Google is bringing back native app lock for Android, but not for everyone yet

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Google Pixel phones have lacked a native app lock solution for years now. We previously uncovered evidence of the feature via older Android Canary builds and the sixth Android 17 QPR1 beta, but it’s now present in the latest Android Canary release.

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Strings in the sixth Android 17 QPR1 beta suggested that you’d be able to lock multiple apps at once via the settings menu. This would be a welcome change from the one-by-one setup process seen in the older Canary releases. Now, we’ve actually uncovered this updated app lock feature in Android Canary 2608 . The feature is accessed by tapping Settings > Security & privacy > App lock . Check out the screens below.

From here, you’ll need to tap the “Add screen lock” option if your Pixel doesn’t already have a PIN, pattern, or password. Google also cautions that locked apps will no longer display notification content, while their widgets and shortcuts will be removed. However, AI agents and services can still access the locked app’s data if you’ve previously granted it. Google also gives you directions to hide apps via Private Space instead of locking them.

Once you’ve entered the main App lock screen, you’ll get a list view of your locked and unlocked apps. You can choose to have the locked apps at the top of the list, or arrange the apps by “recent” or “All.” Interestingly, locking specific apps (like Files by Google) will result in a pop-up notification that other apps still have access to your photos. This notification will also show which apps have access to your images.

In any event, you’ll need to enter your device PIN or biometrics to open locked apps. Furthermore, we can confirm that the locked app’s content is hidden on the recents menu.

Either way, this will be a welcome addition to Android and Pixel phones when it eventually rolls out. Google would be joining the likes of Xiaomi and vivo in offering this option. Samsung still doesn’t let you lock apps in your app drawer, though. It instead offers Secure Folder , which copies your desired app from the app drawer to a hidden, protected folder.