responded by adding native app lockers. Google’s Android 15 includes Private Space, a built‑in app lock that lets you install apps inside a hidden compartment. Manufacturers like Xiaomi, OnePlus, Samsung and Asus also offer branded app‑lock features. On the iOS side, Apple introduced a simple app lock in iOS 18 that lets users long‑press an icon and require Face ID or Touch ID. For Windows laptops and laptop PCs, Microsoft affords AppLocker, a coverage‑based gadget that restricts which packages customers can run.

Even with those enhancements, third‑birthday party app lockers continue to be popular because they frequently offer vaults, hidden snap shots, dual‑account cloning and amusing extras like intruder selfies. However, there’s a catch: some loose app lockers harvest statistics for targeted advertising. In short, app lockers are useful for privateness however you want to select cautiously. The sections below break down every method – native, third‑party and enterprise‑grade – so you can find the one that fits your device and risk profile.

Built‑In Solutions for Android

Android 15 Private Space (Pixel and stock Android)

Google finally added a native app lock in Android 15. Called Private Space, it creates a separate profile inside your phone. You can installation and run apps in Private Space without them appearing for your fundamental app drawer. Here’s the way to set it up on a Google Pixel cellphone or any device jogging stock Android 15:

1. Open Settings → Security and Privacy → Private Space. Tap Set up, then add a secondary Google account (you can create a new account just for Private Space).
   
2. Choose a passcode. You can reuse your device PIN or create a unique password. Tap Done to create your Private Space.
   
3. Access Private Space. Swipe up the app drawer and scroll to the bottom. You’ll see a Private section with a lock icon. Tap the icon to unlock; then tap Install to add apps.
   
4. Hide and reinstall apps. After installing an app inside Private Space, uninstall its original copy from the main app drawer. Repeat for every app you wish to hide.
   

Pros: Native integration means you don’t need third‑party apps. Private Space uses the same encryption and biometric systems as the rest of Android, so your hidden apps and data remain protected. Cons: You have to reconfigure each app inside the hidden space, and notifications are separated. There is also no quick overlay for locking individual apps – everything happens inside the separate space.

Built‑In App Lock on Major Android Brands

Many manufacturers offered app lockers long before Google. These features are buried in settings menus and often labelled differently. Below is a quick‑reference table of where to find them. Each step summarises the instructions from XDA Developers’ 2025 guide.

Brand (Android)	Built‑In Feature & Steps	Notes
Xiaomi / Redmi / POCO	Go to Settings → Apps → App lock → Turn on. Add your Mi Account and set a PIN, password or pattern for the apps you want to lock.	Locks apps with PIN/pattern/fingerprint.
OnePlus	Settings → Security & Privacy → App Lock. Set a privacy password (if not already), toggle App Lock, then toggle each app you want to protect.	Supports fingerprint unlock.
Samsung (Secure Folder)	Settings → Biometrics and Security → Secure Folder. Sign in with your Samsung account, grant permissions and choose a lock method (fingerprint, PIN, pattern or password). A shortcut to Secure Folder appears in your app drawer.	Built on Samsung Knox; encrypts all data inside.
Asus	Long‑press the home screen → Preferences → AppLock. Set up pattern/PIN/fingerprint/face unlock; set a recovery method or skip, then choose which apps to lock.	Part of Asus launcher; hides apps with a lock screen overlay.
Huawei / Honor	Settings → Security → App Lock → Enable. Follow on‑screen instructions to set up the lock method and select apps.	Works similar to Xiaomi’s App Lock.

These built‑in features combine with each manufacturer’s biometric structures, meaning you can unencumber apps the use of fingerprints or face reputation. They also disguise notifications and save you uninstalling locked apps. One drawback is that the UI and abilties vary, so that you can also need to discover your telephone’s settings to discover them.

