To lock apps on Android 15 or later, put them in Private space (Settings → Security & privacy → Private space), which needs your screen lock or a separate PIN to open. On Samsung Galaxy phones, use Secure Folder. To limit how much you use an app, use Digital Wellbeing app timers or Focus mode, or an app blocker that locks apps at set times.
"Lock an app" can mean keeping other people out of it or keeping yourself out of it for a while. Android has built-in tools for both. Steps below come from Google's and Samsung's help pages as of October 2026; menus vary a little between phone makers.
Which kind of lock do you need?
| You want to… | Use |
|---|---|
| Keep apps private on most Android phones | Private space (Android 15 and later) |
| Keep apps private on a Samsung Galaxy | Secure Folder |
| Use an app less each day | Digital Wellbeing app timers |
| Pause apps during set hours | Digital Wellbeing Focus mode |
| Keep apps closed until you've prayed | A prayer lock app such as Prayer Latch |
Does Android have a built-in app lock?
Not for single apps on Pixel and stock Android yet. Google's built-in option is Private space, a separate locked area for apps you want to keep private. A per-app lock has appeared in Android 17 beta builds for Pixel, but it isn't in a stable release as of October 2026.
How do I set up Private space?
Private space needs Android 15 or later, and some phone makers turn it off.
- Open Settings → Security & privacy → Private space.
- Unlock with your screen lock, then tap Set up and Got it.
- Optionally sign in with a Google account. Google suggests a separate account for the space.
- Choose Use device screen lock or Choose new lock, then tap Done.
Your Private space appears at the bottom of your app list. Install apps inside it, and tap Lock to close it. In its settings you can lock it automatically and hide it while it's locked.
How do I lock apps on a Samsung Galaxy?
Use Secure Folder, Samsung's encrypted space for private apps and files.
- Open Settings → Security and privacy → More security settings → Secure Folder. On some phones it's under Settings → Biometrics and security.
- Sign in with your Samsung account if asked.
- Choose a PIN, password or pattern, and optionally your fingerprint.
- Add apps to the folder. Opening them now needs that lock.
You can also turn on Reset with Samsung account in case you forget the lock.
How do I limit an app with Digital Wellbeing?
- Open Settings → Digital Wellbeing.
- Tap App timers (or Dashboard on some phones), then Set timer next to an app.
- Choose a daily time and tap OK.
When time runs out, the app closes and its icon dims until midnight. To stop yourself just deleting the timer, set an App limits PIN under Digital Wellbeing and ask someone you trust to choose it.
How do I pause apps during certain hours?
Use Focus mode: open Settings → Digital Wellbeing → Focus mode, choose the apps to pause, then tap Turn on now or Set a schedule. Paused apps can't be opened and don't send notifications. Take a break unpauses them for a little while.
Why doesn't Private space or Secure Folder stop me from scrolling?
They keep other people out, but you know the PIN, so they don't slow you down. App timers and Focus mode help more with habits. The catch is that both are a tap away from being turned off.
Can I lock an app until I pray?
Yes. Prayer Latch locks the apps you choose at your lock times, like your wake-up time. When you open a locked app, a prayer screen appears over it. Pray, hold to say Amen, and your apps open until the next lock time. On Android it uses the Accessibility service, with your consent, only to notice which app has opened. What it does and doesn't read.
Are app-lock apps from Google Play safe?
Many are fine, but app lockers need strong permissions, usually Accessibility and "display over other apps." Read what the app says it does with them, check its privacy policy, and prefer apps that explain plainly what they don't read. Google Play requires apps using Accessibility this way to disclose it and ask for consent.
Pray before you scroll
Prayer Latch locks your chosen apps each morning until you pray. Your first 7 days are free, no card needed.
Updated October 22, 2026 by the Prayer Latch team at Janus Works LLC.