How to use App pinning to lend your Android phone safely
App pinning locks your Android screen to one app so a child, guest or stranger asking to make a call cannot go anywhere else on your phone.
Sometimes you must hand your phone to someone, a child to watch a video or a stranger who says their phone is dead. App pinning keeps the screen on a single app until you unpin it with your own lock. It is built into Android. Menu names differ slightly on Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, Oppo, Realme and OnePlus phones.
Steps
- Turn App pinning on. Open Settings and search for App pinning, Screen pinning or Pin windows. It may be under Security or Security and privacy, then More security settings. Switch it on.
- Ask for the lock when unpinning. Also turn on Ask for PIN before unpinning or Lock device when unpinning, if it is offered. That means nobody can leave the pinned app without your lock.
- Open the app you want to share. Open the app, for example a video, the dialler or a game. Then open the recent apps view using the square button or by swiping up and holding, depending on your navigation.
- Pin the app. Tap the app icon at the top of its card and choose Pin or Pin this app. On Android 7 and 8 tap the pin button that appears at the bottom of the card. Hand over the phone.
- Unpin when done. Hold Back and Overview together, or swipe up and hold depending on your phone. Enter your PIN, pattern or password. Check that you are out of the pinned app before using the phone.
Menu names differ a little between phone makers and Android versions. If you cannot find a setting, open Settings and use the search box.
Why it matters
A borrowed phone can be used to open your UPI app, send a message from your account or read your gallery. Even a well-meaning child can delete things or buy something. Pinning keeps the screen on one app, which is a cheap alternative to leaving the phone unlocked on the home screen.
Watch out for
- Pinning does not stop a stranger from running away with the phone.
- A person who asks to make a call can be a scam, so dial for them and use speaker.
- Without Ask for PIN, someone may unpin it by holding the same buttons.
- Do not pin a payment app and then hand it over.
How Safeavio helps
Safeavio's anti-theft tools, including locate, ring, lock and lost mode from the owner's portal, help if a phone you lent is not returned. App Lock adds a separate PIN on chosen apps. Guard my phone adds a siren if it is lifted and carried off. None is a guarantee.
Check it before you tap or pay
Safeavio Sentinel is a made-in-India Android app: paste a message or link, or scan a QR code, and get a plain verdict with the reasons. It helps you spot a scam; it does not promise to stop every one.
Download for AndroidWhat the app does
Google Play listing: coming soon. Today the signed APK is on safeavio.com/download. Android 7.0 or later.
Questions
Is App pinning the same as a kids mode?
It is simpler. It keeps one app on screen. Kids mode apps and Google Family Link offer more control such as time limits, but pinning needs no extra app.
Can someone leave a pinned app by restarting the phone?
Restarting will usually ask for your lock before you can use the phone. Turn on Ask for PIN before unpinning for the best protection.