About AppLock Pro – App Lock & Guard
I downloaded AppLock Pro because my niece kept grabbing my phone to play games and I was worried she’d accidentally delete an email or post something weird on my socials. I needed a simple way to lock down a few key apps, and this one popped up with a high rating. After using it for a couple of weeks, I can say it does exactly what it promises without much fuss.
Features & Highlights
The core feature is, of course, locking apps. I set a PIN to protect my WhatsApp, Gmail, and banking app. It works instantly. The feature I didn’t know I needed was the Intruder Selfie. I tested it by giving my phone to a friend with the wrong PIN, and sure enough, it snapped a photo of his confused face and saved it in a hidden gallery. That’s clever. The Time Lock is also handy; I set my work email app to lock automatically after 7 PM so I’m not tempted to check it. The themes are a bit gimmicky, but I did change the lock screen from the default to a simpler one.
User Experience
Setting it up was straightforward. The app asked for accessibility permissions (which is normal for this type of app) and guided me through it. The interface isn’t beautiful, but it’s functional. I remember the first time I opened my locked WhatsApp—the PIN pad popped up instantly, and it felt secure. A minor hiccup happened once when the lock screen was slightly delayed, but closing and reopening the app fixed it. It runs quietly in the background, and I honestly forget it’s there until I need to unlock something.
Pricing
The app is free to download and use for basic app locking. The free version shows banner ads within the app’s settings menus, which aren’t too intrusive. There’s a premium upgrade that removes ads and unlocks some extra features like more themes and advanced intrusion alerts. For my needs—just locking a few apps—the free version is perfectly adequate. The premium price felt a bit high for what it adds, so I haven’t felt the need to upgrade.
Updates & Support
The developer, App Lock LLC, pushes out updates every month or two, mostly for bug fixes and compatibility with new Android versions. I had one question about the fake cover feature and used the in-app contact form. I got a generic but helpful reply within 48 hours, which resolved my issue. It’s not 24/7 live chat support, but it’s decent for a free utility app.
Security & Privacy
I downloaded it directly from the Google Play Store. The app requires several permissions, like Accessibility and Device Admin, to function properly—this is standard for any app locker to intercept app launches. In its privacy policy, it states it doesn’t collect personal data, but it does use analytics for crashes. The ads in the free version mean there’s likely some ad-related data collection. I don’t use it to lock ultra-sensitive items like a password manager, but for everyday app privacy, I feel it’s trustworthy enough from a major app store.
How does the Intruder Selfie feature work in AppLock Pro?
When someone enters the wrong PIN to unlock a locked app, the app automatically snaps a photo of their face using the front camera. That photo is then saved in a hidden gallery within the app, so you can see who tried to access your private apps.
Can I set a schedule to automatically lock certain apps at specific times?
Yes, the Time Lock feature lets you set a schedule for apps to lock automatically. For example, you can set your work email to lock after 7 PM, which helps you avoid checking it during personal time.
What should I do if the lock screen is slow or delayed when opening an app?
If the lock screen is slightly delayed, try closing and reopening the app that was being locked. This usually fixes the hiccup, and the app runs smoothly again in the background without further issues.
Does AppLock Pro require special permissions, and is it safe to grant them?
Yes, it asks for accessibility permissions, which is normal for app-locking tools so it can detect when a locked app is opened. The setup guide walks you through it, and once granted, the app runs securely without affecting your phone's performance.
How does AppLock Pro compare to Norton App Lock?
Both apps reliably lock your apps with a PIN, but AppLock Pro offers unique extras like the Intruder Selfie and Time Lock features, which Norton doesn't have. Norton is more focused on security as part of a larger suite, while AppLock Pro is simpler and lighter for just locking a few apps.
