FAQ and limits
Private Lock protects apps on an unlocked phone. It doesn't track or recover a stolen phone, and safe mode, a factory reset or adb access can get around any app lock. Use it with Android theft protection.
Set-up questions
I installed it. What do I do first?
Open Private Lock, create a PIN that is different from your screen-lock code, then follow the prompts. The one thing the app can't do for you is switch on its accessibility service: Android makes you do that in Settings → Accessibility → Private Lock.
The accessibility switch is greyed out or says "restricted setting".
This happens on Android 13 and newer when an app was installed from a file instead of Google Play. Open Settings → Apps → Private Lock, tap the three dots at the top right, choose "Allow restricted settings", then try the accessibility switch again. Apps installed from Google Play usually don't need this.
Why does it need the accessibility service?
So the lock screen can appear when you open a protected app. It only notices which app has opened. It doesn't read your screen, texts or passwords. See Permissions explained.
How do I choose which apps are locked?
On the Protection tab, open the list of protected apps and switch on the ones you want, such as banking, email, chats and your gallery. Tap an app to set how soon it relocks.
How do I add the Out & about tile?
Swipe down twice from the top of your screen, tap the pencil or "Edit", find "Out & about" and drag it into your active tiles. Tapping it turns the mode on from anywhere. Turning it off asks for your PIN.
The lock stopped working after a while.
Open Protection health in the app. Some phone makers' battery savers stop background services, and the screen shows the exact steps for Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Oppo, Vivo, Huawei and Pixel.
How does it work with Android's own protection?
| Android feature | What it does | What Private Lock adds |
|---|---|---|
| Theft Detection Lock | Locks the screen if it senses a snatch-and-run; may not trigger in every situation | Per-app locks that still apply if the screen lock doesn't trigger or the phone is left unlocked |
| Offline Device Lock | Locks the screen after an unlocked phone stays offline | Chosen apps are locked straight away, not after a delay |
| Identity Check | Biometrics for sensitive settings away from trusted places, on supported devices | A separate PIN for banking, email and photo apps, plus a vault and hidden notifications |
| Remote Lock / Find Hub | Lock, locate or erase from android.com/lock | Nothing: Private Lock doesn't locate phones |
Does it work if my phone restarts?
The lock service restarts with the phone. Check Protection health after updates, because some phone makers' battery savers can stop background services.
Can someone just switch it off?
The Settings app, the accessibility screen and device-admin screens ask for the PIN (never a fingerprint). In safe mode or after a factory reset an app lock can't help.
What if I forget my PIN?
There is no account and no cloud, so we can't reset it for you. Keep a vault backup if you hide files.
Where is my data?
On your phone. The PIN, vault, settings, activity log and intruder photos never leave it. The free version shows ads through Google AdMob; see the privacy policy.
Is the disguise deceptive?
It is your own choice and you can switch it back at any time. It changes how your own lock screen and icon look on your own phone.
What does it cost?
Free with ads. A one-time $4.99 purchase removes the ads. No subscription.