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How to Pin Apps on an Android Phone
Sharing your phone with others can sometimes feel like an invasion of privacy. To prevent people from accessing your private data, you can pin secure apps to your Android home screen. By doing so, you can share your phone without any concerns. If you frequently share your smartphone with family members or friends, follow these steps to pin apps on your Android device.
How to Enable App Pinning on Android
App pinning is a feature in Android that locks a certain app to the screen, preventing access to other apps or content on the device. However, this method is not foolproof, as the pinned app may still allow access to your data. The App pinning option is not enabled by default on many Android smartphones, so you’ll need to enable it manually. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Android.
Step 2: Scroll down and find the Security section. This option may be hidden under Security & Lockscreen, depending on your smartphone model.
Step 3: Tap on Advanced Settings at the bottom or scroll to the bottom.
Step 4: Enable the App pinning option.
Step 5: On Pixel devices, the feature is disabled by default. Tap on the option and enable the ‘Use app pinning’ toggle.
This will activate a second toggle, ‘Ask for PIN before unpinning.’ We recommend keeping it enabled to prevent the guest from unpinning the app themselves. If you think they are not tech-savvy enough to do that, you can disable the option.
If app pinning locks the app to your phone’s screen, it is not the same as locking an app behind a PIN or fingerprint verification. This requires users to input a PIN, use their fingerprint or face to unlock certain apps.
How to Use App Pinning on Android
After enabling the option to pin apps, follow these steps to pin your first app:
Step 1: Open the Recents screen by tapping the Recents button or swiping up from the bottom of the display and holding for a second.
Step 2: Browse the recently opened apps and find the one you want to pin. On Android 12, you’ll see an icon at the top of the window representing the app. Tap it. On Android 11 and below, you may need to tap the app window to access the menu options.
Step 3: Select the Pin option.
Android pins the respective app on the display. When you turn on the phone, the app will be visible and the user won’t be able to browse or search other apps on your device.
How to Unpin the App on Android
When finished using your device, unpin the app by holding the Back and Recents buttons simultaneously. If you’ve enabled the ‘Ask for PIN before unpinning’ option, unlock the device first. If you don’t use a PIN, use your chosen method to unlock the phone, such as scanning your fingerprint. If you’re not using three-button navigation, perform the swipe up and hold gesture again to unpin the app. It will no longer be pinned on the homescreen.
Sharing Your Personal Devices with Others
Sharing technology doesn’t have to be awkward. With app pinning, you can give someone your smartphone without worrying about your personal data. If you want to keep your sensitive information safe, you might want to read about the 5 best gallery apps with hide photos options for Android.
As Fred Humiston, the author behind Twothirds.us, I focus on providing practical and easy-to-follow guides and solutions for a variety of technical issues that people commonly face.
My articles cover a wide range of topics, from troubleshooting out-of-sync audio on TikTok and managing Firestick devices, to understanding the impact of Capcut on video quality and resolving sound issues on Hisense Roku TVs.
I also delve into more general tech tips, like how to block numbers on landlines or use VPNs without Wi-Fi. My goal is to make technology more accessible and less intimidating for everyone, whether you’re a tech novice or a seasoned user. I strive to offer clear, concise, and helpful advice to make your digital experience smoother and more enjoyable.