How to Lock Apps on Realme 12 Pro+ 5G to Protect Your Individual Information

If you are not a fan of having to go through the process of getting through a pattern or password every time you want to use your phone, the good news is that you don’t have to. There are really just a few Apps on your Android device that have sensitive information you don’t want others getting access to. It would really be great if you could lock those apps individually as opposed to locking the Realme 12 Pro+ 5G device as a whole.

Well, in light of helping you out, this article will address just how you can lock Apps on your device and not have to type in a code every time you want to use the Realme 12 Pro+ 5G device.

Part 1. Why you need to Lock Apps on Android?

Before we get down to the business of locking some of your Apps, let’s look at some of the reasons why you would want to lock certain apps.

• You may simply want better access on your device. Locking certain apps will allow you to easily access the Realme 12 Pro+ 5G device and use it without having to remember passwords and patterns.
• If you are a person who is not good at remembering passwords or patterns, simply locking certain apps will help you not get locked out of your entire device which can cause a lot of problems.
• If your device is used by more than one person, locking certain apps will keep the other users out of information you would rather they didn’t access.
• If you have children, you can eliminate the many accidental in-app purchases by locking the apps your children shouldn’t be on.
• Locking apps is also a good way to keep children from content they shouldn’t be accessing.

Part 2. How to Lock Apps in Android

There is always a good reason to Lock Apps on your device and we have two easy and effective methods you can use to do this. Choose the one that you are most comfortable with.

Method One: Using Smart App Protector

Smart App Protector is a freeware that allows you to lock specified applications.

Step 1: Download and Install Smart App Protector from the Google Play Store and Launch it. You may be required to install a helper application for Smart App Protector. This helper will ensure that the many App services running on your device will not be killed by third party apps.

Step 2: The default password 7777 but you can change this in the Password & Pattern Settings.

Step 3: The next step is to add apps to the Smart App Protector. Open the Running Tab on Smart Protector and tap on the “Add” button.

Step 3: Next, select the apps you would like to protect from the pop up list. Tap on the “Add” button once you have chosen your Apps.

Step 4: Now close the app and the Apps chosen will now be password protected.

Method 2: Using Hexlock

Step 1: Download Hexlock from the Google Play Store. Once it is installed, open it. You will be required to enter a pattern or PIN. This is the lock code that you will use every time you open the app.

Step 2: Once the PIN or Password is set, you are now ready to lock apps. You can create multiple lists of Apps to be locked ba_x_sed on your different needs. As an example, we have chosen the Work panel. Tap on “Start Locking Apps” to start.

Step 3: You will see a list of Apps to choose from.  Choose the Apps you wish to lock and then Tap the down arrow in the upper left when you are done.

You can then Swipe to the left to move to other lists such as “Home” and proceed to lock apps in this group as well.

Part 3. 6 Private Apps that you should lock on your Android

There are certain apps that may require to be locked more than others. Of course the choice of which apps you should lock will depend on your own uses and preferences. The following are some of the apps you would like to lock for one reason or another.

1. The Messaging App

This is the application that allows you to send and receive messages. You may want to lock this app if you use your device to send messages of a sensitive nature that you would rather keep private. You may also want to lock this app if your device is used by more than one person and you don’t want other users reading your messages.

2. Email App

Most people use individual email applications such as Yahoo Mail App or Gmail. This is another critical one if you are going to protect your work emails. You may want to lock the email app if your work emails are sensitive in nature and contain information that is not for all individuals.

3. Google Play Services

This is the application that allows you to download and install applications to your device. You may want to lock this one if you are trying to prevent other users from downloading and installing further apps to your device. This is especially valuable if your device is utilized by children.

4. Gallery App

The Gallery app displays all the images on your device. The main reason you may want to lock the Gallery app may be because you have sensitive images that are not suitable for all viewers. Again this is ideal if children make use of your device and you have images that you would rather they didn’t see.

5. Music Pla_x_yer App

This is the Application that you use to play the music on your device. You may want to lock it if you don’t want anyone else making changes to your saved audio files and playlists or don’t want someone listening to your audio files.

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6. File Manager App

This is the App that displays all of the files that are saved on your device. It is the ultimate app to lock if you have sensitive information on your device that you would rather not share. Locking this app will ensure that all of the files on your device will remain safe from prying eyes.

Having the ability to lock your Apps is an easy way to keep information out of the limelight. It also allows you to take full control of your device. Try it, it might just be freeing as opposed to locking your entire device.

