ZenFone Max Pro M2: How to Lock Apps Using Fingerprint Scanner

BY AndroidBeat Contributor

Published 27 Jan 2019

Asus ZenFone Max Pro M2

The ZenFone Max Pro M2, just like ZenFone Max Pro M1, features a fingerprint scanner at the rear which you can use to unlock the phone. That’s not all though. You can use it to unlock locked apps as well. Wondering how to do so? Read this guide.

In this guide, we will tell you to how to lock apps on your ZenFone Max Pro M2 and then unlock them using the fingerprint scanner.

Note: Before you start, it is recommended that you enroll your fingerprint(s) with the device. Also, make sure you to have a PIN/Password/Pattern setup which unlocks your phone. Both of these will help you expedite the setup process. If not, you will be prompted to set them up during the App Lock setup process.

ZenFone Max Pro M2: How to Lock Apps Using Fingerprint Scanner

Zenfone Max Pro M2 runs on almost stock Android experience. While Asus offers a bit of customization, it misses on native app lock feature. We will have to use a third-party app to achieve it.

There is this popular app which we have used many a time — AppLock — which allows one to lock apps using the fingerprint scanner, pattern, and password. You can also customize your experience using the inbuilt options.

Before we go ahead, follow these steps.

  • Register one more fingerprint in the Zenfone Max Pro M2.
  • Install AppLock from PlayStore.

Step 1: Launch AppLock and follow the initial instructions. You will have to set up a pattern and add an email id. While the former can be different from pattern lock for your phone, the latter will be useful when you forget the App lock pattern.

Step 2: Post configuration, the app will offer you a list of applications and Andriod settings you can lock. Tap on one of the apps and you will be prompted to grant it a ‘Permit usage’ permission option. AppLock will need this permission to make sure it works as expected.

Enable Fingerprint Lock for Apps

Once done, you will be back to the list of apps you can lock. Select the apps and system settings you’d like to lock.

Step 3: In the app, you have two tabs. Privacy & Protect. Switch to Protect tab and you have the following options:

  • Turn on the toggle for the Fingerprint Lock
  • Under the general tab:
    • Turn on the toggle for “Allow a brief exit”. You can then choose anytime between 0 seconds to 5 minutes. When you lock the phone, the timer resets.
    • Do the same for “Re-lock after screen on”. This will make sure that all unlocked applications will be locked when you lock the phone.
  • Now try launching the applications.

Step 4:  When you launch any locked application, you will be blocked from opening it by AppLock. You will have to either enter the pattern lock or use the registered fingerprint to unlock it.

You will notice a fingerprint icon on the top left of the “protect screen”. When you use a registered fingerprint, it will be green in color otherwise it will show up as red.

Do note that there is no option to hide preview of the locked application. Once unlocked or post timeout, the preview of those applications will be visible during multitasking.