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Transform your phone with the best Android lock screen apps

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The lock screen on your Android device isn't just there for functionality. It's also an important navigational screen you can use to jump straight to the features you use the most. Standard lock screens are fine, but our list of the best Android lock screen apps and widgets will make unlocking your phone more fun and practical.

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Always on AMOLED for that Samsung feel

Ever wanted that always on lock screen typically found on Samsung smartphones? Well, now you can have it no matter what device you have. Always on AMOLED is not really a lock screen per se, but it does emulate one. It can show the clock, notifications and various other things. You do have to hand over an excessive amount of permissions to the app to get it to run, however, and it an LCD screen doesn't really do it justice but if you've got an OLED display it's a cracker.

always on AMOLED
Always on AMOLED has a lot of customization options. / © NextPit
${app-com.tomer.alwayson}

Hi Locker for affordable customization

Hi Locker's offers a CyanogenMod-style quick launcher that works by holding and swiping over to one of your favorite apps to quickly open it from the lock screen. It has 3 styles of lock screen: classic, Lollipop and iOS, and a separate screen dedicated to your calendar, where you can quickly view upcoming events. It's got a decent array of ways to customize it, too, including custom greetings, different fonts, and automatic wallpaper changes.

androidpit hi locker screenshots 1
Hi Locker offers a CM-style quick launcher. / © NextPit

Hi Locker usually costs 2 bucks, but as it's currently on sale, it's well worth installing for free and taking it for a test drive.

${app-mobi.appplus.hilocker}

LokLok turns your lock screen into a fun messenger

LokLok is a fun idea, but your friends need to get involved too if you want to get the most out of it. LokLok lets you draw on your lock screen and then send the drawing as a message to a friend who uses the same app. This message will then appear on their lock screen for them modify and send back to you, if they wish. 

Loklok is free to try and fun, so definitely worth a shot. IAPs exist for extra features like sticker packs.

androidpit best lock screen apps lok lok
Draw pictures or write messages on your lock screen and send them to your contacts. / © NextPit
${app-co.loklok}

CM Locker for no-nonsense functionality

CM Locker has a slide-to-unlock function, à la iOS, as well as power-saving feature that cleans out batter-draining apps directly from the lock screen. You can choose to use a pin or pattern to unlock your device, and there's an intruder alert feature that will take a photo of anyone who unsuccessfully attempts to unlock your phone. It's a no-nonsense screen locker that lets you control your music playback, view recent messages and check the weather forecast and it comes highly recommended.

CM locker screenshots edit
CM Locker features some useful lockscreen options. / © NextPit
${app-com.cmcm.locker}

Exercise your grey matter with Semper

The app formerly known as UnlockYourBrain turns unlocking your phone into something quite valuable. It uses the 80 or so times you unlock your phone every day to keep your brain ticking using simple maths and vocabulary exercises. Does this mean you can't access your phone if you don't know what 12 x 8 is, or what 'el amigo' translates to? No, thankfully UnlockYourBrain lets you skip questions and access your phone anyway, so no pressure.

androidpit semper
Semper makes you that bit more knowledgeable each time you unlock your phone. / © NextPit
${app-co.unlockyourbrain}

AcDisplay for minimal elegance

Plenty of lock screen apps go for a minimal look, but none do it quite as well ad AcDisplay. Small icons appear for notifications, and you simply hold your finger on one of these icons to see the notification in more detail, after which you swipe down to dismiss it. AcDisplay even uses your device's sensors to detect when it's in your pocket or in use, so the screen switches on and off accordingly.

androidpit acdisplay
AcDisplay looks great, and uses your device accelerometer to detect when to switch the lock screen on and off. / © Artem Chepurnoy
${app-com.achep.acdisplay}

C Locker Pro knows a few shortcuts

C Locker Pro is a sizable lock screen package that offers a ton of features and shortcuts to refine your lock screen. There are more than 30 custom shortcuts you can create to make calls, access apps or read notifications from your preferred social networks. One of our favorite options is being able to double- or triple-tap your screen to turn it off – a feature usually reserved for high-end phones.

androidpit c locker pro
C Locker Pro offers an array of themes, and it's regularly updated to incorporate new phone features such as fingerprint scanners. / © NextPit
${app-com.ccs.lockscreen_pro}

DynamicNotifications saves you power and stress

DynamicNotifications is a subtle lock screen app that's easy on the eyes as well as on your phone's battery. By default, it has a plain black background, and notifications only switch your screen on when the phone is not in your pocket, bag or face down. This app doesn't actually have to be used as a lock screen, but the option exists if you buy the premium version (US$1.99). You can customize what what happens to notifications when you swipe them, and also set a 'night mode', in which you won't receive notifications when you're asleep.

androidpit dynamicnotifications
DynamicNotifications is a zero-flab lock screen with some nifty features. / © Great Bytes Software

Are there any lock screen apps that we missed out? Let us know, then maybe they'll make it into our next lock-screens list!

