Want to find the best screen lock app to keep your phone safe and cool? Your lock screen is first thing you see when you pick up your device, and it’s gotta be secure, stylish, maybe even a bit fun. Default lock screens on Android and iPhone? They’re just meh, don’t do much. In 2025, there’s loads of apps that lock your phone tight, look dope, and throw in extra features. I’ve picked three top apps for Android and two for iPhone, based on what’s hot in user reviews right now. This is simple, straight-up, gets to point. Let’s dive in!
Best Screen Lock Apps for Android
Best Screen Lock Apps for Android
1. Lock Screen OS
Lock Screen OS is a fresh hit on Android in 2025, straight from the Play Store. It’s crazy customizable—you can add widgets, switch wallpapers, and set up multiple lock screens with different styles. Swipe for notifications or widgets like weather, music. It’s lightweight, runs smooth on Android 14+ devices like Samsung or Oppo, and mimics iOS look while staying flexible for Android. Users love it’s sleek design and no lag.
Why It’s Good: Widgets galore, wallpapers, multi-screen styles. Looks clean, easy to use. Notification views. Free version’s solid.
What’s Not Great: Free version got ads. Needs lots of permissions for setup slow. Heavy customization might drain battery.
Fix It: Limit widgets to save juice. Grant permissions to avoid glitchy compatiblity.
2. Norton App Lock
Norton App Lock is a heavy hitter from a trusted name in 2025. It locks apps like WhatsApp or gallery with PIN, pattern, or fingerprint, and snaps selfies of intruders who enter wrong passwords. You can hide notifications from locked apps too. It’s free, works great on Androids like Xiaomi, and 2025 reviews say it’s reliable for security freaks.
Why It’s Good: Locks apps, screen. Intruder selfies rock. Hides notifications. Free version’s strong.
What’s Not Great: Setup’s a bit slow. Ads in free version annoy. Some Android 14 phones might block selfies.
Fix It: Clear other lock apps to stop conflicts. Make sure camera permissions is on.
3. App Lock – Lock Apps, Password
App Lock is a top pick for Android in 2025, trending on the Play Store. It locks apps (like Instagram, gallery) and your screen with PIN, pattern, or fingerprint. It’s got a cool feature that takes intruder selfies and emails them to you. You can hide sensitive notifications too. It’s lightweight, works on most Androids, and users love it’s simple setup.
Why It’s Beneficial: Locks apps, screen. Intruder selfies with email alerts. Hides alerts. Free version’s good.
What’s Not Great: Ads pop up in free version. Setup needs some permissions. Intruder selfies might not work on Android 14+.
Fix It: Clear other lock apps for smooth run. Check camera permissions is set.
Best Screen Lock Apps for iPhone
1. Lock Screen 16
Lock Screen 16 is a banger for iPhone users in 2025, live on the App Store. It’s all about jazzing up your lock screen with custom text, emojis, app shortcuts. It’s free, dead simple, runs smooth on iOS 18. Add icons to quick-open apps or contacts, and it feels like iPhone’s own feature. Reviews say it’s perfect if you want your iPhone to stand out without losing security.
Why It’s Good: Easy to tweak. Free, no ads. Feels iOS-native. Works with Face ID, passcode.
What’s Not Great: Less themes than Android apps. No widgets. Over-customizing might drain battery.
Fix It: Keep designs basic to save power. Update iOS for best results.
2. Locker: Photo Vault
Locker: Photo Vault is a killer iPhone app in 2025 for locking your screen and hiding sensitive stuff. It’s a vault for photos, videos, and notes, using Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode. It’s got a private browser for secret surfing and a decoy mode to fool snoops. 2025 users love its clean interface and easy setup. Perfect if you share your iPhone with kids or friends.
Why It’s Good: Hides photos, videos, notes. Flexible unlock options. Private browser’s a plus. Setup’s quick.
