What if I don't want to use any launcher?
I just want simply "AppLocker" similar app without any launcher, without any themes, layout, color and icons modifications.
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How do I lock icons on desktop in Android?!
- Thread starter SkinJob
- Start date
What if I don't want to use any launcher?
I just want simply "AppLocker" similar app without any launcher, without any themes, layout, color and icons modifications.
bberryhill0
Android Expert
You are using the launcher that came with your phone. It's really easy to switch to a launcher that does what you want. Every Android manufacturer uses a different launcher unlike iOs so you can't have one app that locks all launchers.
You can also set the display timeout to 10 seconds so the phone locks as soon as you stop using it.
You can also set the display timeout to 10 seconds so the phone locks as soon as you stop using it.
chanchan05
The Doctor
You're already using a launcher, just the default one installed. Also, normally it's not easy to uninstall anything direct from the launcher on any Android phone. The original poster was using a tweaked privately made version of Android. Commercial Android like the one you are using typically goes through like 2 or 3 confirmation screens before uninstalling anything.
bberryhill0
Android Expert
Probably Nova. It's too simple for me but is very popular. I like GO.
Apex, which is quite similar to Nova, also has this feature.
bberryhill0
Android Expert
And Holo which is more complicated than GO. I think that's the top four. It's not hard to install them all and switch between them.
chanchan05
The Doctor
I'd pick Nova too. I find it simple to use but a lot of features. You can also have it themed to TouchWiz to keep the Samsung icons if you wish.
OK, I found the lock icon option, but it does not do what I want.
I want the same app does like "AppLocker" on iPhone. It does password protect the lock icon.
If it does not have password protect, anyone using my Android still can move the icons around just by simply go to unlock options, that is too easy.
Does Nova launcher has password protect the lock icon options?
I want the same app does like "AppLocker" on iPhone. It does password protect the lock icon.
If it does not have password protect, anyone using my Android still can move the icons around just by simply go to unlock options, that is too easy.
Does Nova launcher has password protect the lock icon options?
No, just protection against accidental moves.
Of course that also works against deliberate moves unless the person knows about the option. Nova tells you that the desktop is locked and how to unlock it, but Apex doesn't - you just can't add or move stuff when it's locked. So while there's no password you might find that is sufficient.
The other answer is not to give the phone to people who will mess with the setup. Most people won't deliberately do this after all, and a lock with no unlock prompt will stop e.g. a young kid. So as long as you don't give it to tech-savvy jerks you should be ok
Of course that also works against deliberate moves unless the person knows about the option. Nova tells you that the desktop is locked and how to unlock it, but Apex doesn't - you just can't add or move stuff when it's locked. So while there's no password you might find that is sufficient.
The other answer is not to give the phone to people who will mess with the setup. Most people won't deliberately do this after all, and a lock with no unlock prompt will stop e.g. a young kid. So as long as you don't give it to tech-savvy jerks you should be ok
No, just protection against accidental moves.
Of course that also works against deliberate moves unless the person knows about the option. Nova tells you that the desktop is locked and how to unlock it, but Apex doesn't - you just can't add or move stuff when it's locked. So while there's no password you might find that is sufficient.
The other answer is not to give the phone to people who will mess with the setup. Most people won't deliberately do this after all, and a lock with no unlock prompt will stop e.g. a young kid. So as long as you don't give it to tech-savvy jerks you should be ok
If I am using tablet, my wife and my kid want to use it to watch cartoon or play games, so I must give my Android to them. You know, kids and girls, I am sure they try moving the icons around, my wife knows a bit technical stuff, so she knows how to unlock simply by looking through the options settings. It is different if I do password protect the lock icons.
So, is there any password protect icons on Android? iOS does have this apps, I don't believe Android not able to have this feature.
chanchan05
The Doctor
Avast allows you to password protect uninstallation.
bberryhill0
Android Expert
But that doesn't lock the desktop. I'd just let the wife set up the desktop. Then she wouldn't want to change it.
chanchan05
The Doctor
You could run both Avast and a launcher you know.
I already got password protect from uninstallation, I want to password protect icons from wiggle mode or moving.
bberryhill0
Android Expert
I looked through the launchers in the Play Store and couldn't find one with the feature you want. You'll just have to buy your wife an iPad.
You could tell them that rearranging your homescreens annoys you and ask them not to do it. Don't know how old the kid is, but your wife should understand that.
bberryhill0
Android Expert
iOS doesn't do widgets. I didn't look at all the launchers. There could be one that does what you want.
Petrah
Psychotic Female
Unless there's some app out there that we do not know about, there is no way to lock the icons on an Android desktop with a password.
You are more than welcome to go into the sticky thread called Post Your App Ideas and request for the app to be made. If a developer feels there is a need for the app they will create it for you. Of course, it may or may not be free.
http://androidforums.com/android-applications/3-post-your-app-idea.html
You are more than welcome to go into the sticky thread called Post Your App Ideas and request for the app to be made. If a developer feels there is a need for the app they will create it for you. Of course, it may or may not be free.
http://androidforums.com/android-applications/3-post-your-app-idea.html
Or ask the developer of a specific launcher (probably one which already has a desktop lock) whether they can add an optional password.
I suggest that because I'm not certain whether android's security model allows the thing you are after to be written as a standalone app. You see, the desktop is provided by an app called a launcher, and so moving icons is a feature of that launcher. So for a third party app to intercept the interaction with the desktop and block it you have one app altering the behaviour of another, which violates the application security model (sandboxing). An OS which allows that type of thing then also risks allowing a malicious app to hijack other apps' interfaces, which is a good reason for forbidding it. I'm not an expert, but it occurred to me while thinking about this problem.
I suggest that because I'm not certain whether android's security model allows the thing you are after to be written as a standalone app. You see, the desktop is provided by an app called a launcher, and so moving icons is a feature of that launcher. So for a third party app to intercept the interaction with the desktop and block it you have one app altering the behaviour of another, which violates the application security model (sandboxing). An OS which allows that type of thing then also risks allowing a malicious app to hijack other apps' interfaces, which is a good reason for forbidding it. I'm not an expert, but it occurred to me while thinking about this problem.
stereogary
Lurker
Yes my onetouch does the same thing...very frustrating.
Hi Stereogary, and welcome to AF 
Well, to summarise thread in one paragraph: there are a number of launchers you can use which let you lock the desktop. Install and use one of those and the problem goes away.
You'll find launcher suggestions earlier in the thread
Well, to summarise thread in one paragraph: there are a number of launchers you can use which let you lock the desktop. Install and use one of those and the problem goes away.
You'll find launcher suggestions earlier in the thread