Screen lock apps for android. Screen lock on Android: how to set it up? We protect our personal information from strangers: with a graphic key, PIN code and password

Hello.

I think that most of us on a mobile phone (or tablet) have files and information that we would not want to show ☺. There are a lot of ways to protect it, but one of the simplest and most reliable is to put a lock on the screen so that no one except you can turn on the phone. (so that an Android phone (Android) easily allows you to do this) .

Such protection, of course, will not protect you from professional hackers, but for most users this is not necessary. If you accidentally, say, forget your phone at work, then no one will be able to see your correspondence and photos. What is generally needed!

In this article, I will look at several ways to set up a screen lock on Android using various methods: pattern, PIN, password, and special utilities.

Note: I recommend choosing a password that you will not forget. No matter how funny it was, but more than once I had to meet such a situation that people forgot passwords 1-2 minutes after they were set. Keep in mind that if you forget the password to unlock the screen, then in some cases it will be enough to enter data from your Google account, and in some cases you will need to reset the phone to factory settings (or maybe even reflash).

Graphic key

By default, the Android screen is usually unlocked by simply swiping the screen (which will only protect you if the phone accidentally turns on, for example, in your pocket). Therefore, it is recommended to replace this method with a safer one ...

The easiest way to protect is to use a graphic key: the point is that you need to draw a small snake with your finger, consisting of 4-9 points. If you know this "snake" - then this is done easily and quickly. Nevertheless, protection allows you to quite seriously protect your device from the curiosity of prying eyes.

For example: even a snake of 4 points has 1624 combinations, and of 9 - 140704. I.e. picking up a combination by selection method (when you don’t even know how many points) is very, very difficult.

To install this protection, you must:

Now, when you want to turn on the phone and see the menu, first of all, you will need to unlock the screen by entering the pattern. Until you enter it, the phone will be blocked from prying eyes ...

A PIN code is a type of password consisting of 4 digits. Many users trust numbers more than graphic snakes drawn on the screen. In addition, the PIN code is used everywhere, for example, on bank cards, on SIM cards, etc.

To set a PIN code:

Note: many people doubt the security of the PIN-code, allegedly that it can be easily guessed. I can argue with them: in total it turns out you need to check 10,000 combinations. You need to sort them out manually, besides, after several incorrect attempts to enter a PIN code, Android will block the password entry for 30 seconds. Those. purely theoretically, a curious person will have to sit at your phone for more than one day! If your phone is left unattended for such a long time - I think more than one password will not help you ...

Password

This is one of the most reliable lock screen protectors. The length of the password can be from 4 to 17 characters, taking into account the fact that the characters can be both Latin and Cyrillic (large and small), plus numbers and special characters - you get all sorts of multimillion-dollar combinations. Even with the help of special software, it is extremely difficult to pick up a password.

To set a password, you must also open the settings in the following path: "Security/Screen Lock/Password" . Next, enter the password twice and select the option to display notifications. The password setting is shown in the screenshot below.

Special applications

Soft Lock Screen

Soft Lock Screen - screenshots of the application (from the developers)

The application allows you to easily and quickly turn on the smartphone screen lock, set up wallpaper, select a screensaver, calendar, weather, etc. The application really surprises you with its bright colors and ease of use! If desired, the wallpaper on the screen saver will change automatically, new every day, delighting and surprising you.

Note: On some phones it is not possible (or problematic) to change the splash screen. The same application allows you to fix it.

Peculiarities:

beautiful and user-friendly interface with HD wallpapers (by the way, all wallpapers have been tested by the program developers, so any slag will not be shown!);
efficiency: some of the most needed applications have been placed on the lock screen (for example, you can quickly turn on a flashlight, a notebook, etc.);
security: you can set a password or pattern to protect your smartphone (moreover, the key can be with photos of people close to you, see photo above).

LOCKit

LOCKit- this program is designed specifically to protect personal data. In addition to directly locking the screen, it is possible to block applications, photos, contacts.

In addition to this, there is a phone theft protection function - it helps to find the phone and catch the thief. By the way, such a thing as "Burglar's Selfie" helps with this - a photo of a person who entered an incorrect pin code or drew a pattern is automatically taken.

Well, in addition, you can set HD wallpapers (beautiful and pleasing to the eye ☺).

In principle, there are a lot of such applications, each with its own pros / cons. Considering dozens (hundreds) of these applications within the framework of this article, I think, is pointless. Everyone who goes to the play market can try and find an application to their liking by experience.

What to do if you forgot your key/password?

