[Feature] Security on smartphone : ask to unlock the app on launch

[Clems92]

I have searched the existing feature requests, both open and closed, to make sure this is not a duplicate request.

• Yes

The feature

Hi all!
Just discovered this incredible Immich app, thanks for all the job done, this is really impressive.

I'm proposing here to add a feature on the mobile apps: I would like to have the app locked, and ask to unlock via PIN and / or biometrics each time I want to open it.
This will add a nice safety / privacy layer on top of the things.

Thanks!

Platform

• Mobile
• Server
• Web

[bo0tzz]

This is usually something handled on the launcher/system level. Immich already has a locked folder, I don't see us also adding a whole-app lock.

[Clems92]

Hi! I see what you mean, but to me having a secured folder and securing the app are 2 different things.
On all the most popular app you have the secured folder, and the ability to lock the complete app on launch (WhatsApp for instance).

You just not want to put all your media in the locked folder, you just want that anyone with your phone in hands cannot open the app.

[foocode]

Strongly agree with @Clems92, different use-cases and biometric locking would be a handy option.

[Clems92]

I'm glad I'm not alone to think private folder and app locjing are 2 different usecases :)

[ifomfom]

Agreed. It is necessary to add an app lock! Photo albums are usually considered private. And the app lock should be separated from the system one because there’s always a case when you may share the device with someone who may have the system password but not the Immich albums!

[jongrall]

@bo0tzz I request this be reopened. OP is right. This feature is important in 2026. Device lock is not sufficient.

I suspect that a not insignificant proportion of Immich users embraced this software not only to escape subscription hell, and achieve better control over their media, but also to increase their privacy. Hence, privacy features are quite important to some subsection of the user base, myself included.

[Clems92]

Just check my Pixel 8 up do date, I do not have the option to lock the app from the launcher.

[bo0tzz]

Do you see that as different from biometric login on app load?

I see it as serving the exact same purpose.

I do not have the option to lock the app from the launcher.

Not all androids have it natively but it can be added on through other apps or custom launchers.

[Clems92]

I do not have the option to lock the app from the launcher.

Not all androids have it natively but it can be added on through other apps or custom launchers.

Ok thanks for your answer. This is not really straight forward then :)

[gr1mzod]

OS-level biometrics may also hide notification contents, iOS does this. It is not the same as an app-level lock.

[ramezrozza]

I agree with you guys. This should be added as a built-in security feature

[tdbegley28]

Again requesting to be re-opened. A locked folder does not serve the same purpose as an app lock.

[Clems92]

I gess it is worth to open a new topic and link to this one, I think no one is reading here as is has been closed too quickly.