Using Third‑Party App Lockers on Android

Third‑party app lockers stay the maximum bendy option, in particular in case your tool doesn’t have a native app lock or you want more functions like fake covers, intruder selfies or vaults. Be conscious that some of these apps gather statistics for advertising and marketing. Below is a quick assessment of the most famous app lockers in 2025 and their standout functions, based totally on comparisons from Android Authority’s April 2025 roundup:

App name	Key features	Platform & price
AppLock Pro	Locks individual apps, photos, videos and even incoming calls with PIN, pattern or fingerprint. Robust encryption and a user‑friendly interface.	Android; free with in‑app purchases (US$0.99–$99.99).
AppLock by DoMobile Lab	Locks apps, images, videos and system functions like incoming calls, uninstalling apps and Bluetooth. Includes fingerprint support. Free version funded by ads; premium removes ads.	Android; free with optional premium (US$1.99–$11.99).
AppLock by IvyMobile	Locks apps, photos and videos; features an invisible pattern lock and a random keyboard to prevent shoulder surfing. Offers themes, custom icons and intruder selfies.	Android; free.
AI Locker (Mega Fortuna)	Simple app lock with PIN, pattern and fingerprint support; prevents other users from uninstalling apps. Light on unnecessary extras.	Android; free with optional purchases.
HideU: Calculator Lock	Disguises itself as a fully functional calculator; enter a PIN and press the equals key to access a hidden vault. Hides apps, files and videos and takes a selfie when someone enters a wrong PIN.	Android; free with in‑app purchases (US$0.99–$9.99).
AppLock by Kewl Apps	Locks individual apps, photos and videos; includes intruder detection and fingerprint recognition.	Android; free with optional premium (around US$5.49).
Smart AppLock	Acts like a fake lock screen; locks apps, photos and settings, provides break‑in alerts and delayed app locking. Supports fingerprint scanners on Samsung devices.	Android; free with ads.
Smart Launcher 6	A full launcher with built‑in app lock; hides apps behind a PIN in the app drawer and offers adaptive icons, gestures and other launcher features.	Android; free with optional purchases (US$0.49–$26.99).
SpSoft AppLock	Offers password, pattern and fingerprint unlock; features intruder selfies and an adjustable 18×18 pattern grid.	Android; free with in‑app purchases (US$0.99–$4.99).

Setting up a third‑party app locker (App Lock by DoMobile example)

While installation varies slightly between apps, the process for many third‑party lockers is similar. Using App Lock by DoMobile as an example, here’s how to secure your apps:

1. Download and open the app from the Google Play Store. Tap Start Now.
   
2. Enable fingerprint and set a fallback PIN or sample. When the app asks to use your device’s fingerprint, faucet OK, then select a PIN or pattern as a fallback.
   
3. Select the apps you want to lock. The app will list all installed apps; select those you want to protect and tap Lock.
   
4. Grant permissions when prompted. App Lock needs accessibility and usage access to work properly.
   
5. Optional extras: App Lock can hide itself from the app drawer, change its icon, take intruder selfies, lock settings, incoming calls and more. Explore the settings to enable Advanced Protection, random keyboard and invisible pattern.
   

Using Calculator Vault (App Hider)

App hiders disguise sensitive apps as something innocuous. Calculator Vault – App Hider is one of the most popular because it looks like a calculator but unlocks a hidden vault. Its core features are worth noting:

• Hide apps without root by cloning any installed app; the clone continues working even if you remove the original.
  
• Dual‑account support allowing multiple instances of the same app.
  
• Calculator disguise: the app appears as Calculator+ in system settings and as Calculator Vault in recent apps so nobody suspects it’s hiding anything.
  
• Password‑protected gallery to store hidden photos and videos.
  
• Customizable notification hiding (show all notifications, just numbers or none) and built‑in camera for taking private photos.
  

To set it up:

1. Install and release Calculator Vault. The first time you open it, it asks you to create a password; no PIN is wanted earlier than that.
2. Add apps through tapping the Add App button inside the hidden interface, deciding on the apps out of your mounted listing and tapping Import apps.
3. Hide images or movies through tapping the gallery icon, growing a folder and uploading your media.
4. Remove hidden apps through long‑urgent the hidden app and dragging it to the delete icon.
   