The Top 5 Android Apps That Use Fingerprint Sensor to Lock Your Apps On Realme 12 Pro+ 5G

In addition to passwords and patterns, the fingerprint scanner is one of the hottest features on leading phones of today to lock apps with fingerprint Android. The Fingerprint scanner is the latest fashion in smartphones. You would have observed that with fingerprint scanner going middle-of-the-road, many of the new low-priced phones have also been furnished with this new feature. Although the foremost purpose of the fingerprint scanner is to lock or unlock Your Realme 12 Pro+ 5G, it can also be utilized to lock and unlock your mobile applications. But not all phones are equipped with this feature. The aforesaid feature is easy to use, quick and smart.

However, if your phone has an inbuilt fingerprint scanner but it does not countenance you to lock the individual apps in your mobile with the fingerprint scanner, you do not need to worry at all! There are some apps that can add this option on your phone. And we are here to suggest you the 5 best options to lock apps with the fingerprint on your Android phones out of the many apps available in the app store! Here we go:

1. AppLock

AppLock is rated as the best one of the apps for locking apps on your Android phone. Once you download this app you will notice that it can lock apps with fingerprint practically on your Android phone. It is also capable of locking photos and videos on your device. The app features are secured when you feel that someone is trying to stealthily look at the mobile while you are unlocking your Android phone. Apart from this, you will also get the option to replace the icon so that you are capable of hiding the app. Now the bonus –You can download and use this app absolutely free for locking the apps on your iPhone or Android apps using the fingerprint.

Features:

• Invisible pattern lock
• A virtual keyboard as security.
• Free application for all iPhone and Android users
• Interactive app features with flexible storage
• Minute versions are updated automatically.

URL for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock&hl=en

Google Rating: 4.4

2. App Locker: Fingerprint & Pin

The subsequent name on the list of best app locks using lock apps with the fingerprint on your Android phone is App Locker. Most of the functions and features of this app are similar to the app lock. This lock apps with fingerprint iPhone have a tricky feature though, want to know? This naughty app, along with the app lock facility (using PIN, password, or fingerprint sensor), can trigger a sham crash screen which will trick the impostors to think that your phone is crashed! Isn’t it interesting? One more thing to interest you – it is also free to download and use.

Features:

• You can lock your galleries, social media apps, message app using a pin.
• The Applock has a feature to take the picture of unknown users if they tried to open up your Android phone.
• You can set up a fake app pattern.
• Possibilities to lock according to time session.
• The lock engine is updated instantly.

URL for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gamemalt.applocker&hl=en

Google Rating: 4.5

3. FingerSecurity

The next on the list is FingerSecurity - one of the feature-rich lock apps with fingerprint Android available for free download for your Android phones. You can lock practically any application with the help of FingerSecurity. In addition, it also has the knack to unlock multiple apps on a single go. If you are among those few people who have many locked apps, you are going to like this a lot! But one thing that you cannot negate is that despite the app being locked, the intruders may get a chance to view what is inside through the notifications. But Fingersecurity has an answer to this also – it has added a new notification locking feature!

Features:

• The widgets are equipped with enabling and disable services.
• Settings for the apps are customized.
• Apps are designed to prevent uninstalling.
• Fingerprints are hidden using UI.
• Protection for newly installed apps.

URL for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rickclephas.fingersecurity&hl=en

Google Rating: 4.2

4. Norton Applock

Whenever we have heard the word anti-virus, the first name that comes to our mind is Norton. Norton is a big shot in the field of antivirus apps. Now they have also come up with free lock apps with fingerprint Android. It involves a four digits PIN or password or pattern as its lock system. It also supports icons and photos in conjunction with the apps. The app suggests you with the sanctions list which tells you which apps should be locked. Again the bonus – this is free for download on any Android devices.

Features:

• Gizmo for users who expect a more noninterventionist.
• Take the photo of illegitimate intruders.
• Solid lock apps with fingerprint iPhone.

URL for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.symantec.applock&hl=en

Google Rating: 4.6

5. Perfect Applock

Perfect App Lock is yet another great lock apps with the fingerprint for Android from the basket of app locks. Like other app locks, this one also features the basics. In addition, it has special features including support for locking Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other buckles. It is a tough one to intrude. It tricks the bye passers-by throwing out fake errors and messages to confuse the intruders. This rather makes the thief think that there is a different issue with the phone excluding the app lock. This lock app with fingerprint Android is also available for free. The free and the paid versions offer the exact same features, except that the paid version is free from advertisements.

Features:

• Multi-windows applications are visualized.
• The sensor will support whenever you unlock apps.
• Free updating and monetizing are available.
• No limitations are applicable.

