Pin and 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 only work on Android 11 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.

Turn on app pinning

1. Open your phone's settings app.
2. Tap Security or Security and 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.

Pin a screen

After turning on app pinning:

1. Go to the screen that 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 and below:
   • 3-button navigation: Tap Overview 
3. At the top of the image, tap the app's icon.
4. Tap PIN .

If you're using Android 8.1 and below

1. Go to the screen that you want to pin.
2. Tap Overview .
3. Swipe up to show the Pin . You'll see it at the bottom right of your selected screen.
4. Tap the Pin .

Unpin a screen

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.
   • Two-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.