OnePlus

Lock Apps with PIN or Fingerprint (without any App) in OnePlus 3/3T & 5

Noticing the importance and demand of app lock facility, OnePlus has decided to bake the feature within its operating system. OnePlus now allows users to lock individual apps on OnePlus 3, 3T and OnePlus 5 smartphones running  Oxygen OS. The locked apps can then be unlocked either via the fingerprint or the PIN code /password set to unlock the phone. Unlike some 3rd party apps which can be bypassed some way or the other, the inbuilt mechanism provides more reliability.

Locking Individual Apps on OnePlus Devices

The process to lock apps is pretty straightforward and does not involve downloading any apps. The PIN code to unlock apps stays the same as the one set to unlock the phone. So, if you want to set a different PIN, you should consider using a third-party app. Follow the steps below to lock apps on the OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 5.

  1. Make sure that you’re running Oxygen OS 3.5.4 or higher.
  2. Open Settings > Security & Fingerprint.
  3. Scroll down and choose App locker under Privacy.
    security-and-fingerprint-oxygenos
  4. Confirm your PIN code.
  5. Enable the toggle in front if the apps you want to lock/encrypt.
    app-locker-oneplus-3-oxygen-os
    Choose Apps to Lock

That’s it. All locked apps will now require fingerprint unlock after you lock the screen.

Currently, there are no additional settings to require fingerprint every time you launch the app. You also cannot set a custom fingerprint or PIN code for the locked apps.

Are you making use of the feature? Do let us know if you find it useful. If not, what you’re missing? 🙂

31 Comments

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  • This feature has a bug it works if you lock your phone & then you open app only.
    If you exit that app without re lock that opened app is accessible without any finger scan or pin.
    Fix this.

  • m1 a1 —how to use or steps to lock the apps , i wantto use fingerprint options
    it is possible

    i was thinking my old phone coolpad note3 lite was better..
    I have been searching for option to lock apps all day could not find solution

    • Hi Kiran, the Mi A1 runs on stock Android and stock Android does not have an in-built option to lock apps. You will need to use a 3rd party app from the Play Store to lock the apps 🙂

  • Oh my god I did not know that there was an App Lock feature. I always used a Free one with *** load off Ads.
    This website saved my life! Thank you.

  • Yes this is a preety good feature. But one thing I am not sure about is how to enable password for everytime I open the app. Currently the phone asks for password only after a screen lock

  • Once an application is opened, it remains open in my OnePlus 3. It’s again getting locked only on reboot. It’s running on Oxygen 4.1.6

  • There should be additional settings that everytime fingerprint will be required when I launch the app

  • Pretty pointless if the code to unlock the phone is the same as the one used to lock the app!

    Once someone has bypassed the phone lock, they have full access to all the apps simply using the same code!

    There should be an option to have a separate pin for the apps.

    • Certainly pointless in such case. I believe it is only created for those people who want to share their phones for a while and still want to lock access to certain apps.
      OnePLus should allow the users to set a custom passcode for the app locker. That will be good for everybody as they can either choose the same existing passcode or a completely different one 😀

  • It should give the option of custom finger. Else if anyone know the pattern, they can open all apps too.

  • Hi how about having a look for app instead of lock the phone?
    I don’t want a password/pattern for phone. Only for selected apps?

    • That is unfortunately not possible using the native functionality. You need to depend on a 3rd party app locker to lock apps without locking the device.

  • I’ve engaged this app locker on a select few apps to test the effectiveness of the program. Finding the usefulness as well as deciding to disengage the app locker from particular applications, I am finding myself perplexed as I am unable to re-enter the app locker program. Upon selecting the feature I am prompted to enter my pass without fingerprinting options. Confident I know the pass, nevertheless I am no further along the process as my screen simply returns to the security settings screen. Please any suggestions here are much appreciated in advance.
    Note: OnePlus Two
    OxygenOS: 3.5.6
    Security patch: December 1, 2016
    Android version: 6.0.1

    • Hi, Kyle. That should not happen actually. You surely are entering the correct password as else it will throw a ‘Wrong Password’ error. It might be a bug or some other temporary issue. Did you try a restart of the phone? If that doesn’t help, try clearing cache from the recovery mode.

  • Hi,
    I updated to Oxygen Os 3.2.8 virsion and don’t find the “App Locker” at this location.
    Is anybody know where i can find it?

    • Hi Evi,
      The feature was introduced after Oxigen OS 3.5.5. So, you will not be able to find it in 3.2.8.

      • I have oneplus 3. So the last update for my device is 3.2.8.
        I solve it by downloded AppLock. Thank you anyway! (=

        • Actually, OnePlus is currently pushing the Nougat update (Oxygen OS 4.0.1) for OnePlus 3/3T devices. It might be so that your region has not yet started receiving the update.
          3rd party apps are good, but they can be removed. So unless you lock settings, Play Store and all other means to remove or modify the app, you might be in limited security.

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