GoKawiilSamsung lacks single app-lock toggle, relies on Secure Folder and app pinning instead
Unlike iPhones, which let users lock individual apps behind Face ID with a simple long-press, Samsung's Galaxy phones have no built-in one-tap app-lock feature. Instead, Samsung splits the function across two separate tools: Secure Folder, which hides and protects a set of apps behind authentication, and app pinning, which restricts the phone to a single app until unlocked.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The gap highlights a longer-standing difference in how Apple and Samsung approach privacy controls, with Apple favoring a unified, simple toggle and Samsung opting for layered, more complex tools. For everyday users worried about kids or others accessing sensitive apps like banking or messaging, this means extra setup steps rather than a single switch, which could push some toward third-party lock apps instead.
- Samsung Galaxy phones have no direct equivalent to iPhone's one-tap 'Require Face ID' app lock.
- Users must combine Secure Folder and app pinning to approximate the same protection.
- The workaround still allows users to restrict access to sensitive apps, just with more setup effort.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Smartphone — If you're diving into Samsung's Secure Folder and app-pinning features, you'll want a Galaxy device with the latest One UI software to get the full experience. The Galaxy S24 offers robust biometric security options that pair perfectly with these app-locking tricks, keeping your sensitive apps safe from curious hands.
See Samsung Galaxy S24 Smartphone on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: engadget.com — Gabriela Vătu, 2026-10-10
Published there as: “How to lock apps on your Samsung Galaxy phone”
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