Although Calculator Vault collects a list of installed apps to offer compatibility suggestions, the developer states it does no longer share that information with third parties. As with any app hider, take into account of wherein you down load it and keep away from storing content material that could land you in trouble.

Locking Apps on iPhone and iPad

Apple has historically avoided third‑party app lockers due to sandboxing restrictions, but iOS 18 introduced a built‑in solution and the company already offered several workarounds for earlier versions. Below are all the options.

Long‑press to Require Face ID/Touch ID (iOS 18)

iOS 18 finally lets you lock individual apps natively. Simply long‑press an app icon and choose Require Face ID or Require Touch ID. When you verify, the phone scans your face or fingerprint and turns on the lock. From that point on, the app calls for biometric authentication on every occasion it opens. A few caveats:

• Notification previews and Spotlight results are hidden until you unlock the app.
  
• You need to allow protection for every app one by one; gadget apps like Clock, Camera and Contacts can not be locked.
• If Face ID or Touch ID fails, the telephone will ask in your tool passcode.
  

Lock Apps with Screen Time (iOS 12–iOS 17)

Before iOS 18, the easiest way to lock apps was through Screen Time. Screen Time was designed for parental control but works well as a makeshift app lock. Here’s how:

1. Open Settings → Screen Time → App Limits.
   
2. Tap Add Limit and select All Apps & Categories or choose specific apps to lock.
   
3. Set a time limit (1 minute works best). Enable a passcode so only you can extend usage.
   
4. Once an app reaches its daily limit, it locks behind the Screen Time passcode. This effectively stops intruders from using it.
   

Screen Time also allows you to schedule app locks for particular days. While not as seamless as the new biometrics‑based lock, it’s a good fallback for older devices or for parents controlling screen time.

Guided Access (Limit Device to One App)

Guided Access isn’t exactly an app lock but it does keep a borrowed phone trapped inside a single app. It’s helpful when you hand your phone to a child or coworker and want to stop them from exploring. The feature lets you disable parts of the screen or hardware buttons and set a time limit.

To enable and use Guided Access:

1. Go to Settings → Accessibility → Guided Access, then toggle it on.

2. Tap Passcode Settings and set a Guided Access passcode or turn on Face ID/Touch ID for finishing sessions.

3. Open the app you want to proportion, then triple‑click the facet or home button to begin Guided Access.

4. Use your finger to circle regions of the display you want to disable, consisting of navigation bars or settings, then faucet Options to disable aspect buttons, volume buttons, movement, keyboards, contact or set a time restrict.

5. Tap Start to lock the device into that app. To end the session, triple‑click the side/home button and enter your Guided Access passcode or use Face ID/Touch ID.
   

Face ID & Touch ID Settings (Pre‑iOS 18)

You can also lock certain Apple apps with Face ID or Touch ID by enabling biometrics in Settings → Face ID & Passcode. After entering your device passcode, toggle each app under the “Use Face ID for” section. On older devices with Touch ID, go to Settings → Touch ID & Passcode → Other Apps and toggle accordingly. This doesn’t work for all third‑party apps, but it’s useful for protecting Apple services like Notes or Wallet.

Should You Use Third‑Party App Lockers on iOS?

Because iOS sandboxes apps, third‑party lockers cannot overlay other apps the way Android ones can. Some developers offer “calculator vault” apps for iPhone, but they usually store your photos and videos rather than locking existing apps. They also require you to give broad file permissions, which may not be worth the risk. For most users, Apple’s built‑in methods above are more secure.

App Locker for Windows and Mac

Phones aren’t the only devices that need app locks. Work and home computers often hold sensitive information, and unauthorized software can cause serious problems. Microsoft AppLocker is a coverage‑primarily based feature in Windows 10/eleven and Windows Server that we could directors control which apps and documents users can run. According to Microsoft’s documentation, AppLocker can outline policies for executable files, scripts, Windows Installer documents, dynamic‑hyperlink libraries (DLLs), packaged apps and packaged app installers. It can also create exceptions, assign rules to security groups and test policies in audit‑only mode before enforcement.

