Screen pinning locks Android to one open app until the owner unpins it. It is useful when handing your phone to a child, cashier, repair desk, or friend and you do not want them opening messages, photos, or settings.
These steps apply to Android 5.0 and later. Samsung calls the feature Pin windows.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if someone needs temporary access to one app only, such as a video, form, ticket, payment screen, or photo album.
Turn On Screen Pinning
- Open Settings.
- On Pixel and many stock Android phones, go to Security and privacy > More security and privacy, then turn on App pinning or Pin apps.
- On Samsung, go to Security and privacy > Other security settings and turn on Pin windows.
- Enable the option that requires PIN, pattern, password, or biometrics before unpinning. This is strongly recommended.
Pin and Unpin an App
- Open the app you want to pin.
- Open Recent Apps by swiping up and holding, or by tapping the overview button.
- Tap the app icon at the top of the app card.
- Tap Pin or Samsung Pin this app.
- To unpin with buttons, hold Back and Recent Apps together.
- To unpin with gestures, swipe up from the bottom and hold, then unlock if prompted.
What Screen Pinning Protects
While pinned, the person holding the phone cannot go Home, open Recents, switch apps, or browse Settings without unpinning and unlocking. Notifications are also limited so private alerts are not casually exposed.
Limits and Admin Restrictions
It Is Temporary
Screen pinning is not encrypted storage or a separate account. For ongoing privacy, use Secure Folder, a work profile, or a separate user feature where available.
Work Phones May Block It
If App pinning or Pin windows is grayed out, a device administrator, work profile, or company policy may control the setting.
Sources
- Google Support: Use screen pinning on Android
- Samsung Support: Pin windows on Galaxy phones
- Android Developers: Screen pinning API overview