Introduction
An unlocked phone should not mean an open Buzzio.
App lock is a whole-app gate. Choose biometric unlock or a custom secret (PIN, pattern, or password). Optional Lock Database wraps the SQLCipher database key while locked so background delivery cannot open a readable local DB — notifications show “New message” without bodies.
We do not hold a staff override for your app lock secret. Forgot PIN is not the same path as 12-word phrase recovery.
Why Buzzio is best for app lock
Whole-app gate
Blocks the Buzzio UI until biometric or custom unlock — beyond the phone’s own lock screen.
Biometric or custom
Fingerprint / Face ID / device lock, or Numeric PIN, Pattern, or Password — mutually exclusive methods.
Lock Database
With custom lock, seal the SQLCipher key while locked. New custom locks default this on.
Redacted notifications
While the DB is sealed, alerts can show “New message” without leaking body text.
Auto-lock choices
Lock every time you leave the app, or after the phone is locked — pick the habit that fits.
Escalating lockouts
Failed custom unlocks: 3 tries, then escalating delays from 30 seconds toward an hour.
What you get
- Biometric unlock
- 6-digit PIN
- Pattern
- Password
- Lock database
- Auto-lock options
- Redacted alerts
- Calls still answerable
How it works
How to enable
Open App lock
Go to Profile → Privacy → App lock.
Choose a method
Pick Biometric, or Custom lock with Numeric PIN (6), Pattern (min 4), or Password (min 6).
Set auto-lock
Lock every time you leave the app, or after the phone is locked.
Consider Lock Database
On custom lock, keep Lock Database on so the local encrypted DB stays sealed while Buzzio is locked.
Biometric vs custom
Biometric
- Fingerprint / Face ID / device lock
- Fast reopen
- Cannot combine with custom lock
- Lock Database requires custom lock
Custom lock
- PIN, pattern, or password
- Lock Database available
- Escalating failed-attempt lockouts
- Forgot path ≠ phrase restore
Lock Database
Lock Database wraps the SQLCipher key with your app-lock secret while Buzzio is locked. Background FCM cannot open a readable database in that state. Notifications stay body-free. New custom locks default Lock Database on; older custom locks without it may see a one-time recommend sheet.
Lock Database is available with custom lock — not biometric-only.
Auto-lock
Choose whether Buzzio locks every time you leave the app, or after the phone itself is locked. Incoming calls can still be answered while the app gate is up — so you do not miss a ring just because the chat UI is sealed.
Boundaries
App lock vs Chat Lock
App lock
- Gates the whole Buzzio app
- Optional Lock Database
- Privacy → App lock
Chat Lock
- Locks one chat / group / community
- Chat can stay visible in the list
- Separate from whole-app App lock
Private Vault also has its own biometric gate — not the same control as App lock.
What App lock does not mean
It is not a Buzzio-held backup of your PIN. It does not block screenshots by itself — use Screen security, once-view, or Whisper’s default session protection for capture hardening. It is not phrase recovery. And a determined attacker with the unlocked secret (or enough device compromise) is outside what an app lock UI can promise alone.
Tips
- Prefer custom lock + Lock Database on shared or work phones
- Do not reuse a weak PIN you use elsewhere
- Remember: forgot PIN ≠ enter recovery phrase to reset lock
- Pair with Screen security for capture hardening on this device
Ready to gate the app?
Download Buzzio, open Privacy → App lock, and add a biometric or custom gate — with Lock Database if you want the DB sealed too.