🔐 How to Set Lock in Android That Opens with Time –
In today’s digital age, securing your Android phone is crucial. But what if you want your phone to automatically lock or unlock based on a specific time? For example, locking your device during work or study hours, and unlocking it in the evening. In this guide, we’ll show you how to set a time-based lock on Android using built-in features and third-party apps.
✅ What Is a Time-Based Lock on Android?
A time-based lock is a feature that allows your Android device to automatically lock or unlock based on a preset time schedule. This is useful for:
- Limiting access during study or sleep hours
- Keeping children off the phone at night
- Enhancing digital wellbeing
- Boosting productivity by minimizing distractions
🔧 Method 1: Using Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls (Built-in)
Most Android phones come with the Digital Wellbeing feature that can restrict app usage during certain hours.
📲 Steps to Set App Lock Based on Time:
- Open Settings on your Android device.
- Scroll down and tap Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls.
- Tap Dashboard.
- Select the app you want to restrict.
- Tap App Timer.
- Set the timer (e.g., allow usage for 1 hour daily).
- Once the timer is over, the app will be locked automatically.
⚠️ Note: This method doesn’t lock the whole phone, only apps.
🔧 Method 2: Use “Scheduled Power On/Off” (System Setting)
Some Android brands like Xiaomi, Vivo, and Oppo offer Scheduled Power On/Off to automate phone lock/unlock by shutting the device down.
📲 Steps:
- Go to Settings.
- Search for Scheduled Power On/Off.
- Set the Power Off Time (when the phone locks).
- Set the Power On Time (when it unlocks).
- Save and enable the schedule.
🔋 This method completely shuts down the device, not just locks it.
🔧 Method 3: Use Third-Party App – Smart AppLock or Lock Me Out
If you want more advanced options, use apps like Smart AppLock or Lock Me Out from the Play Store.
🔑 Recommended App: Lock Me Out
📲 How to Use Lock Me Out:
- Download & Install “Lock Me Out” from Google Play Store.
- Open the app and grant Accessibility permissions.
- Tap Schedules and select Add Schedule.
- Set Start Time and End Time for locking.
- Choose apps or full device lock.
- Tap Save.
Now your phone will lock/unlock automatically based on the time schedule you set.
🧠 Pro Tip: Use the Strict Lock Mode to prevent cheating the timer.
🔧 Method 4: Use Tasker App (Advanced Automation)
If you’re tech-savvy, Tasker can automate locking/unlocking with time.
📲 Tasker Time Lock Setup (Root Not Required):
- Download Tasker from the Play Store.
- Open the app and grant necessary permissions.
- Create a new Profile:
- Select Time.
- Set your desired start and end time.
- Add a Task:
- Select Display → Keyguard → Lock.
- Optionally add “Display → System Lock”.
- Save and activate.
⚠️ Tasker requires a bit of learning, but it’s powerful for automation.
🎯 Best Use Cases for Time-Based Lock
- Parents: Set lock on kids’ phones at bedtime
- Students: Block games and social apps during study hours
- Workers: Focus on work during 9-to-5 by locking distractions
- Night Users: Automatically lock apps or device during sleep
📌 Final Thoughts
Setting a lock in Android that opens or closes with time can help you stay focused, reduce screen time, and enhance privacy. Whether you prefer using built-in tools or powerful automation apps like Lock Me Out or Tasker, Android gives you flexible options.