AppLocker scenarios include blocking unlicensed software, preventing users from running old versions of programs, restricting access to certain tools or limiting software to specific users. It’s built into Windows Enterprise and Education editions; to use it on a single PC, open Local Security Policy (secpol.msc) → Application Control → AppLocker. Create rules under the executable, script or DLL collections to allow or deny specific applications. For a fleet of devices, configure AppLocker rules via Group Policy Management Console and assign them to security groups. Though powerful, AppLocker is aimed at organizations, so home users may prefer third‑party tools like Folder Lock or built‑in parental controls.

Why Folder Lock Is the Best Complete Solution

Many app lockers hide apps or add PINs, but none combine full‑strength encryption with easy cloud sync like Folder Lock does. NewSoftwares’ flagship program protect files, folders and drives using AES 256‑bit encryption and RSA 128‑bit keys. Its on‑the‑fly virtual drive system means you don’t need to assign a fixed locker size – the encrypted space grows as you add data. If you prefer to simply hide files without encrypting them, Folder Lock uses a kernel‑level driver to lock files, folders and drives even in Windows Safe Mode.

Other features that set Folder Lock apart include:

• Cloud backup and syncing: you may shop your encrypted lockers in Dropbox, OneDrive or Google Drive. The documents sync across devices and may be restored if your computer is lost or damaged.

• Remote sharing: you could share encrypted documents with coworkers with out revealing your master password. Each recipient uses their very own password, thanks to RSA‑based public/personal keys.

• Protect folders: the Lock Folders function hides files from Windows Explorer and makes them inaccessible even in Safe Mode.

• Portable lockers: create self‑contained encrypted drives that you may carry on a USB stick and percentage with a person who knows the password.

• Wallet, password supervisor and steady notes: store credit score card information, banking data and passwords in encrypted vaults; create private notes for non-public mind.

• File shredder and easy history: completely erase documents and wipe free area so no healing device can restore them. It additionally cleans Windows history and privateness tracks while you exit.

• Multiple lock alternatives: pick out among nearby lockers, Dropbox Locker, Google Drive Locker and OneDrive Locker. This flexibility helps you combine with the services you already use.

Installing and Using Folder Lock (Desktop)

Folder Lock is to be had for Windows and macOS. Setting it up is easy:

1. Download and install the latest version from the NewSoftwares site (https://www.newsoftwares.net/). During installation you create a master password.
   
2. Create a locker: open Folder Lock and click Create Locker. Choose whether it will be encrypted or hidden. For encryption, specify a location and a name. The locker behaves like a virtual drive that mounts when unlocked.
   
3. Add files or folders by dragging them into the locker. They’re automatically encrypted. If you choose the hidden method, the files become invisible in Windows Explorer and require Folder Lock to access them.
   
4. Set up cloud sync with the aid of right‑clicking the locker and selecting Backup to Cloud. Sign in on your cloud company (Dropbox, OneDrive or Google Drive) and begin the sync.

5. Share encrypted lockers via the Share Locker feature. Enter the recipient’s email address and set a unique password. The recipient only needs Folder Lock (free reader) to open the file.
   
6. Use additional tools: open the Secrets panel to create wallets, password lists or secure notes. Use Shred Files when deleting sensitive data, and enable Clean History so your Windows usage tracks disappear when you exit.
   

Folder Lock Mobile Apps

NewSoftwares also offers Folder Lock Android and Folder Lock iPhone. These apps extend the desktop functionality to smartphones. You can lock photos, videos, documents, contacts, wallet cards, passwords and notes on your phone. On Android, the app also acts as an app lock: you can require a PIN or biometric to open selected apps (Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc.), hide notifications and even take intruder selfies (a feature similar to AppLock by IvyMobile). On iOS, Folder Lock provides an encrypted vault for sensitive files and a password manager – perfect when combined with Apple’s Face ID–based app lock.

With its combination of encryption, hiding, cloud sync, sharing and cross‑platform support, Folder Lock remains the most comprehensive solution for anyone who needs to protect data across devices. Native app locks and third‑party lockers can hide or password‑protect individual apps, but they don’t secure the underlying files. Folder Lock does both.