Not So Great: Paid after free trial. No direct app locking like Android. Needs iOS 16+.
Fix It: Use Face ID for fast unlock. Check iOS version before install.
Best for Customization
Love making your lock screen pop? Ava Lock Screen (Android) and Lock Screen 16 (iPhone) are your go-to. Ava’s got widgets, wallpapers, app shortcuts, so your lock screen’s one-of-a-kind. Lock Screen 16 lets you add text, emojis, icons on iPhone, keeping it simple and free. Ava’s widget game is stronger, but Lock Screen 16 nails that iOS vibe.
Best for Privacy Lovers
If privacy’s your thing, AppLock by DoMobile Lab (Android) and LockID (iPhone) got you covered. AppLock locks apps and snaps intruder selfies, catching anyone messing with your phone. LockID hides photos, videos, and has a private browser for secret stuff. Both are killer for keeping things locked tight, but AppLock’s free version gives more features.
Best for Kids/Shared Devices
Sharing your phone with kids or family? AppLock by DoMobile Lab (Android) and LockID (iPhone) are champs. AppLock locks apps like games or gallery, so kids don’t mess around. LockID’s vault hides files, and Face ID keeps it secure. Both are easy for shared use, but LockID costs after trial, while AppLock’s free version does plenty.
Troubleshooting
App acting up? Reinstall or restart your phone. Not getting any notifications? Check the settings’ permissions. Is the battery dying quickly? Disable widgets and animations. Is the app crashing? Clear the cache and update it. App updates may be necessary for new phones (Android 14, iOS 18) to work properly. For help, visit the application’s support pages.
Tips to Lock Smart
Look up privacy laws before using intruder selfie stuff. Test your lock app with a fake password to check it’s secure. Use strong PIN or pattern, not swipe. Clear out old lock apps to avoid bugs. Keep your phone updated so apps work good.
Comparison Table: Android and iPhone Screen Lock Apps
| App | Supported OS | Free/Paid | Key Features | Unique Selling Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lock Screen OS | Android | Free (Pro paid) | Widgets, wallpapers, multi-screen styles | Customizable iOS-like lock screen |
| Norton App Lock | Android | Free (Pro paid) | App locking, intruder selfies, hide notifications | Trusted security with intruder alerts |
| Smart AppLock | Android | Free (Pro paid) | App locking, intruder selfies, email alerts | Intruder selfies with email notifications |
| Lock Screen 16 | iOS | Free | Custom text, emojis, app shortcuts | Seamless iOS-native feel, no ads |
| Locker: Photo Vault | iOS | Free (Paid after trial) | Hide photos/videos, private browser, Face ID | Vault for sensitive files, decoy mode |
FAQs:
What’s the best screen lock app for Android in 2025?
Lock Screen OS, Norton App Lock, Smart AppLock are solid. Lock Screen OS’s great for widgets, Norton for security, Smart AppLock for intruder alerts. All work on most Androids, per 2025 reviews.
What’s the best screen lock app for iPhone in 2025?
Lock Screen 16 and Locker: Photo Vault are fire. Lock Screen 16’s free, customizable. Locker hides stuff, uses Face ID. Both run smooth on iOS 18.
Are free screen lock apps safe?
Yeah, if you stick with trusted ones like Lock Screen OS or Lock Screen 16. Check reviews, skip shady apps. Free versions might have ads, pro versions ditch ‘em.
Why’s my lock screen app not working on new phone?
New Androids (14+) or iPhones (iOS 18) might block features. Update app, check permissions. Smart AppLock’s intruder selfies might not work on latests Androids.
Can I lock specific apps on iPhone?
Locker: Photo Vault hides files, but iOS don’t allow direct app locking like Android. Try Guided Access in iPhone settings for basic restrictions.
What if my lock screen app drains battery?
Cut animations, widgets, live wallpapers. Update app for fixes. Lock Screen OS or Lock Screen 16 can use more power if you go wild with customization.