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David McCourt

David McCourt
Editor

David enjoys staying abreast of the latest technology and newest Android apps. Outside of the office, he can be found playing snooker and writing bad 00s indie songs.

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57 comments
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  • Sunny chawla 4
    Sunny chawla May 20, 2019 Link to comment

    CM Locker clock was the best app for me. Other apps were also very useful.


  • Waqar Ghafoor 7
    Waqar Ghafoor Sep 7, 2018 Link to comment

    I have used Hi Locker and you know what, its simply amazing. The other one which I have tried is Dynamic Notifications - I must include "What an amazing lock screen" Thumbs up to both app devs for creating these Apps


  • 1
    Ann Gueta Aug 1, 2018 Link to comment

    People, you should try Tap Locker, it supports widgets and has some great unlock features.


  • 27
    Sorin Apr 21, 2018 Link to comment

    Personally, I do not use lockouts, I'm not their follower, because they can do a thing: bothering me because I rearrange icons, change menus and overwhelm all settings, and unfortunately I have to test each screen and menu to get used to new settings. It's frustrating for me to do that.
    Obviously, as people who prefer to be "in agreement with fashion," call the phone depending on the clothing, depending on the season, and why not, depending on the person or persons you have an important meeting!
    I suspect there are apps that automatically change the background, depending on the season, or change randomly. It is very interesting how to turn a phone with these applications, changing the look.


  • Agraha Ray 1
    Agraha Ray Jul 21, 2017 Link to comment

    Lock Screen - Wallet theme is what I use. No pin(i really don't need one) but looks really cool. And its very simple to use.
    ***EDIT: Sorry their recent version does have a PIN lock. It has to be activated from settings...lol...


  • crayfish48 a 1
    crayfish48 a Jun 2, 2017 Link to comment

    All the above Lockers are same nothing different why don't to post different and cool apps


    • Francisco Pereira 1
      Francisco Pereira Sep 11, 2017 Link to comment

      wait...Are you telling me that an article titled "best android lock screen apps" only shows apps that lock your screen? this is some new level BS!!!


  • 1
    daisychow Jan 13, 2017 Link to comment

    I use Pin Genie Locker. It is great that nobody can see my password!


  • 4
    fufu Dec 20, 2016 Link to comment

    How about No Pause Lock on google play. It simply allows you to lock your phone without pausing active app


  • 1
    Luong Nguyen Oct 21, 2016 Link to comment

    I think Lock Screen - Iphone Lock app is the best. My phone now is a Iphone


  • 1
    Bernard C Williams May 28, 2016 Link to comment

    Well put together article. I have found Good Lock. Why not listed love it to bits.


  • 18
    Deactivated Account Apr 18, 2016 Link to comment

    I have never used any screen locker after reading this article I will also give a try. Best one which is inbuilt.

    Sorin


  • 5
    Rich D Apr 18, 2016 Link to comment

    Any one's that let's you use your fingerprint scanner for security


  • 31
    Deactivated Account Apr 17, 2016 Link to comment

    the lightest (in background data) and the most efficient security is probably the one you're phone came with....
    great having options but a lot of these apps have advertising and compromise security for the features they offer... I tried a few and now I'm happily back to stock Moto display and stock Nexus lock screen.

    SorinDeactivated Account


    • Michael Bryner 2
      Michael Bryner May 21, 2016 Link to comment

      Yep, and way too much advertisements. More than 3/4 of apps on Google Play are full of ads. It is so annoying but these developers rather annoy than offer it without. That is just more reason I will not keep their apps on my phone and I will never rate more than a 1 star either for the darn ads. Wish someone could let me know if there is one without ads that does slide unlock like the iphone, so I do not have to try every single app and get infested with ads.


      • 1
        Luong Nguyen Oct 21, 2016 Link to comment

        please try Lock Screen Iphone Lock


  • tariq 6
    tariq Apr 17, 2016 Link to comment

    When ever I remove my main lockcreen (to prevent having two lockscreens.) My phone gets glitchy and doesn't work properly. I tried all kinds of lockers. But on s7 edge, When u put the lockscreen password on 'none'. I think it causes some kind of a glitch. Just putting this comment here in case other ppl run into same issue. They know why it is happening. I didn't know it was the lock screen at first I had to reset my phone and re install all apps one by one until I realized something is wrong with the system when you remove your lock screen.


