How to Lock WhatsApp, GPay,
and Banking Apps on Android
Your phone's lock screen PIN protects everything at once — but if someone sees you enter it once, it's useless. Adding a separate fingerprint or PIN lock to individual apps gives you a critical second layer of security.
Last updated: June 2026 · 6 min read
Why this matters even if your phone is locked
A thief who sees you type your PIN at a metro station can unlock your phone. A family member who borrows your phone can open your messages. App-level locks use your fingerprint — much harder to observe and copy.
WhatsApp has a built-in fingerprint lock. Once enabled, opening the app requires your fingerprint (or PIN as fallback). Messages in notifications are still visible until you set notification privacy too.
Open WhatsApp → tap the three-dot menu (⋮) → Settings
Go to Privacy → Fingerprint lock
Toggle on "Unlock with fingerprint"
Choose lock timing: Immediately, After 1 minute, or After 30 minutes
Optional: Set notification content to "Hide message content" — prevents messages showing in pull-down even when locked
Note: WhatsApp's fingerprint lock doesn't work on all Android versions. If you don't see the option, use an app lock (see below).
Google Pay (GPay)
GPay has a screen lock setting that requires authentication before any payment — even if the phone is already unlocked.
Open Google Pay → tap your profile photo (top right)
Go to Privacy & Security
Tap "Screen lock" and turn it on
Also enable "UPI PIN" — this is separate from the screen lock and required for transactions above ₹2,000
PhonePe
Open PhonePe → tap the profile icon (top left)
Go to Settings → Security
Enable "App Lock" — choose fingerprint or pattern
Also set a UPI PIN if not done already — required for every transaction
Bank Apps (SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis, Kotak)
Most Indian bank apps have their own in-app PIN or mPIN that's separate from your phone lock. If yours doesn't, use the OEM app lock feature (below).
SBI YONO
Login with MPIN (6-digit). Set under Profile → Login Settings → Set MPIN. Also enable "Biometric Login" for fingerprint.
HDFC Mobile Banking
App PIN set during first login. Re-enable under Settings → Security → App Lock. Fingerprint supported.
ICICI iMobile Pay
Login PIN set at first use. Biometric option under Profile → Security Settings → Enable Fingerprint.
Axis Mobile
MPIN required every time. Change under Menu → Security → Change MPIN. Fingerprint available.
Kotak Mobile Banking
App PIN set on install. Enable fingerprint under Settings → Security → Biometric Login.
Using Your Phone's Built-In App Lock
If an app doesn't have its own lock, many Indian OEM phones have a system-level app lock that works for any app.
Xiaomi / Redmi / POCO
Settings → Privacy Protection → App lock → enable → select apps. Uses fingerprint or MI Account password.
Realme / OPPO
Settings → Privacy → App encryption → enable → select apps. Uses fingerprint or PIN.
Vivo
Settings → Fingerprint, Face & Passcode → Privacy password → App lock → select apps.
Samsung One UI
Settings → Biometrics and security → Secure Folder (for hiding apps) or use the Samsung Galaxy Store's "Smart App Lock" from the Galaxy Store.
Stock Android / Motorola
No built-in app lock. Use the Digital Wellbeing screen time feature or a third-party app lock from the Play Store (Norton App Lock is reliable and free).