How to Use Pin Windows For Screen Pinning on Samsung (Android 14)

Screen pinning is an unknown feature, but at the same time is a useful security tool that restricts access to your device to only one application. Screen pinning is also known as Pin Windows in Samsung Galaxy devices with Android Oreo till Android 14. However, it can be useful when someone asks you to borrow your phone. You can pin an app, for example, and give a friend your phone. Your friend can use the app only with the screen pinning. You will unpin the screen to use your other applications again. So, in this guide, you’ll learn how to use screen pinning on a Samsung Galaxy phone.

What is Pin Windows?

Pin windows also known as Screen pinning in other Android devices is a useful feature in Samsung Galaxy smartphones with Android Oreo and later. It was first introduced in Android 5.0 Lollipop as “Screen Pinning.” You can pin an application to your device’s screen. This feature locks your phone so that only the pinned application is available to the person using it. In addition, pinning an application avoids interruptions to other programs and functions and prevents you from unintentionally exiting the program.

Turn on and Use Pin Windows for Screen Pinning on Samsung (Android 14)

To use this useful feature, you need to enable it first. This hidden feature can be found in your phone’s Settings app. Here’s how to turn the Pin windows on:

Step 1. Go to the Settings app.

Step 2. Tap Security and privacy.

Step 3. Tap More security settings.

Step 4. Tap on Pin app at the bottom of the screen.

Step 5. Enable the Pin app feature. It’s optional, you can also turn to Ask for PIN before unpinning on as well.

The problem is that unpinning the screen is as simple as holding two buttons, which Android informs you how to do when you enable screen pinning. Therefore, to protect your data, make sure that Ask for PIN before unpinning is turned on or enabled.

• Open an app you want to pin to the screen.
• Touch the recent key or swipe up and hold to bring the recent active apps.
• Once you locate the app you wish to pin, tap the icon on the top of the app.
• A submenu will appear with the option “Pin this app.” Now tap Pin this app and you’re done.

When pinned, you can safely hand over your phone to your mates, friends, or family without having to worry about searching around where they shouldn’t be.

How to Unpin an App on Samsung Galaxy

To unpin the app when Navigation buttons are enabled:

1. Touch and hold the Recent’s and back buttons at the same time.
2. Enter your PIN, pattern, or password if you’re asked for it.

To unpin the app when the Full-screen gestures are enabled:

1. Swipe up and hold.
2. Enter your PIN, pattern, or password if you’re asked for it.

Screen pinning (Pin windows) is helpful in situations where someone asks to borrow your phone to make a call without any hesitation. However, if someone unpins an app then he or she will need to provide a PIN or password, so overall, a good security feature to have.

Read Next

Where is the Assistant Menu on Samsung Galaxy Phones?