  • 6
    Ahmad M. Cnx Apr 16, 2016 Link to comment

    Forgot to mention that CM lockers provides an fingerprint option if your mobile has a fingerprint :D


  • Lionel Keener 1
    Lionel Keener Mar 30, 2016 Link to comment

    My phone recently upgraded from Lollipop to Marshmallow. I like my native lock while I was on Lollipop. Once the update to Marshmallow happened, Marshmallow crapped up my lock screen. While on Lollipop I was using a pin which had the nice clear circle numbers which still allowed me to view my lock screen wallpaper (of my family). Marshmallow has put this ugly white/opaque box in place of the clear circular numbers and that is the native lock screen under Marshmallow. I was trying to find a replacement lock screen but most of the ones I have tried are free with the native Lollipop lock screen features but with a boatload of ads. I attempted to pay for a few but none had the feature set I wanted. Any help here would be greatly appreciated.


  • Mehmet Kozal 1
    Mehmet Kozal Dec 6, 2015 Link to comment

    Zui locker and Snaplock is cool


  • 1
    Tony Dorr Oct 19, 2015 Link to comment

    I have a Master Lock speed dial pad lock and love it. Is there a lock screen that uses something similar as far as the method to unlock it?


  • GrimJimCrowley 14
    GrimJimCrowley Oct 14, 2015 Link to comment

    I've tried all of the big players in the locker screen game, they all seem to gum up my phone and drain the battery. I've switched to the stock lock screen from TouchWiz on my Galaxy S6. Anybody else have trouble with 3rd party lock screens? The other trouble is if you want to use Android Pay you have to use the phone's native lock screen to use.


    • Will Palmer 1
      Will Palmer Nov 29, 2015 Link to comment

      I'm the same, find it very hard to beat the stock lock screen on my s6 edge. It's the lock sounds that kill the 3rd party options


  • Heleen Farrugia 3
    Heleen Farrugia Oct 12, 2015 Link to comment

    its really good

    Deactivated Account


  • 31
    Deactivated Account Oct 11, 2015 Link to comment

    .....moto display very easy and very simple..


  • 1
    Zheng Hou Oct 6, 2015 Link to comment

    The most recent one is WOW Locker. It's nice, smooth and changeable every day. Please reply here if you want a try:-)


  • 2
    Next News Sep 22, 2015 Link to comment

    Another suggestion is Next News Lock Screen (Google Play). It's clean, fast and it shows trending stories based on your interests.
    We're the team that released it :)
    GP Download Link: goo.gl/Ljdaa4
    Give it a try and please give us feedback.


  • 1
    Channon Holiday Sep 7, 2015 Link to comment

    Hard to believe someone thinks Google really nailed it with Lollipop's unlock screens. The fact that I lock my phone (with a pin) means that I have and receive information on my phone that I don't want to be public. Therefore, I disable notifications. Else, whoever finds my phone gets my texts, emails, etc. I'm really surprised that people use notifications, honestly.

    Once notifications are disabled, I now have TWO unlock screens to use each and every time I go to use my phone. First, i have to swipe up to get to the security screen, then I have a normal unlock screen. It is so f'ing annoying, if I ccannot find an app to override these geniuses who programmed this, I'm upgrading back to Android 4.4.4.


  • 1
    Moon-Sang Lee Aug 7, 2015 Link to comment

    how about this one that is a customizable lock screen, named LockZine at Google Play.


  • Trumpit App 1
    Trumpit App Jul 28, 2015 Link to comment

    Hate photo notifications as much as we do? Trumpit sends photos straight to your lockscreen and you can respond on your lockscreen!! Download and check it out: www.trump.it


  • 2
    Bob Llama Jul 24, 2015 Link to comment

    A note on C Locker Pro: it's too easy to bypass the lockscreen. All you have to do is hit the all tabs button on say your galaxy s6 and it bypasses the screen.

    Lee


  • 2
    Josh.l Jul 20, 2015 Link to comment

    You might want to review the go locker i used it already for a few months but just recently they start spamming ads everytime i unlock i get an ad. For example i lock my phone a few mins later my friend sends a sms i unlock and have to close the ads again. Its a gd app but the constant recieving ads is frustrating.

    Michelle Tanaka 田中美秀


  • Elaine Harris 4
    Elaine Harris Jul 3, 2015 Link to comment

    I installed Slidelock locker after reading this. My phone gets more awesome than before. Thanks for this post! :)


  • 1
    Jarnos Barnos Jun 29, 2015 Link to comment

    I'm searching for a lock screen in which you can put any widget you can put on your homescreen. Because i want to change the clock in the lockscreen to the clock of 'form clock widget'. On my standard lollipop lockscreen is the clock in a thin font an white, and I want it to match with the form clock widget :) Please comment if you know a way to do this or an app to do it with.


