Sure, many manufacturers like to play around with the established lock screen formulas. For example Samsung gives their lock screens a general theme. But why buy an Android smartphone when you are not going to make it your own? The Android platform provides numerous customizations, from custom messengers to launchers and clocks to lock screens. We sought out the best android lock screen app and compiled a list of 10 apps. Note: The best android lock screen app list was tested on the Samsung Galaxy S3 phone running on a custom ROM with Android 4.4 Kit Kat. All of the apps worked well on the smartphone and did their job without a hitch. The final three apps were also tested on Asus MeMoPad tablet to ensure their universal usability.
1. Hidden Lock – Free
Sometimes you want to baffle the one sneaky person who got hold of your phone. For those awesome times of fun gained at the expanse of other’s bewilderment, Hidden Lock is the perfect app. The app basically locks your screen but doesn’t actually show how to unlock it. Essentially you will just get a blank screen with no directions and the background image. Only you will know where to tap and unlock the smartphone. So what is it at the last number on our 10 best android lock screen app list? It is quite easy to bypass the protection. Features:
The blank screen does look good. You can change the settings of the lock in detail. Changeable icon size makes it easier to unlock the device.
Notable Feature: The snoops will have to tap the whole screen to get access to the smartphone. But most of the time they will think that the device is hanged and leave it alone.
2. SlideLock – Free
SlideLock is the best android lock screen app when it comes to notifications. It is a simple lock screen app which doesn’t try to cram a lot of options. While the actual locking mechanism might be too close to stock Android, the notification system is quite excellent. The app also features a custom status bar which is a nice touch. The app also wakes the screen up every time you get a notification so you can quickly glance at the screen and know what is up. Features:
Act-able notifications, swipe right to open the corresponding app or left to dismiss. The custom status bar is great. Pebble watch support. Screen wake saves time especially if you work at a desk.
Notable Feature: Custom setting for each app including sounds and vibration makes SildeLock the best android lock screen app in terms of notifications and alerts.
3. Solo Locker – Free
Solo Locker had a lot going on and it actually seemed the best android lock screen app, well that was until the app started jamming their launcher down our throats. We like a good lock screen and without a doubt Solo Locker is one but we just can’t tolerate downloading a launcher for the screen to work perfectly. For the sake of the article, we gave a shot to the launcher too. It was a good one but not amazing to replace the Nova Launcher we were running. All in all Solo Locker is a good lock screen app with a lot of customization options. But use it only if you like the aforementioned launcher. Features:
Displays weather with animations. Pin, pattern and gesture security. Easily customizable.
Notable Feature: The app has numerous themes which makes it even more pretty and functional. Don’t like the look of one theme? Download another to freshen up the lock screen. Download from Appsapk
4. Sparky Lock – Free
Do you need something fancy yet elegant? Try Sparky Lock it has the spark of originality. There are two free themes in the lite version of the app and both of them have character and style. You can of course buy more themes, but that is entirely up to you. As for use, we really enjoyed the donut theme. The only reason why this app not further up the best android lock screen app list is because it has no security options whatsoever. It is not compatible with pattern or pin security methods. Features:
The themes are all gorgeous and lovely. Easy to use with one touch setup. Great performance and response time.
Notable Feature: The themes have personality and have unique features, For example the donut theme has usable functions mapped on it.
5. Tia Lock – Free
If you need the best android lock screen app for kids, then Tia Lock is the best you can do. The interactive lock screens are suitable for kids as well as adults alike. There are a lot of themes to choose from and almost all of them are fully animated and interactive. For example if you want you can unlock the screen by letting the bunny drink the beer. This may sound absurd but when you actually experience the app, you will love how the animations play out. One downside is that the animations, while funny, will take a little more time than we are accustomed to. Features:
Theme application and settings are easily accessible. Security has a dedicated settings panel. Emergency unlock is available which can be activated by long pressing the volume key. Customizable sound, vibration and screen lock times.
Notable Feature: You can access various functions like SMS, camera and email by mapping the actions to the lock screen. This may take some time but if you like the app, it will be all worth it.
6. C Locker – Free
C Locker combines usability with simplicity and gives you a great lock screen app. If you only want a competent and minimalistic lock screen app, then this is the app made for you. When it comes to straightforwardness, C Locker is the best android lock screen app. The app also works well on tablets and unlike other apps on the list; it actually looks great in landscape mode too. The app is also compatible with numerous widgets which care not mandatory. You can also set more than 10 custom shortcuts on the screen for easy access to your favorite apps. Features:
Add multiple widgets on the lock screen. Volume rocker controls can help in navigating music. RSS feeds from CNN and BBC as well as battery info. Calendar event reminder right on the lock screen.
Notable Feature: The app gives you the choice between digital and analogue clocks. It may not be a big deal to many, but for us selecting the classy analog clock is amazing.
7. My Locker – Free
With My Locker installed on your phone you will be able to make a lock screen and share it with friends. This is the best android lock screen app for those who like to get creative and show their work to friends. If your lock screen is great, your friends will be able to use it as theirs too. With a wide selection of clocks, date, weather widgets, you are sure to get the best out of the app whenever you want to test your creativity. There is also a pro version of the app which can be activated from the app itself. It will give you access to unlimited widgets on the lock screen. To be honest a clustered lockscreen is never a great one. Features:
Select the clock, date and weather widget. Locate the widgets wherever you want on screen. Multiple unlocking methods are available.
Notable feature: You can not only share your created lock screen with your friends but also upload it to the Theme Hub within the app. This will allow you to share the joy with the whole community and of course gain praise.
8. Go Locker – Free
We are great fans of the lightweight GO launcher on Android and its no wonder we tested their lock screen as well. Unsurprisingly, Go Locker is also a very competent app. There are a lot of features included in the free version of Go Locker and they are quite substantial. But unfortunately hiding some intriguing features behind a pay wall makes Go Locker lose the first place in the 10 best android lock screen app list. Just like the launcher, there are many amazing themes to be applied in the Go Locker. Some of them even replicate other popular mobile operating systems. Features:
Display current weather on the lock screen with animations. You can add everything to your lock screen for quick access. A vast number of themes give freedom.
Notable Feature: Go Launcher comes with standard security features. This means you get to protect your smartphone or tablet with pin, gesture or pattern locks.
9. Start – Free
Start is the best android lock screen app due to multiple reasons. One of the big reason is its simplicity and elegance. Another is the freedom of choice and themes. Start is the best android lock screen app because it provides you all the necessary features for absolutely free. Even the themes are free to download and easy to install. We loved the Star Wars theme, but that is because the geek inside us told to. Right from the lock screen you will be able to launch almost all the important apps. From call history to messaging and from Facebook to MX Player, all were readily accessible. Features:
Excellent performance without delays. Easily set 24 apps on the lock screen. Access settings directly by long pressing anywhere on the screen. See Facebook stream right on the lock screen.
Notable Feature: Calling or texting your friends and family without actually unlocking the phone is a great feature. Especially if you are in an emergency, this feature comes in quite handy.
Conclusion:
We have selected the best android lock screen app and it is Start. But that is just our opinion, we urge you to try the app which you like the best and tell us in the comments below why it is the best. We loved the style and accessibility of Start but maybe you will fall in love with Sparky or Go Locker. Having a fancy lock screen actually makes the whole smartphone experience a lot fresher, especially if you are sick of using the same lock screen over and over again. You might even be interested in learning how to unlock your phone if you forget the password or combo. So check out the free lock screen apps and tell us which one is the best android lock screen app according to you.