URL for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.morrison.applocklite&hl=en

Google Rating: 4.5

Apart from the aforesaid apps, there are many lock apps with fingerprint locking method for Android phones; however, these have been selected purely based on user ratings. If you are using the iPhone, you can have some app locks based on fingerprint sensors like 1Password, Scanner Pro, LastPass, or Mint to lock apps with the fingerprint on your iPhone.

Do you know of any other apps which can offer similar or even better features?

Do share them with us!!!

Now since we have told you about the best lock app with a fingerprint for Android that can be used to lock your apps and phone using fingerprint sensors, go ahead downloading one for your device. You can understand the pros and cons by yourself and enjoy the benefits of your downloaded app. You have got the list of five of the best fingerprint scanner apps which are available on the play store. If you have any suggestions you are most welcome to contact us.

Do not forget to share your experiences with the apps mentioned in our article. We are waiting for your response!!!

Pattern Locks Are Unsafe: Secure Your Realme 12 Pro+ 5G Phone Now with These Tips

Pattern locks have been available for about as long as people can remember, and they have been hugely popular with people thanks to how easy it is to simply swipe your screen and unlock your smartphone, as against, say, keying in the 4-digit PIN/ 6-digit PIN. However, pattern locks are easy to crack, and today, we bring you all you want to know about pattern locks and how to create a hard pattern lock. Further to this, we also tell you how to move beyond pattern locks and what to do in case you forgot the hard pattern lock you just set and are unable to unlock your smartphone.

Part 1: What You Need to Know About Pattern Locks

Pattern lock is an Android-only feature that makes it easy for users to have a modicum of security on their smartphones. Most users do not prefer using and remembering a PIN to unlock the smartphone. Creating a pattern makes it easier, somehow.

There is a 9-point grid on which you swipe your finger from point to point, in any direction, and when you take your finger off, that pattern you swiped becomes the key to unlock your smartphone.

Pattern locks were exceedingly common only a few years ago, and they are not recommended for use any longer due to concerns (mentioned later in the article).

1.1: Popularity and Usage

Old habits die hard, or so they say, right? That’s because it is true. We are creatures of habit, and pattern locks have been around for a long, long time. We are accustomed to pattern locks. So, even with even easier technologies such as fingerprint recognition and face recognition, we tend to gravitate towards the familiar old pattern lock.

The only thing is, there is a reason why pattern locks are no longer the preferred option to use for unlocking your smartphones. As it happens, that reason is security, and it can be very easy for humans to take a swipe (pardon the pun) at your pattern lock. And guess what? The research conducted suggests that they would get it right with an unsettling accuracy.

1.2: Advantages and Drawbacks

With on-the-go lifestyles, our smartphones have become indispensable and contain some of the most sensitive aspects of our lives – IDs, credit and debit cards in digital wallets, photo and video memories, business documents – you name it, the smartphones have it, on the go. This has opened our lives up to the public at large, and if someone steals our smartphone or, best case, finds it, the only barrier preventing them from being privy to all that wealth of our sensitive information is that screen lock – the pattern lock that we set on our smartphones. That’s it – the single pattern lock stands between malicious actors and our data. You might be beginning to realize just how crazy this is.

Advantages of Pattern Locks

There are two advantages to using pattern locks. One, they are better than nothing. Two, they are easy to use. And that’s about it. There is no third advantage to pattern locks. We might think we set a hard pattern lock that nobody could guess, but, as research proves, we might be thinking too low of human prowess.

Disadvantages of Pattern Locks

Security, or rather, the lack of it, is the lone disadvantage of using a pattern lock. What good is a pattern lock that can be easily deciphered? Sure, they are easy to use, and they are better than not having anything, but would you really want to protect your life’s data with something that could be, as researchers found out, breached in under 5 attempts? We don’t think you do!

The research found that 64% of test subjects who were shown videos of people unlocking their phones could correctly guess a 6-point pattern lock, that too after viewing the video only once! That number shot up to 80% if they were allowed to see the video again. That is simply astounding and a nightmare for security. When it comes to PINs, only 11% could guess a 6-digit PIN after viewing the unlocking video once, and that number shot up to 27% when they could see the video two times.

Part 2: How To Create a Hard Pattern Lock (Including Remembering Complex Patterns)

Now, if you must continue using a pattern lock, let’s help you know how to create a hard pattern lock that would not be as easy to decipher as easy pattern locks. For that, you should know how people use pattern locks, the kind of pattern locks they create, and the ones that are the most commonly used pattern locks. That way, you can avoid those fallacies and create a hard pattern lock for your smartphone.