In this I am not an expert, and I will give only the main methods. By the way, I recommend looking for an unlock option specifically for your phone model (perhaps there is an option much easier than the universal ones offered by many authors).

1) Google account password

In the most harmless case, after incorrectly entering the pattern key (usually you need to enter it 5 times), you should see a window prompting you to enter data from your Google account.

Enter your data, and if the phone was able to go online (for example, connected via Wi-Fi), then you can reset the password.

Note: not always and not on all devices such a window appears with the possibility of password recovery. Especially if the password was set using special applications.

2) HARD-Reset

This is a special reboot of the device, which will restore the factory settings of the system. At the same time, all user data is deleted: contacts, SMS, passwords, applications, etc. All this data cannot be restored, so I do not advise you to rush to proceed to this procedure.

Hard Reset is usually used as the last resort in case of errors, crashes, problems with logging into the device, when other methods do not work.

To help!

How to reset Android settings to factory settings (i.e. delete all data from your phone, tablet) -

3) Phone flashing

The topic is quite specific, if you have never done this before, I recommend contacting a service center.

By the way, in some cases it is possible to enter the phone settings menu and turn off the lock. To do this, wait for some notification to appear, for example, that accumulator battery is empty and needs to be recharged.

Despite such a seemingly simple lock, your phone is protected from most curious people (and you from unnecessary conversations, whispering behind your back, and gossip).

That, in fact, is all that I wanted to say in this article.

Android lock screen needed not only for beauty. This is an important part of navigating the system and can be used to quickly access the necessary functionality. Standard lock screens are fine, but there are even more interesting options. Android magazine has compiled a list of the best lock screen apps.

1. Hi Locker

Hi Locker offers a CyanogenMod style quick loader that works by holding and swiping on apps to launch them from the lock screen. There are three lock screen styles here: Classic, Android Lollipop, and iOS. On a separate screen is a calendar where you can view upcoming events. There are several ways to customize, including different greetings, fonts, and automatic wallpaper changer.

Price: Free

2. Lok Lok

LokLok comes up with an interesting idea, but your friends need help to implement it. The application allows you to draw on the lock screen and then send the drawings as messages to other users of this application. Messages will be displayed on the lock screen, recipients can edit them and send them back.

The beta version of the app did not allow you to set up a pin code, so the program was not the best in terms of security. But it is free and entertaining.

Price: Free

3. Next News Lock Screen

Next News is a news feed that appears right on your lock screen. It can be customized to receive only the news that interests you.

You can choose from different categories, like sports. Tap and hold on a news item to open it.

Price: Free

4.CM Locker

CM Locker features an iOS-style gesture unlock that lets you save power and remove gluttonous apps right on your lock screen. You can use a pin code or pattern to unlock the device, if an outsider tries to log in, it will be photographed.

Also here on the lock screen, you can control audio playback, view the latest messages and weather forecast.

Price: Free

5.SlideLock Locker

This application is suitable for those who once worked with Apple devices and feel nostalgic. With a gesture from left to right, you can unlock the device. There are notifications with the ability to perform actions in them, they can be dismissed with a single gesture. A gesture from right to left opens the camera.

6.Semper

This app was previously known as UnlockYourBrain. To unlock, you need to answer questions in mathematics and other disciplines, although you can skip them.

Price: Free

7. Next Lock Screen

Microsoft's new philosophy is to create cross-platform applications. This proposal is another example of this approach regarding the Android system.

Next Lock Screen looks elegant and simple, but inside it calculates which apps you're more likely to use. Time of day, location and other parameters are taken into account. After that, the application is shown on the screen. It is not necessary to use this feature, but another advantage here is the clear display of notifications, calendars and other smartphone functions.

Many lock screens have a minimalistic look, but AcDisplay surpasses them all in terms of asceticism. Small icons appear to display notifications, you need to hold your finger on one of them for a closer view, and then dismiss the notification with a gesture.

Uses the device's sensors to detect whether the smartphone is in your pocket or you are working with it so that the screen turns on and off in time.

Price: Free

9.C Locker Pro

C Locker Pro is an impressive package that has a lot of features and shortcuts. More than 30 different actions are available: you can call, open applications, read notifications from selected social networks. Double or triple tap to turn the screen on and off.

10.Echo Notification Lockscreen

Echo displays notifications in a minimalistic way and gives you flexible control over what you see and access. As you can see in the image, you can create notification categories such as work, social media, personal and others, you can add different applications to them.

Right on the lock screen, you will have access to a large number of programs.

