When parents look for ways to child-proof an Android phone, two options come up most often: Android's built-in app pinning and third-party touch lock apps. Both keep a child from leaving an app, but they work very differently and offer very different levels of protection.
This comparison breaks down the differences so you can choose the right approach for your family.
What is app pinning?
App pinning (also called screen pinning) is a built-in Android feature that locks the device to a single app. While pinned, the child cannot navigate to the home screen, open the recent apps view, or switch to another app without entering a PIN or performing a specific gesture (usually holding Back + Recent simultaneously).
App pinning is available on most Android devices running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) and later. It is free and requires no additional app installation.
How to enable app pinning
- Go to Settings > Security > App pinning (may vary by manufacturer)
- Turn on app pinning
- Optionally enable "Ask for PIN before unpinning"
- Open the app you want to pin
- Open the recent apps view, tap the app icon, and select Pin
What app pinning does well
- Prevents the child from switching to another app
- Prevents access to the home screen
- Free and built into Android
- No extra permissions required
What app pinning does not do
- Does not block touches within the app — the child can still tap, swipe, pause, skip, tap ads, and navigate within the app
- Does not block the notification shade on all devices
- Does not block hardware buttons (volume, power)
- Does not activate automatically — you must pin manually every time
- Does not provide screen time limits
- Does not notify parents about what the child is doing
What is a touch lock app?
A touch lock app places a transparent overlay on the entire screen that intercepts and blocks all touch input. The screen remains fully visible — the child can watch a video, or you can keep your phone safe in a pocket — but no taps, swipes, or button presses are registered.
To unlock, the parent performs a specific action: entering a PIN, using a fingerprint, performing a tap pattern, or shaking the device.
What touch lock apps do well
- Block all touch input on the screen — not just app switching
- Block hardware buttons (home, back, recent) on supported devices
- Can activate automatically when specific apps are opened
- Multiple lock modes for different situations (video mode, full lockdown, pocket mode)
- Can include parental controls, screen time limits, and remote management
What to watch for
- Requires "Display over other apps" permission
- Some touch lock apps are ad-supported — look for privacy-first options
- Quality varies significantly between apps
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | App Pinning | Touch Lock App |
|---|---|---|
| Blocks app switching | Yes | Yes |
| Blocks in-app touches | No | Yes |
| Blocks hardware buttons | No | Yes (varies by app) |
| Blocks notification shade | Partial | Yes |
| Auto-activates for specific apps | No | Yes |
| Multiple protection modes | No | Yes |
| Screen time limits | No | Yes (some apps) |
| Remote management | No | Yes (some apps) |
| Cost | Free | Free or paid (varies) |
| Requires installation | No | Yes |
| Available on all Android | Android 5.0+ | Varies (typically 8.0+) |
When to use app pinning
App pinning is a good choice when:
- You need a quick, one-time lock for an older child who won't intentionally try to break out
- You do not need to block touches within the app itself
- You do not want to install any additional apps
- The child is old enough to use the app without accidentally tapping ads or in-app purchases
When to use a touch lock app
A touch lock app is the better choice when:
- A toddler or young child is using the device and will tap everything
- You want to block all screen interaction during video watching
- You need automatic activation when streaming apps open
- You want screen time limits or activity monitoring
- You share the device across multiple children and want different rules
- You want protection during phone calls (prevent accidental muting or hangup)
Salva: the best of both approaches
Salva combines the simplicity of app pinning with the full touch blocking of a dedicated lock app. It includes:
- App Pinning (Kiosk Mode) — locks the device to a single app, redirecting any attempt to leave back to the pinned app.
- Safe Mode — blocks taps while allowing vertical scrolling, perfect for video feeds.
- Protected Mode — full lockdown that blocks touch, hardware buttons, and gestures.
- Video Swipe Mode — auto-detects YouTube, TikTok, and other streaming apps and applies protection automatically.
- Smart Rules — set protection to activate automatically when specific apps are launched.
- Screen Time Limits — set daily limits per app or globally, with protection activating when time is up.
Salva is designed with privacy-first principles — no ads, no third-party trackers, and on-device protection wherever possible. Join the early access list to try it before public launch.
Summary
App pinning is a useful free tool for basic app locking, but it leaves the screen fully interactive — which defeats the purpose when a toddler is involved. Touch lock apps provide complete touch protection and are the better choice for families with young children, shared devices, or anyone who needs reliable screen protection during video calls.
For most families, the ideal solution is a touch lock app that also includes app pinning capabilities — giving you the flexibility to choose the right level of protection for each situation.