#InnovationLab #42: AppLock

[TheMystic]

The AppLock is a unique feature with a lot of convenience, while providing decent amount of privacy to the users. The Secure Folder is a completely different type of solution (involving encryption) for a different kind of requirement. The two are widely different from each other, even if both are connected to the same aspect:Privacy. As such, one is not a replacement for the other.

This post explains why Secure Folder is NOT a replacement for App Lock feature, and also delves into how App Lock is unique and overcomes several disadvantages of Secure Folder.

SECURE FOLDER may be the more secure option, but this additional security comes at the cost of BIG INCONVENIENCE - number of authentication steps required to access an app/ file every time.

The App Lock, however, has a MAJOR CONVENIENCE FACTOR: number of times authentication is required. I use a 3rd party App Lock (due to the absence of a built-in utility) to lock my email, sms, chat, and a couple of other apps. The App Lock requires a one-time authentication to access an app during each screen-on session. A total of just 2 taps (per app) is required during each screen-on session. 

Now compare this to Secure Folder: 

Disadvantage 1: Secure Folder will require you to authenticate every single time, and a minimum of 3 taps (per app) is required EVERY SINGLE TIME, unless the user chooses to unlock all apps at the same time, which defeats the purpose. That makes it easily 50% more work AT A MINIMUM. Pretty annoying.

Disadvantage 2 of Secure Folder: You can't lock the Settings app, so you cannot block changes to system configuration.

With an app lock, one can lock Google Play Store, Galaxy Store, Package Manager and the Settings app (with Install from Unknown Sources turned OFF for all apps). With this in place, no one can install another gallery or file manager app (to work around the restrictions) and have access to your files, effectively making it very difficult to bypass the App Lock.

Disadvantage 3 of Secure Folder: You'll have multiple instances of each app that you add to it. This takes up additional storage, and clutters many of the menus, for example, list of apps for battery optimisation, as well as other places.

Disadvantage 4: You have to move new files every single time if you want to secure them.

A simple App Lock overcomes ALL these limitations of Secure Folder and comes with an extremely convenient method.

Another benefit of App Lock is to automatically lock all new apps. So even if someone somehow manages to install an app, he/ she won't be able to use the app without authentication. 🤩🤩🤩

The Secure Folder is no way a replacement for App Lock. Please bring the App Lock back to OneUI.

More details here:

https://r2.community.samsung.com/t5/Tech-Talk/Secure-Folder-is-NOT-App-Lock/td-p/11124679

[Bobby_Dirisala]

Very nice explanation. Please implement samsung team.

[Frosty97]

Applock is literally a Blunt Necessity in the present world.  Simple fingerprint/ code lock would literally be enough.. it'll be fast and smooth just a basic feature it not even a huge thing for samsung to implement.B

[Samsung_dChyUP7]

•  Galaxy app lock needed s20 fe 5g

[kiss_my_axe]

Yes secure folder is something different .. app lock is different .kindly bring back app lock too ..

[kiss_my_axe]

Also .. assign different fingerprint setup for secure for other than normal phone lock ... means we can use other fingers print for secure folder and different fingerprint for lockscreen

[netoabel]

I bought a Samsung phone just because I've read that it had a built-in app lock feature, just like Xiaomi's MiUI. I have been using MiUI for years and was really disappointed when realized that Samsung's OneUI didn't have a built-in app lock anymore. Almost returned the phone. I ended up using a 3rd party app lock, but it keeps showing ads and making my phone slow. My next phone will certainly be a Xiaomi if Samsung doesn't launch a built-in app lock soon. 

[satyaMutant]

Please implement it ASAP

[satyaMutant]

#samsung

[AS117]

Very well explained. This is a must feature. It feels pointless to buy an S22 series smartphone which does not have smart features.

[Kprashu159]

Is it implemented ?