11. DynamicNotifications

DynamicNotifications is an unobtrusive lock screen that doesn't strain your eyes or your smartphone's battery. By default, it has a plain black background, notifications only turn on the screen when it's not in your pocket, bag, or face down. You don't have to use this app as a lock screen, but the premium version allows you to do that too. You can customize actions with notifications, there is a night mode when notifications will not bother you.

For a long time, the lock screen in the Android operating system did not lend itself to serious settings. However, you can't say that now. Both launchers and special utilities, popularly called blockers, can change its appearance. It is these programs that will be discussed in this review.

Some time ago, Google allowed changing the screen lock to Android only for smartphone manufacturers that develop their own skins. But gradually, third-party developers gained access to the relevant APIs. As a result Google Play filled with all sorts of programs that serve to change the design of the lock screen. Many of them can be downloaded for free. But you should not rejoice. Most often, such an application contains a couple of varieties of lockscreen, and the rest are offered to be installed for money.

This Android lock screen app tries to replicate the lockscreen built into the most latest smartphones Apple. And she does it well.

This program is not as simple as it seems. It consists of several themes at once, each of which is very attractive. The developers allow you to use one theme for the lock screen itself, and the second for the general splash screen. To unlock here, you can use the usual swipe or a numeric password.

Advantages:

Easy installation;
The interface is reminiscent of 6;
Several themes;
Distributed for free.

Disadvantages:

The presence of paid content;
The application cannot be called original;
Minimum functionality;
Technical issues on some devices.

Price: Free

The most advanced and secure blocker. It is designed for those users who regularly leave their smartphone in a public place unattended. This program will definitely not allow an outsider to unlock the device. In fact, it makes the Android operating system even more secure.

The utility offers a choice of several blocking methods at once. The easiest of these is to enter a pin code. The remaining methods are more sophisticated, but they often do not require memorizing numbers. For example, in the Offset Pin mode, you must enter a number that differs from the current time in one direction or another. And the Date Pin option will unlock the device by entering the current time in reverse order. You can also use the number to unlock mobile phone, but the creators do not recommend doing this.

Advantages:

A large number of ways to unlock;
Nice looking lock screen;
Distributed for free.

Disadvantages:

Problems with the time format on some devices;
Availability of paid content.

Hi Locker

Price: Free

The creators of Hi Locker have worked hard to make the interface of their creation as convenient as possible. Also they are fans of old versions operating system Android. In fact, the lock screen is borrowed from them, while it is cleverly combined with the lockscreen implemented in the Lollipop version.

As with all modern devices, Hi Locker allows you to read notifications without unlocking your smartphone - at least most of them. The application also helps to change the wallpaper on the lock screen. Moreover, it is even possible to apply your own inscription, which serves as a kind of reminder of an event or a motivator. And after installing this utility, you will have the weather on the lock screen - the temperature can be displayed both in Fahrenheit and in Celsius.

The main disadvantage of this program is that it prevents other applications from displaying their own controls on the lock screen. For example, you can turn off the alarm only after unlocking the device. The management of tracks in the music player will also become unavailable.

Advantages:

Beautiful lock screen;
Display on the lockscreen of the current weather;
Properly implemented notifications;
Several themes;
The ability to create an inscription to remind you of something;
Distributed free of charge;
Multiple unlock methods;
Disable password entry when you are on your home Wi-Fi network.

Disadvantages:

Third-party applications cannot display their elements on the lock screen;
Availability of paid content.

Price: Free

Emoticons have taken over our world. They have become so popular that it is time to make a feature film about them. Therefore, it should not be surprising that now you can download a screen lock for Android, based specifically on emoticons. Emoji faces here are located right on top of the graphic key. Recall that this is the name of the unlocking method, when the finger moves from point to point along a certain route.

The use of emoticons greatly simplifies remembering the graphic key. The fact is that you need to remember not the route of the finger movement itself, but the order of the smileys along which you move.

The application displays the time and date on the lockscreen. Also, several additional themes are available to the user completely free of charge. In general, the utility is not the height of perfection. But for a while you can install it so that the lock screen amuses you with a lot of funny emoticons.

Advantages:

Popular emoticons on the lock screen;
Several themes;
Distributed free of charge;
Simple memorization of the graphic key.

Disadvantages:

The minimum number of blocking methods;
Gradually, emoticons can get bored;
The presence of a large number of advertising.

Locker Master

What is the characteristic feature of the best screen locks for Android? Perhaps a large number of themes to choose from. And it is desirable that all of them are free. And these themes should also be interactive, because it makes the lock screen animated and memorable. Why are we all this? And to the fact that Locker Master has all of the above qualities.

