If you’re comfortable with other people using your phone but still have things you’d rather hide, Google is rolling out a new Android feature that could come in handy — but it’s only available for Pixel users at present.

App Lock, rolling out in the latest beta version of Android, Android 17 QPR 2, lets you apply the same type of authentication to individual apps as you do when you unlock your device. This can include adding biometric security like fingerprint recognition or facial recognition to your online banking, or simply adding a PIN code or lock screen pattern to your Tinder app.

The new feature, first spotted by 9to5Google, goes beyond simply keeping unwanted visitors out of the app itself. App Lock will also block notifications and widgets from appearing on your homescreen — meaning no more potentially awkward moments on public transport or when you’re scrolling during your lunch break. App Lock won’t restrict any agentic AI apps from accessing apps you’ve locked, for example if you’ve hooked up Claude Code to GitHub.

The feature will start rolling out in December, if it follows Google’s usual Android update life cycle. You’ll need 2022’s Pixel 6a (the Pixel 6 isn’t supported) or newer, and you’ll need to head here to sign up for the Android Beta program.

How do I turn on the Pixel’s new privacy feature?

It’s simple and intuitive

Head to the app you’re interested in locking. Then long-press the icon to open up the Actions Menu. An option for App Lock should appear at the very bottom of the options under App info, Pause app, Widgets, Remove, and Bubble.

You can also head to Settings, followed by Security & Privacy and then App Lock to enable or disable the feature on certain apps.

What if I don’t have a Pixel?

You might not have long to wait

Nothing has been confirmed as of writing, but rumors suggest App Lock support is coming to Samsung.

One leaker on X has posted screencaps of a feature that looks like App Lock on the latest Samsung beta, though the exact feature or roll-out date isn’t yet known. If you can’t wait that long, third-party apps will enable similar functionality, such as AppLock by DoMobile.

Google is arguably slightly behind the competition in terms of rolling out the feature. Apple rolled out an App Lock feature for iOS 18 back in September 2024, so it’s good to see Google catching up.