How to protect your data when lending it to others

This article will show you how to lock your Android smartphone screen using the Screen pinning feature to protect data when lending it to others.

What is Screen pinning feature on Android?

True to its name, Screen pinning is a feature that allows you to lock the Android smartphone screen on the screen of a certain application. As a result, other people cannot access the application or other data unless they have a device unlock password.

Screen pinning is compatible with most devices running Android from 7.0 and up.

How to enable Screen pinning on Android phones

Note: The instructions below are done on a Pixel 2 smartphone running Android 11 Beta. Depending on the device and operating system version you are using, the name and location of the settings may vary.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Android phone, then select Security. On the next screen, scroll down to the bottom of the page, then select Advanced.

Step 2: Select Screen pinning, and turn on the switch next to the option of the same name.

How to use Screen pinning on Android smartphones

Step 1: Open the app you want to pin for kids or others to use.

Step 2: Open the multitasking screen, then press and hold on the logo of the app you want to pin.

Step 3: Select the Pin (Pin) option from the drop-down menu.

Step 4: You will see a message saying that Screen pinning is enabled.

Step 5: To unpin the app, swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold for a moment to lock the screen. After the screen is locked, you only need to enter the PIN to unlock the device. This will also unpin the application.