AppLock is a very useful Android app that locks individual apps or settings on your device so that no one but you can access them. You can set a password or lock pattern that you must input to open any app or setting you have locked. This app can be a little confusing to use properly because it is easy for someone to unlock or uninstall it (making it useless) unless you know how to protect the app itself. Here is a Applock review and guide so you can use the app to its max potential.
Why Would You Want to Use AppLock?
All phones have an initial lock that you can set to enter all functions of your phone. Generally, this lock prevents you from butt dialing when the phone is in your pocket or purse. You can also use it to keep people out the phone, but it is very limited. Here are some reasons why AppLock is much better than the pre-installed lock option your device:
- If you want easy access to your major phone features and you only want to protect a few areas.
- So your kids can play with the phone when they want but can’t access app stores to accidentally buy things or accidentally change settings with those quick fingers.
- To hide private photos, videos, and documents from prying eyes.
- In case someone steals your phone, AppLock can keep the thief out of important areas.
- Allow nosy friends or significant others access to your phone without worry of them seeing something you don’t want them to see.
What Can You Password Protect with AppLock?
AppLock can individually lock almost any area of your device. You are not limited to lock just apps as the name suggests. With AppLock you can protect:
- All apps Keep some apps free to use at any time while others will require password or passcode.
- Google Play Store so kids or friends can’t buy apps or in-app purchases without a passcode. While Google Play Store has its own lock feature that prevents purchases and use without a code, it is nice to have it added with AppLock so you don’t have to set more than one passcode.
- Gmail or other mail apps so people can’t read your mail.
- Texting apps so your texts are safe from prying eyes. You will have to enter your password to read each and every text (unless you use a timer setting as explained below).
- System settings. Keep kids from messing it all up.
- Photos and videos. AppLock places them in a special password protected vault that only you can see or access.
- Incoming calls. No one else can answer your phone but you after inputting your code.
How to Use AppLock
Setting up AppLock is incredibly easy. Once you install the app, it will ask you to create a password, or pattern lock. You will input it twice. After that, a list of available apps to lock will appear. Check all of the apps you want to lock. Here you can choose your default texting app if you want to lock texts.
Under Advanced you will the major apps and features to lock, including Google Play Store, settings, and incoming calls. Check them if you so choose.
The photo and video vault options at the top of the screen will let you place specific photos and videos to keep them protected. You can only view them from the vault in the AppLock.
Settings will let you use extra features, including a timer setting. You can set a limited amount of time you open a locked app or feature after unlocking it once that you won’t need to enter your password again. This is useful for features such as texting apps. If you expect to keep receiving texts for a period of time, using this feature means you don’t have to keep entering your password for each text until that set time passes.
Protecting AppLock
This is where things get a little bit more complicated. AppLock can protect your apps and device features, but what protects AppLock? Someone can easily remove AppLock but uninstalling it or removing it from the main screen. They just have to hold the icon and then move it to the garbage can. Poof. Gone. All your locked features are now unlocked because the app protecting them is gone.
How do you protect AppLock? By using these included features:
- Lock settings so that someone can’t get into the app section of the device to uninstall or force stop apps, including AppLock.
- Hide the icon on the phone. AppLock has a built in option to hide the icon from all areas of your device. If someone can’t find the icon then they can’t remove it. The problem with this is now how do you access AppLock yourself if you can’t find the icon? Go to your phone app and enter # followed by your password (no space between them). It will open the app for use. You can also open your browser and go to the app website.
- Use Advanced Protection from AppLock. This is a separate add-on for AppLock. You have to download it after you download the main app. This adds a feature that pretty much gives AppLock administrative permission on your phone. It prevents anyone from uninstalling or force stopping AppLock without a code or password. Even you. If you want to get rid of AppLock, you have to get into the app (with your password) and choose to uninstall it from the menu.
AppLock works and works well. Its ability to lock separate features on your phone makes it indispensible when you have to protect your device from family, friends, coworkers, and significant others. Thanks to this AppLock review and guide, you now know how to use the app to its full potential for complete protection on your device.