    • 12
      Paco Inurreta Jul 3, 2015 Link to comment

      Try Dashclock


  • 1
    John Branson Jun 17, 2015 Link to comment

    It's clearly missing SlideLock and LockerPro


  • 1
    Chris Ali Jun 1, 2015 Link to comment

    As my tablet's power button is hard to reach, I lock my android using this tiny app called Go-Sleep play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gmailraidenbits.gosleep_iab. I'm using the free version, but how can I hack it to unlock the WIDGET ?? Thx


  • Stephen 2
    Stephen May 30, 2015 Link to comment

    I'm after a lock screen that looks like a bank vault to open. Or a combination dial like a old safe (free) if anyone knows any.
    Thanks


  • 3
    Sean Dent May 21, 2015 Link to comment

    I went through this list painstakingly. None of them offer the things I need: 1) secure 2) convenient and 3) all of the notifications I want. Except one. The native Lollipop lockscreen. With that, I don't need to enter my password when I'm at home and it shows me all of the notifications except the ones I turn off. Only one of these even offers a smartlock feature and that's tied to a modem. But they all offer only a few notifications. Lollipop is not the prettiest lockscreen, but it's the most functional by far.


    • 2
      Raymond Phang Jun 25, 2015 Link to comment

      Hi Sean, feel free to try out Locker Master, you are able to personalize your lock screen with great visuals and meet your concerns. Try it out.


  • 1
    Alex Apr 22, 2015 Link to comment

    Are there lock screen apps that allow me to select which notifications to display and how much detail? for instance lollipop displays my phone divert on with a message in the lock screen. This isn't useful in the lock screen but okay in the notification bar. I may want an app to tell me it has a notification but not the necessarily the full message. Any ideas?


  • 1
    Tony Osime Mar 23, 2015 Link to comment

    I am surprised the screen lock apps I have tried don't allow personal messages for someone who finds my phone. Are there any that do this?


    • 1
      Everardo Gonzalez Apr 18, 2015 Link to comment

      Yes there is, Dodol has it where I was able to put my wife's phone number on the front in case it was found.


      • James Peacock 1
        James Peacock Sep 17, 2015 Link to comment

        I own a droid turbo, which is running lollipop, if you go into settings>security>owners info, you can type what you want and check the box owner info on lockscreen. This will scroll whatever information that you wanted in there constantly. Example: wife's name, phone number, ICE ( in case of emergency), it will continuously scroll on the lockscreen. This is very helpful in case of an emergency if they cannot unlock the phone.


    • 1
      Jack Jack Jun 25, 2015 Link to comment

      Hi,
      actually, there is a setting in lolipop security option to add a message on the lock screen


  • I Ortiz 2
    I Ortiz Mar 22, 2015 Link to comment

    ZUI Locker is a cool lockscreen too. Works for me with no issues.


  • 3
    willemkorving Mar 22, 2015 Link to comment

    Corgi for Feedly lockscreen !


  • Lee 16
    Lee Mar 22, 2015 Link to comment

    I always return to widget locker after trying newer lockscreen apps, with WL "widgetlocker" I've never had any issues or problems with it running stock OS or using a custom ROM, plus I like making my own unlock slider's.


    • 2
      Raymond Phang Jun 25, 2015 Link to comment

      More customizations can be made via Locker Master, have you tried it out?

      Lee


  • 2
    Willem Mar 22, 2015 Link to comment

    Thanks I will try it !


  • 2
    Katy Whitton Mar 22, 2015 Link to comment

    I'd highly recommend SnapLock. I've tried most of the lock screens on this list and I've found that Snap Lock is the best I've tried so far. It's lightweight, doesn't drain the battery, provides notifications for most apps and it looks really nice.

    Willem


  • 1
    Steve Smith Feb 23, 2015 Link to comment

    These lock screen techniques are not totally secure, as somebody who peeps over your shoulder could see the secret word or the pin when you are entering it.Here is an Android device unlocking feature that leaves you wondered.Read more at: goo.gl/bTwj8D


    • Mark G. 28
      Mark G. Mar 22, 2015 Link to comment

      Unfortunately no lock screen is truly "fail safe" if you regularly change passwords/pass codes and don't use the same pass for your apps you can at least reduce the risk that someone will peek over your shoulder memorise your pass, then steal your phone..

      You can also lock certain sensitive apps (banking/email/file Manager) and of course activate phone tracking (Google or 3rd party app).

      Sorin


      • 2
        Raymond Phang Jun 25, 2015 Link to comment

        We all know we want something all-in-one but the truth is ugly. If you want more personal pass or lock types, try Locker Master. As for app security, Privacy Ace can help.


  • Mohammed S. 4
    Mohammed S. Dec 27, 2014 Link to comment

    All these apps depend on the main android lock option ?


    • Mark G. 28
      Mark G. Mar 22, 2015 Link to comment

      No they work independently of system settings.

      Sorin


    • Mark G. 28
      Mark G. Mar 22, 2015 Link to comment

      No they work independently of system settings.

      Sorin

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