Have you ever handed your phone to someone, maybe a child playing games or a colleague checking a document only to worry they might accidentally (or intentionally) swipe into your private messages or photos? Android’s built-in Screen Pinning feature solves this problem by letting you lock your device to just one app, creating a secure, distraction-free environment without needing extra software.
This Screen Pinning guide will show you how to:
Enable Screen Pinning in seconds
Pin any app with simple gestures
Unlock your device securely when done
Use it effectively for kids, kiosks, and privacy
Best of all, it’s completely free and works on most Android devices running Lollipop (5.0) or later.
What is Screen Pinning?
Core Function: Single-App Lockdown
Screen Pinning does exactly what it sounds like—it “pins” your Android to a single app, preventing access to anything else until you deliberately unpin it. Once activated:
- The pinned app stays open full-screen.
- The navigation bar and recent apps button disappear.
- No other apps, notifications, or settings can be accessed.
Optional Security Layer
For extra protection, you can require a PIN, pattern, or password to unpin the screen. This prevents someone from simply swiping away your pinned app.
Best Use Cases
For Parents: Lock your phone to YouTube Kids or a game so children can’t exit into your messages.
For Public Use: Turn an old phone into a kiosk for menus, event schedules, or surveys.
For Work: Secure loaner devices so employees only access approved tools.
Step-by-Step Activation Guide
Enabling Screen Pinning
Before you can pin apps, you need to turn on the feature:
- Open Settings → Scroll to Security (or Security & Lock Screen).
- Tap Advanced → Find Screen Pinning (may be called App Pinning on some devices).
- Toggle it ON.
- (Recommended) Enable “Lock device when unpinning” to require a PIN/pattern.
Note: On Samsung phones, the path may be:
Settings → Biometrics and Security → Other Security Settings → Pin Windows.
How to Pin an App
Once enabled, pinning takes seconds:
For Gesture Navigation (Android 10+)
- Open the app you want to lock (e.g., Chrome, Netflix).
- Swipe up from the bottom and hold to enter the recent apps view.
- Tap the app’s icon at the top of its preview.
- Select “Pin” from the menu.
For 3-Button Navigation (Older Androids)
- Open your desired app.
- Tap the square “Overview” button.
- Tap the app’s icon → Choose “Pin”.
Done! The app is now locked in place.
Unpinning Methods
To exit:
Gesture Navigation
- Swipe up and hold, then enter your PIN/pattern if enabled.
Button Navigation
- Hold “Back” + “Overview” buttons together until the unpin prompt appears.
Tip: If you forget how to unpin, restarting your phone will exit Screen Pinning.
Visual Guide to Screen Pinning
Identifying the Pin Icon
When an app is pinned:
A small blue pin icon appears in the navigation bar (if visible).
The status bar may hide (depending on your Android version).
Swiping from edges or pressing the home button won’t work.
Security Prompt Examples
If you enabled “Lock device when unpinning”, you’ll see:
A PIN/pattern/password prompt before unpinning.
A warning if you enter the wrong code.
Navigation Differences
| Action | Gesture Navigation | 3-Button Navigation |
|---|---|---|
| Enter Recent Apps | Swipe up & hold | Tap “Overview” button |
| Pin an App | Tap app icon → Pin | Tap app icon → Pin |
| Unpin | Swipe up + hold + PIN | Hold Back + Overview |
Why This Matters
Screen Pinning is one of Android’s most underrated privacy tools. Unlike third-party app lockers, it:
Doesn’t drain battery (it’s built into the OS).
Works offline (no internet needed).
Can’t be bypassed without your PIN (if enabled).
Whether you’re a parent, business owner, or just someone who loans their phone occasionally, knowing how to lock Android to one app is a must.
Advanced Tips & Tricks for Screen Pinning
Childproofing Your Device
When handing your phone to kids, pin apps that:
- YouTube Kids (no accidental exits to regular YouTube)
- Educational games (like ABCmouse or Khan Academy Kids)
- Offline videos (Netflix/Disney+ in download mode)
Pro Tip: Enable Guided Access on iPhones for similar functionality.
Business & Professional Uses
Turn old Android devices into dedicated tools:
- Retail displays – Pin a product catalog or payment app
- Conference room schedules – Lock to Google Calendar
- Digital signage – Use a slideshow app in pinned mode
Note: For long-term kiosks, enable “Stay awake while charging” in Developer Options.
Troubleshooting Unresponsive Unpinning
If gestures/buttons don’t work:
- Force restart your device (hold Power + Volume Down).
- Check if manufacturer skin modifies the unpin method (e.g., Samsung requires Back + Recent apps).
- Disable/re-enable Screen Pinning in Settings.
Security Enhancements
For maximum privacy:
- Combine with Guest Mode (Settings → System → Multiple users)
- Use App Lock tools for secondary protection
- Enable Auto-reboot if too many failed unpin attempts
Limitations & Workarounds
Single-App Restriction
Android intentionally limits pinning to one app at a time to:
- Prevent system instability
- Maintain battery efficiency
- Simplify the user experience
Workaround: Use a launcher like Nova to create a single “kiosk” app with embedded links.
Manufacturer Variations
| Brand | Setting Path | Unique Behaviors |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Biometrics → Pin Windows | Requires Back + Recent to unpin |
| OnePlus | Utilities → App Pinning | Adds timer-based auto-unpin |
| Xiaomi | Special Features → Video Toolbox | Blocks pinning in some apps |
When to Use Third-Party Tools
Consider alternatives when you need:
- Multi-app locking (e.g., retail POS systems)
- Remote management (business device fleets)
- Usage analytics (time spent per app)
Top picks:
- Scalefusion MDM (enterprise-grade)
- SureLock (simple kiosk mode)
- AppLock (basic PIN protection)
Feature Comparison
| Capability | Android Screen Pinning | Scalefusion MDM | AppLock |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Apps |  |
|
|
| Customization Options | Minimal | Extensive | Moderate |
| Enterprise Controls | |
|
|
| Price | Free | Paid | Freemium |
Key Takeaway: Stock Android works for personal use, but businesses need dedicated solutions.
Community & Support Resources
Official Guides
User Discussions
- r/AndroidQuestions (common troubleshooting)
- XDA Developers (workarounds for rooted devices)
Conclusion :
For Personal Use
Screen Pinning is sufficient for:
Occasional device sharing
Basic child safety
Temporary app lockdown
For Business/Professional Needs
Invest in Scalefusion or SureLock for:
Multi-app kiosks
Remote management
Usage restrictions
Future Updates expected by users :
Android 15 may introduce:
- Time-limited pinning
- Whitelisted app combinations
- Enhanced admin controls
FAQ
How to pin a notification on Android?
Notifications can’t be pinned like apps, but you can:
- “Snooze” important notifications (long-press → clock icon)
- Use third-party apps like Notisave (Google Play Store)
Can I pin multiple apps at once?
No, but Scalefusion MDM (Google Play Store) allows multi-app locking for businesses.
Why does Screen Pinning fail on some apps?
Banking/government apps often block it. Workarounds on XDA Wiki.
How to unpin if touchscreen stops responding?
Force restart (hold Power + Vol Down) or use ADB commands.
Does pinning drain battery faster?
No—it’s lighter than third-party lockers.