Leaving your phone unattended, even for a minute, can feel like leaving your diary open and here comes App Lock by InShot to help.
Whether it’s a curious coworker, a sibling with sticky fingers, or a stranger glancing at your notifications, privacy breaches happen fast. App Lock by InShot Inc cuts that risk with military-grade security for your apps and media.
With 50 million downloads and a 4.8 star rating, this isn’t just another locker app. It’s a streamlined vault for your digital life, designed to balance ironclad protection with everyday usability. Here’s how it works, why it stands out, and how to make the most of its features, from fingerprint locks to covert intruder selfies.
App Lock by InShot Features
App Locking: One-Tap Security
Forget complex setups. App Lock lets you secure any app with a single tap, social media (WhatsApp, Instagram), financial apps (PayPal, banking), or even system tools (Settings, Play Store).
How it works:
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Open App Lock, toggle the switch next to any app.
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Choose your lock method (pattern, PIN, or fingerprint).
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The app now requires authentication to open.
Real world use: Lock WhatsApp, and even if someone unlocks your phone, they hit a password wall when trying to read your messages.
Lock Types: Flexibility Meets Stealth
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Pattern Lock: Draw a shape to unlock. Enable invisible pattern to hide your finger trails, critical against shoulder surfers.
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PIN Lock: A 4-6 digit code. Less visual but faster than patterns.
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Fingerprint Lock: Instant access for you, impossible for others (unless they’ve registered their print).
Which to choose?
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Fingerprint for speed, invisible pattern for public use, PIN if you share devices but want app privacy.
Photo & Video Vault: Hide Sensitive Files
Your gallery might hold private photos, IDs, or screenshots you’d rather keep hidden. App Lock’s encrypted vault removes them from your main gallery and stores them behind your chosen lock.
How encryption works:
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Files are moved to a secure folder, decrypted only when unlocked via App Lock.
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No thumbnails appear in gallery apps like Google Photos.
Intruder Selfie: Catch Snoopers Red Handed
Activate this feature, and after three failed password attempts, the app secretly snaps a photo of the intruder.
Pro tip: Pair it with a decoy PIN, a wrong code you “accidentally” tell nosy people, to trigger the selfie without risking real access.
Advanced Tools
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Re lock Timer: Set the app to relock after 10 seconds, 1 minute, or 5 minutes of inactivity. Ideal if you frequently switch between apps.
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Hide from Recents: Prevents others from finding or force-closing App Lock in your recent apps menu.
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Password Recovery: Set security questions to regain access if you forget your pattern/PIN.
App Lock by InShot Setup & Optimization
Installation Guide
App Lock needs two permissions:
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Accessibility Access: Lets it overlay lock screens on other apps.
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Storage Access: To encrypt and move files to the vault.
Note: These permissions are standard for locker apps and don’t compromise data.
Pro Tips for Maximum Security
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Use an invisible pattern in public spaces to thwart observers.
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Set a 10 second re-lock timer for frequent app switchers.
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Backup vault files manually (App Lock doesn’t sync to cloud).
Troubleshooting
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Bug Fixes: Clear cache or reinstall if locks fail.
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Password Reset: Use security questions or contact support.
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Updates: Enable auto updates for new features like randomized PIN pads (coming soon).
User Reviews & Criticisms
Pro
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“The intruder selfie caught my little brother trying to sneak into my Snapchat. Game changer.”
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“Finally, a locker that doesn’t slow down my phone or spam ads.”
Con
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No folders/labels in the vault (planned in future updates).
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Re-lock timer inconsistencies on some devices.
Developer Response
InShot Inc’s roadmap includes:
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Custom themes (done in Q4 2024).
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Granular lock schedules (e.g., lock work apps after 6 PM).
Alternatives Comparison
| Feature | App Lock (InShot) | Norton App Lock | AppLock (SailingLab) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fingerprint Support |  |
|
|
| Photo Vault | |
 |
|
| Intruder Selfie | |
|
|
Who Should Switch?
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Norton App Lock: If you want a barebones, ad-free locker.
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SailingLab’s AppLock: If you prioritize themes/customization over stealth.
Conclusion: Why App Lock by InShot Stays Installed on 50M+ Devices
Let’s cut to the chase: app lockers aren’t just about privacy paranoia, they’re about control. In our life, phones hold bank logins, private chats, and sensitive photos, leaving apps unprotected is like leaving your front door unlocked in a busy neighborhood. App Lock by InShot Inc bridges that gap with a no-nonsense approach to security, one that doesn’t sacrifice usability for robustness.
What Makes It Stick?
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It Works Without the Fuss
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Unlike system level security (which locks the entire phone), App Lock lets you hand your device to someone without sweating over your WhatsApp or gallery.
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The one tap locking means even non-tech users can secure apps in seconds.
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Features That Actually Matter
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Intruder Selfie isn’t a gimmick, it’s a deterrent. Knowing the app snaps a photo after failed attempts makes snoopers think twice.
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Encrypted Vaults go beyond hiding photos; they strip metadata and thumbnails, leaving no traces in other apps.
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Adapts to Real Life Scenarios
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Re-lock timers mean you don’t have to keep entering passwords if you’re actively using your phone.
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Hide from Recents ensures the app itself can’t be tampered with mid use.
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Who’s It For?
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Parents: Lock the Play Store to prevent kids from downloading apps.
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Professionals: Secure email and Slack if you lend your phone to colleagues.
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Anyone with roommates, siblings, or nosy partners: The vault and intruder selfie are built for shared spaces.
Where It Could Improve
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Folder organization in the vault (confirmed to be in development).
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More lock schedules (e.g., auto lock work apps after hours).
But here’s the bottom line: No app locker is perfect, but App Lock gets the job done with minimal effort. It’s why it’s consistently ranked among the top 5 security apps on the Play Store, and why alternatives like Norton App Lock (too basic) or SailingLab’s AppLock (cluttered with themes) don’t dethrone it.
FAQ
Which apps should I prioritize locking first?
Start with messaging (WhatsApp), social media (Instagram), and banking apps.
How does App Lock by InShot compare to built-in phone security?
It adds granular control, lock individual apps while keeping others accessible. Download App Lock here to test it.
Can I recover my vault photos if I uninstall App Lock?
No, always back up vault files manually first.
Where can I download App Lock by InShot safely?
*Get the official app from the Google Play Store (50M+ downloads). Avoid third party sites.*
Does the intruder selfie work in low light?
Yes, but enable “night mode” in settings for clearer shots.