How to let someone use one app only on Android with app pinning

2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

Open Settings, tap Security & privacy, More security & privacy, App pinning and switch it on. Then open the recent apps view, tap the icon above the app and tap Pin. The phone stays in that app until you unpin it with your PIN.

App pinning keeps the phone locked to a single app. It is useful when you hand your phone to a child to watch a video or to someone to make a call, without them being able to open anything else.

Step by step

  1. Open Settings and tap Security & privacy

    Then More security & privacy. On Samsung: Settings, Security and privacy, More security settings, Pin app.

  2. Tap App pinning and switch it on

    Also switch on Ask for PIN before unpinning.

  3. Open the app, then the recent apps view

    Swipe up from the bottom and hold. With buttons, tap the square.

  4. Tap the app icon above the card and tap Pin

    A message confirms that the app is pinned.

  5. Unpin

    With gesture navigation, swipe up and hold. With three buttons, hold Back and Overview together. With two buttons, hold Back and Home. Then enter your PIN, pattern or fingerprint.

Good to know

A pinned app can still open other apps through links inside it, depending on the app. Do not treat pinning as strong security.

For longer handovers, use a guest profile: Settings, System, Users, Add guest. Some makers, including Samsung on phones, do not offer guest mode.

Notifications are not shown while an app is pinned.

In short: Settings, Security & privacy, App pinning on. Recent apps, app icon, Pin.

Sources
  • Google Android Help: Pin and unpin screens

Rules and prices change. Check the official source before you act.