Pin & unpin screens

You can pin an app's screen to keep it in view until you unpin it.

For example, you can pin an app and hand your phone to a friend. With the screen pinned, your friend can use only that app. To use your other apps again, you can unpin the screen.

Important: Some of these steps work only on Android 11 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.

1. Open your phone's Settings app.
2. Tap Security or Security & location Advanced App pinning.
   • If you can't find it, get help from your device manufacturer.
3. Turn on App pinning.

When app pinning is on, you need to enter your PIN, pattern, or password before you can unpin.

After turning on app pinning:

1. Go to the screen you want to pin.
2. Swipe up to the middle of your screen and hold. If this doesn't open your Overview, go to the steps for Android 8.1 & below:
   • 3-button navigation: Tap Overview 
3. At the top of the image, tap the app's icon.
4. Tap Pin .

1. Choose how to get around on your device. Learn how to get around on your Android phone. 
2. To unpin a screen:
   • Gesture navigation: Swipe up and hold.
   • 2-button navigation: Touch and hold Back and Home .
   • 3-button navigation: Touch and hold Back and Overview .
3. If you're asked for your PIN, pattern, or password, enter it.