Avira AppLock+ for Android review
Avira AppLock+ is a new application for Android by security company Avira which provides you with options to lock apps on the device.
The basic version of AppLock+ is free but if you want to make use of all of the applications' functionality you have to make a one-time in-app payment of €2.49 to unlock those features as well or €1.49 to unlock them individually instead.
First thing you are asked to do after installation is set up a pin and verify it, and set up a recovery password on top of that.
Last but not least, you need to create an account using an email address or a social media account before you can start using the app.
Avira AppLock+
Once you are past the initial configuration you can start using the application
Avira Applock+ supports three locking methods of which two are only available as paid upgrades.
- Pin Lock: this is the free option which locks any application you select so that it can only be accessed if you enter the pin you set up in the AppLock+ interface.
- Schedule Lock: This paid upgrade enables you to lock any application by time. Select days of the week and hours of the day in which the application should be locked.
- Geo Lock: The second paid upgrade locks applications when the device is in locations you specify.
Pin Lock is the most straightforward method of protecting applications. AppLock+ protects some installed applications such as Google Play automatically with the pin but you are free to lock as many apps as you like that are installed on the device.
When you launch the app, you are asked to enter the pin to unlock it and gain access to it.
Schedule Lock on the other hand locks applications only for specific days of the week and a start and end date.
Geo Lock finally locks applications only when the device is used at locations that you have not set up in the application.
Avira AppLock+ uses
Avira AppLock+ has several uses. First of all, you may use it to add some level of extra protection to applications. This can be useful if you hand over your phone to others at times (let me just call my mum using your phone), or if someone else may gain unauthorized access to it (snooping).
It can also be useful to lock certain applications such as Google Play on the phones of children permanently, or using schedule lock at certain times. If you want to keep your kids off of Facebook or YouTube while they are at school, this is one of the applications that you can use for that.
Geo Lock falls in the same category, as you can force apps to be locked if the device is within a 100m to 10km radius around the selected location.
An option to reverse the feature is missing surprisingly. I think it could be useful to make sure apps work without lock while you are at home or another safe place, and won't work without being unlocked first when the device is used elsewhere.
Closing Words
The locked application flashes for a moment when you open it before the pin screen appears. This means that someone opening it may still get a glimpse of whatever screen opens when the application is loaded on the device.
Avira AppLock+ is a situational application that has its uses depending on how and by whom the Android device is being used.
If you are the only user and don't hand it over to others regularly, then there is little use for the app. If others may access it, or if your kid has an Android phone, then it can be useful to lock certain applications so that they cannot be accessed by others/your kid.
unuseful: at then end of the trial period you need to “wake” again the app everyday to make it work, even if only basic features are used.
I refuse to use apps that have in-app adverts/payments. I’m currently using the ZenUI home screen which contains an app lock settings section. It’s not as sophisticated as auto unlocking apps on certain wifi’s/locations, or based on times, nor is it sophisticated enough for separate pins/patterns (same one for all apps chosen) – but for me, it’s sufficient, for now.
Requires sign up. Uninstalled.