How to Set a Time Lock on Your Mobile

Have you ever wondered how to make your phone automatically lock after a certain period of inactivity? Or perhaps you’re looking for a way to use the current time as your password? The phrase “time lock” can refer to both of these features on a mobile device.

This guide will walk you through the steps to set up both types of time locks on both Android and iPhone, helping you secure your device and optimize your battery life.

Understanding the Two Types of Mobile “Time Locks”

Before we get started, it’s important to clarify the two common meanings of “time lock”:

1. Screen Timeout (Auto-Lock): This is the most common use of the term. It’s a built-in feature on every smartphone that determines how long your screen stays on after a period of no activity before it automatically turns off and locks. Setting a shorter time can save battery, while a longer time is useful for reading or watching videos.
2. Dynamic Time Password (Third-Party App): This is a lesser-known but very secure method. It involves a third-party app that makes your phone’s current time your lock screen password. For example, if it’s 10:30 AM, your password is “1030.” This password changes every minute, making it nearly impossible for someone to guess.

Method 1: How to Set a Screen Timeout (Auto-Lock)

Adjusting your screen timeout is a simple process that can be done directly from your phone’s settings.

For Android Users

The exact names of the menus may vary slightly between manufacturers (Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, etc.), but the general path is the same.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Open your phone’s Settings app. You can usually find this by swiping down from the top of the screen and tapping the gear icon.
2. Navigate to Display. This menu controls all screen-related settings.
3. Look for and tap on Screen timeout or Screen off timeout. On some devices, it may be listed as “Sleep.”
4. A list of time options will appear (e.g., 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or “Never”).
5. Select your preferred duration. For most users, a 30-second to 1-minute timeout is a good balance between convenience and battery saving.

Tip: If you’re in a situation where you need your screen to stay on for a long time (like following a recipe), you can temporarily set the timeout to 5 or 10 minutes. Just remember to change it back later to conserve battery.

For iPhone Users

iPhones refer to this feature as “Auto-Lock.” The process is straightforward and consistent across most iOS versions.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on Display & Brightness.
3. Tap on Auto-Lock.
4. Choose your desired time. You will see options ranging from 30 seconds up to 5 minutes, as well as a “Never” option.
5. Your selection will be applied immediately.

Important Note on iPhone: If the “Auto-Lock” option is grayed out and you can’t tap it, it’s likely due to one of two reasons:

• Low Power Mode is On: When your iPhone is in Low Power Mode, the Auto-Lock is automatically set to 30 seconds to save battery. Turn off Low Power Mode to regain control of this setting.
• Guided Access is Enabled: If you have this accessibility feature on, it can lock your screen settings. Disable Guided Access from the Accessibility menu to make changes.

Method 2: How to Set a Dynamic Time Password Lock (Android Only)

This type of security is not a standard feature on most mobile operating systems and requires a third-party app. This method is currently popular on Android.

How it Works:

An app replaces your standard lock screen (PIN, pattern, or password) with one that uses the current time as the unlock code. Every minute, the password changes automatically. For example:

• At 08:15 AM, your password is 0815.
• At 08:16 AM, your password is 0816.
• At 08:17 AM, your password is 0817.

Setting it Up (Using a Third-Party App):

1. Go to the Google Play Store and search for “Screen Lock Time Password” or a similar phrase.
2. Choose an app with a high rating and a large number of positive reviews. A popular option is often just named “Screen Lock – Time Password.”
3. Download and install the app.
4. Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions. The app will ask for certain permissions to be able to draw over other apps and function as your lock screen.
5. You will be prompted to set up a “dynamic password.” You can choose from various formats, such as “Current Time,” “Pin + Current Time,” or “Pin + Date.”
6. Once you’ve configured your settings, the app will become your new lock screen, and your password will change with the time.

Word of Caution:

• Always be cautious when downloading apps that require extensive permissions. Read the reviews and check the developer’s credibility.
• Make sure to remember your backup method (usually a custom PIN) in case you get locked out or the app malfunctions.

Summary: Which Time Lock Is Right for You?

Feature	Screen Timeout (Auto-Lock)	Dynamic Time Password Lock
Primary Purpose	Battery saving & basic privacy	Advanced security & privacy
How It Works	Phone screen turns off after a set time	Current time is your password
Setup	Built-in to your phone’s settings	Requires a third-party app
Compatibility	All modern smartphones (Android & iOS)	Primarily for Android users via apps
Best For…	General use, conserving battery, and preventing accidental pocket dials	Users who want an extra layer of security that is difficult to bypass or guess