Practical Tips for Hiding Apps

App hider features are useful when you want to keep an application completely out of sight – for example, a journal app or a second messaging account. Here are some practical approaches:

• Use your manufacturer’s hidden or dual‑app feature. For example, Xiaomi phones include Second Space and App Lock; OnePlus offers Hidden Space in the launcher. These let you hide apps without installing extra tools. You can even run multiple copies of an app for different accounts.
  
• Combine Private Space and dual apps. With Android 15’s Private Space you can install apps that never appear in your main app drawer. In combination with the Dual App feature (offered by Xiaomi and other brands), you can maintain separate copies of social media or messaging apps – one public, one hidden.
  
• Use Calculator Vault or HideU if your device lacks built‑in options. These tools clone apps and hide them behind a calculator interface. Always download from the official Play Store to reduce malware chance, and bear in mind to again up crucial facts due to the fact hidden apps might not deliver over if you exchange telephones.
  
• On iPhone, relocate sensitive apps to the App Library or a far‑off home screen page and pair them with Apple’s Face ID requirement. You can also hide purchase history in the App Store so hidden apps don’t show in your purchases.
  

Troubleshooting App Lock & App Hider Issues

App locks can fail for several reasons. Before giving up, try those troubleshooting steps:

• Update the app and your operating system. Developers regularly fix bugs, and OS updates can affect how accessibility services work. Install the latest versions of your app locker and device software.
  
• Check permissions. Android app lockers need Accessibility, Notification and Usage Access permissions to overlay other apps. If an app stops asking for a PIN, revisit your phone’s Settings → Apps → Special Access and ensure those permissions are enabled.
  
• Disable battery optimization. Aggressive power‑saving settings can kill background services and prevent the lock from triggering. Open Settings → Battery (or Apps Notifications on some gadgets), find your app locker and exclude it from optimization.
  
• Clear the app’s cache and data, then reconfigure. Sometimes corrupted settings prevent locks from working. Deleting the app’s data resets it without uninstalling.
  
• Re‑enable accessibility after reboot. Some Android versions disable accessibility services after restart. If your app lock stops working, re‑enable the service in settings.
  
• For iPhone, check Screen Time passcode. If apps aren’t locking at the best time, make sure you’ve set a Screen Time passcode and that “Block at End of Limit” is enabled.
  
• For Guided Access, triple‑click may fail if Accessibility Shortcut is disabled. Revisit Settings → Accessibility → Guided Access and turn on Accessibility Shortcut Also check that you’ve set a passcode or enabled Face ID.
  
• In Windows AppLocker, test rules in audit‑only mode before enforcing them. Misconfigured rules can lock out legitimate software, so always audit and review event logs.
  

Security Considerations and Best Practices

An app locker is only one part of your security toolkit. To keep your data safe:

• Use a strong device passcode. App locks are not an alternative to an extended PIN or complicated password.
• Enable biometrics (Face ID, Touch ID or fingerprint) so that you can lock down your device and apps quickly.
  
• Avoid third‑party app lockers from unknown developers. Stick to reputable apps like DoMobile, Kewl Apps or Norton, and read privacy policies because some free lockers collect data.
  
• Combine encryption and app locks. Use Folder Lock or your phone’s built‑in encryption in order that even supposing a person bypasses the app lock, the underlying documents stay unreadable.

• Use password managers to generate precise passwords for each account and keep away from reusing passcodes throughout apps. Folder Lock’s Secrets module can help.
  
• Back up data on encrypted cloud services. Folder Lock’s cloud sync makes restoring encrypted files easy.
  
• Limit app permissions And assessment hooked up apps regularly. Remove any app you don’t apprehend or now not use.
  

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I lock apps on an iPhone with Face ID?

On iOS 18, long‑press the app icon and select Require Face ID. Confirm with your face and the app will require Face ID every time it opens. For earlier versions, use Screen Time to set a 1‑minute limit for the app and enable a Screen Time passcode.

Can I lock system apps on iOS?

Not usually. Apple’s biometric app lock doesn’t apply to core apps such as Clock, Camera, Contacts or Find My. Screen Time can limit usage but cannot fully block access. Consider using Guided Access if you want to lend your phone but restrict it to one app.

