The security of the smartphone is absolutely not to be underestimated. When the old generation mobile phone was lost, badly whoever stole it or found it could read some private SMS or peek at the address book while today things are definitely different. A smartphone can contain sensitive data such as financial information, apps for making payments, emails, private messages and so on. Not only is it therefore important and essential to put a phone lock system in place, but it is also important to protect the most important applications, those that lead to private matters or with which payments can be made. For example, you may want to block applications such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Gmail, the app to see the photos taken, the one to check the bank account or the one to make PayPal payments. In this way, even those who want to spy on the phone in our absence will find a block. In this article we then see the best apps to protect and block selected applications on Android .
System integrated in the smartphone
Instead of using a third-party app, many Android smartphones have an integrated app lock system, which can be used after setting a password, PIN or biometric unlock (fingerprint or facial recognition). Before continuing then, let's open the Settings app on our phone and check if there is a menu called App lock, App lock or Protect app .
Once the right menu has been identified, select it and, in the screen that will appear, choose which app to apply the lock to, choosing both a new password and taking advantage of the security systems already included in the system (PIN, fingerprint, face unlock etc.) .
Obviously the menu and options may be different depending on the Android operating system in use and the manufacturer of the phone, but if we can it is preferable to use this type of block to protect the apps, since this block is well tested, free of advertising and for ulterior motives (which is not always guaranteed with third-party apps).
Best apps to block Android apps
If we do not like the integrated system or we have not been able to find it inside our smartphone, below we have collected the best apps to block any application installed in Android, including system apps (such as Gallery, Messages and Address Book for example ).
AppLock
AppLock offers the ability to password protect one or all Android applications.
Once installed, Applock prompts you to set up a lock code and a recovery email address. All the applications installed on the Android phone or tablet are then displayed to choose the ones to be protected and blocked.
Smart AppLock
Smart AppLock is a very useful free application, since it is able to block chat apps and messaging apps in general very well.
This app also allows you to take an anonymous photo from the front camera every time a user mistakes the code or password too many times, so that he can later recognize who has attempted access.
CM Security Master
The CM Security Master tool includes the applock function to block the opening of applications.
In addition to many useful functions for the phone (such as anti-theft, VPN, antivirus scan and booster), it allows you to set a block for the individual apps installed on the system and, quite unique, it also allows you to hide chats and messages (unlockable only after entering the PIN or sequence).
Lock (AppLock)
Lock (AppLock) is a lock system for opening apps on your smartphone, totally free, with advertising.
In addition to simple app blocking, it offers tools to prevent the removal of the most important apps, to hide notifications of applications such as WhatsApp and ingenious ways to mask an application. Also, this Applock takes the photo of someone who misses the password three times.
Norton App Lock
Norton App Lock is very simple, free and without advertising, excellent for locking applications by fingerprint, PIN or sequence.
The apps will not be accessible until we have unlocked them by clicking on the desired icon and entering the password or the sequence chosen at startup.
Other apps to block the opening of applications on Android
In the previous chapter we saw what we believe are the best apps that we can install on our Android smartphone or tablet to block the opening of applications. But the Play Store is really full of these apps! If we are looking for valid alternatives, here is a list from which to draw:
- AppLock: fingerprint lock, allows you to lock the most important apps with a PIN, finger sequence or fingerprint.
- AppLock is a nice security system to protect phone applications that supports unlocking with password or lock sequence.
- Perfect App Protector is an application protector that has the Stealth Mode function, to hide the application itself. It also includes screens to deceive those unfamiliar with this protection like a fake fingerprint scanner and a fake error warning. Like most of these applications, it protects itself from removal.
- Smart AppLock uses facial recognition technology to protect applications. Before activating the lock service, it requires users to set an alternate password to unlock applications if facial recognition fails. To set it up correctly, you should scan your face at least four or five times from different angles to make sure you recognize it on the first try.
- Smart Lock, in addition to the classic functions of these tools, also protects the opening of specific multimedia files and folders, as well as contacts.
- AppLocker, another very simple but constantly updated app, with which we can protect our most important apps with a PIN, with an unlock path or a fingerprint.
Conclusions
If we do not have to read a message or hide a photograph on the phone, just use the security system built into the phone or, alternatively, one of the apps recommended in this guide. For greater security, we recommend using a different password or PIN than those used in the system: trusting is good, not trusting is better! Just as it is advisable to leave access to fingerprints and facial recognition data only to the integrated security system.
To lock the whole phone, we can also set up a secure lockscreen, as explained well in the Changing lock screen guide on Android, top 10 lockscreen apps .
If, on the other hand, we do not know which lock to apply to our phone, we can deepen the topic by reading our guide on Which protection and screen lock for Android is safer?
Finally, we point out a very complete guide on how to secure the data of an Android phone in 10 ways .