2.1: The Pattern Locks People Use Most Commonly

Marte Loge, an M.Sc. Computer Science student, gave a presentation on pattern locks at DEFCON 23 and made a bold claim. She said, “Tell me who you are, and I will tell you your lock pattern.”

She presented the following statistics to support her claim:

• - In her research, she found that 77% of people started with one of the 4 corners when creating a pattern lock.
• - 44% of people started with the top-left dot and 15% with the top-right, while the bottom-left was preferred by 14% of her test subjects.
• - People set 5-point pattern locks on average, and most users were content with a 4-point pattern.

These are some of the most common pattern locks people create:

• - patterns in the shapes of alphabets,
• - patterns in the shapes of numerals,
• - patterns in any other simple shape, such as square, triangle, star, etc.

To understand how this is a security nightmare, the possible combinations for a 4-point pattern are a measly 1624, whereas by adding just 1 more point to the pattern and creating a 5-point pattern, the number of possible combinations becomes 7152, an increase of 5528 combinations. In stark contrast, creating a 9-point pattern would give you over 140,000 possible combinations!

2.2: How to Create a Hard Pattern Lock

Knowing what most people do when creating a pattern lock, it becomes easy to avoid those mistakes and instead create a hard pattern lock for oneself.

• - Do not start creating a pattern lock from any of the 4 corners of the grid.
• - Never use your first initial as your pattern lock.
• - Never use the shape of a numeral as your pattern lock.
• - Use all 9 points on the grid to create your pattern lock, and contrary to popular belief, you can go over the connecting lines several times, creating a hard pattern lock that would not be as easy for people to decipher!

Part 3: Going Beyond Pattern Locks

You might think that now that you have set a hard pattern lock, you are good to go. Hardly. Technology has evolved, so have methods to break into your device.

Step 1: Set a 6-digit PIN

The minimum you should do today is set a 6-digit PIN to unlock your phone. Consider this a necessary investment into the safety of your data residing on your smartphone.

Step 2: Use Fingerprint Recognition (or Face Recognition on Apple Devices)

All modern smartphones released over the last decade have come with fingerprint recognition. Using fingerprint recognition requires you to set a 6-digit PIN and then set a fingerprint to unlock your device. You can set additional fingerprints, too.

This way, your device is the most secure it can be today. In case your fingerprint is not recognized for any reason, the phone falls back on the 6-digit PIN that you can enter and unlock your phone.

While face recognition is available on both Android and Apple devices, it is truly secure only on Apple devices. This is why Apple iPhones released after the iPhone X in 2017 have come only with Face ID. They fall back on a minimum 6-digit PIN (called Passcode in Apple world) to unlock in case the face does not get recognized in the first attempt.

Part 4: How To Unlock Phone If Hard Pattern Lock Forgotten

Just in case you set a hard pattern lock and promptly forgot that abstruse pattern you just set, we have a tool for you to quickly unlock your phone in case of a forgotten hard pattern lock: Wondershare Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

Remove the Hard Pattern Lock on Your Realme 12 Pro+ 5G If You Forgot!

• Remove all Android screen locks (PIN/pattern/fingerprints/face ID) in minutes.
• Bypass the FRP lock of Samsung without a PIN or Google account.
• Everyone can handle the lock screen without any tech knowledge.
• Provide specific removal solutions to promise good success rate.

4,008,671 people have downloaded it

Download the latest version of Dr.Fone from the Wondershare website and launch the app.

Step 1: Click Android under Toolbox > Screen Unlock.

Step 2: Click Unlock Android Screen.

Step 3: Select your device manufacturer.

Step 4: Prepare your device to unlock the screen.

When the greyed Next button becomes available, click it and wait for your device to be unlocked.

All data on the Realme 12 Pro+ 5G device is wiped under this method. Select Samsung phones may be unlocked without data loss. Check this list for devices that may be unlocked without data loss.

Closing Words

Whether it is an easy pattern lock or a hard pattern lock, the fact is that pattern locks are antiquated and a security nightmare. A minimum 6-digit PIN must be used, and using fingerprint recognition is the preferred way to go for Android devices. Using fingerprint recognition will require that users create a 6-digit PIN. On Apple devices launched after 2017, there is Face ID, Apple’s marketing term for face recognition. If you did indeed still set a hard pattern lock, only to promptly forget it, use Wondershare Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock (Android) to seamlessly unlock your phone right now.