This application offers a choice of the best animations of various directions. The user is offered not just to put a picture. Each animation here is a special unlock mechanism! For example, a lock means typing a cipher you thought up in advance on it. And the piano keys make you play a short melody. In total, developers provide about a hundred of such diverse and unique unlocking methods.

There are also the simplest ways to unlock the device, which consist in entering a graphic key or PIN code. In the app's settings, you can find many options that customize the lock screen to suit your needs. In particular, here you can set the displayed information and assign some actions to hot buttons.

Advantages:

Original ways to unlock;
Many themes;
Distributed free of charge;
The presence of hot buttons;
The presence of the editor "Do it yourself".

Disadvantages:

Animation consumes battery power;
For full-fledged work, constant access to the Internet is required.

GO Locker

Another application that changes the lock screen and provides access to beautiful themes. The difference from the product discussed above is that the unlock method in all themes is used approximately the same. But on the other hand, such topics consume less battery power.

GO Locker allows you to change the clock on your lock screen. The wallpaper and many other elements also change. Interestingly, the product is open source. In this regard, enthusiasts have already released thousands of themes. And in the future their number will increase to tens of thousands! They differ from each other not only in wallpaper, but also in the location of widgets, as well as additional functions. For example, in GO Locker you can find lock screens that are perfect for a 10-inch tablet.

Gestures, a pattern or a PIN code are used here as unlocking methods. In a word, in this regard, everything is standard here. There is also a weather display. The only drawback is that the application does not allow you to choose a weather provider.

Advantages:

Many beautiful themes;
Distributed free of charge;
Hot buttons available.

Disadvantages:

Not the best translation into Russian;
No original unlock methods;
The presence of advertising.

Summarizing

This time our review turned out to be quite large. But even it did not fit absolutely all the programs that serve to change the lock screen. Google Play is literally littered with them. We tried to select the best of them, but it is possible that some "pearls" were beyond our sight.

Be that as it may, we recommend installing GO Locker and Locker Master. These apps will definitely not disappoint you. Most of all, you will be struck by the number of themes available for the user to choose from. A good option is to install Hi Locker. But this product encourages you to fork out for it full version. No less interesting program of this kind looks CM Locker. We talked about her in.

Reading 3 min.

Hello everyone, dear readers. In this article I will tell you about the most, in my opinion, the best, beautiful and functional blockers for your mobile Android gadget. But, first, a few words about what a blocker is and what it is for.

Blocker is an application that replaces standard screen blocking on your Android device. In addition to the appearance of the lock screen, the locker can add additional features and tools available from the lock screen.

Below I will give five, in my humble opinion, best apps in this topic.

The first screen locker that I want to talk about in this post is called Echo Notification Lockscreen. Pretty good tool that occupies a standard lock screen. This application will focus your attention on various system notifications so you don't miss any important information. Other possibilities include the following:

The application is very simple and easy to use;
Appearance application, quite pleasant and cute. In general, lovers of beautiful design will be satisfied;
The application can convert any notifications into reminders with one touch on the screen.

The next blocker that I would like to draw your attention to is called Next Lock Screen. This application was developed by the famous company Microsoft. This fact alone suggests that the application must be of high quality.. Of all the interesting features and advantages of this application, I will note, in my opinion, the most interesting and important:

The application displays on the lock screen your current tasks marked in the calendar. It is very convenient if you want to see this information, but there is no desire to unlock the device;
A quick access panel to all the main functions of an Android smartphone, for example: turn off and turn off the wireless Wi-Fi network, access the flashlight and control wireless network bluetooth;
Quick access and control of the music application;
It is possible to put your own wallpaper on the lock screen, whatever you like.

The next app on my list of screen lockers is called MixLocker. This application, like the previous ones, is absolutely free and has a wide range of functions and various features. I will mention just a few of them:

It is possible to set any pictures and photos as background images;
Allows you to get quick access to all the main functions of the phone directly from the lock screen;
Displays basic information on phone activity: number of calls, SMS, etc.

Another good application that replaces the standard lock screen on your mobile Android gadget. Of all the advantages and possibilities, perhaps I will note the following:

Built-in themes will not leave indifferent any connoisseur of beautiful design and decoration;
It is possible to set both a graphic code and a regular PIN code for unlocking;
Displays all important information by phone activity, for example: notifications, the number of missed calls, as well as SMS messages.

Well, our today's selection is completed by a very good screen lock application called - Cover Lock Screen. Basically nothing radical. this application does not differ from the previous ones. Here are the main features of this tool:

The ability to quickly switch between current tasks using the side menu;
Displaying basic information on the activity of the Android device.