Does AppLocker for Windows work on home editions?

AppLocker is included in Windows Enterprise and Education editions. It isn’t available in Windows Home. However, you can achieve similar control by using Folder Lock to encrypt And disguise files or by using configuring neighborhood protection rules if you have Windows Pro.

What’s the difference among an app lock and an app hider?

An app lock adds an authentication layer to an app – you need to enter a PIN, sample or use biometrics to open it. An app hider makes the app invisible by moving it into a hidden space or disguising it as something else (such as a calculator). Hiders are useful for privacy or running dual accounts, but they don’t encrypt the data. You can use both together: hide an app in Private Space and also lock it with a PIN.

Is it safe to use calculator vault apps?

Calculator vault apps like Calculator Vault – App Hider are generally safe if downloaded from trusted sources. They allow you to hide apps and photos behind a calculator interface. However, because they clone apps, you may need to re‑set up accounts inside the clone. Always returned up important information and keep away from the use of them for illegal purposes.

How can I get rid of app lock from my telephone?

To disable a native app lock, go again to the equal settings where you enabled it (App Lock on Android or Screen Time on iOS) and turn it off. For 1/3‑party app lockers, open the app and take away the chosen apps from the locked list, then uninstall the locker. In Windows, delete the AppLocker rules or disable the policy via Group Policy.

What if I forget my app lock password?

Most app lockers provide password‑recovery options. DoMobile’s AppLock, for instance, lets you reset through a security question or a registered email. If you’ve forgotten your Screen Time passcode on iOS, you can reset it using your Apple ID. For Folder Lock, losing the master password means you cannot decrypt your files – there is no backdoor for security reasons, so store your password securely.

Can app locks be bypassed?

Yes. App locks are apps themselves. A determined attacker might uninstall the locker or boot your device in safe mode. That’s why Android Authority recommends the use of them in aggregate with tool lock screens and encryption. Avoid relying totally on app locks for touchy information.

How does Folder Lock differ from simple app lockers?

Folder Lock doesn’t just add a PIN to an app; it encrypts your files with AES 256‑bit and hides them at the kernel level. It also syncs encrypted lockers to cloud services, shares them securely and includes tools for shredding files and cleaning historyn. In other words, it protects both the apps and the data inside.

Does locking apps drain battery?

App lockers run small background services to monitor app launches. On modern devices this has minimal impact, but some poorly optimized lockers can use battery or conflict with battery‑saving features. To minimise drain, choose reputable lockers (AppLock Pro, DoMobile) and exclude them from aggressive battery optimization. Built‑in lockers like Private Space or Secure Folder are integrated into the OS and have negligible impact.

Can I lock or hide apps on a Mac?

macOS doesn’t include an app locker by default. You can limit which apps users can open by setting parental controls under System Settings → Screen Time. For strong protection, use Folder Lock for Mac to encrypt and hide sensitive files and enable FileVault (full‑disk encryption). AppLocker is a Windows‑only feature.

What is Secure Folder on Samsung phones?

Secure Folder is a protected surroundings on Samsung devices powered via the Knox protection platform. It encrypts facts and helps you to store apps, photographs and files separately from the relaxation of your phone. You can choose your personal lock technique, and a shortcut to Secure Folder is delivered to your private home display screen. It’s essentially Samsung’s version of Private Space with deeper hardware‑degree safety.

Can I run dual apps with an app locker?

Yes. Many app lockers include dual‑app or cloning features, allowing you to run two copies of the same app with different accounts. Calculator Vault supports multiple instances and dual accounts, while some phone brands provide built‑in dual‑app functions. Just be aware that each clone runs separately and may not share data with the original app.

Why do some app locks ask for accessibility permissions?

On Android, app lockers use the Accessibility Service to locate while you open other apps and overlay a lock screen. Without this permission, they are able to’t screen app launches. Granting Accessibility permission is secure if the app comes from a depended on developer, however you should periodically overview which apps have this privilege.

Read more on KulFiy