Hi, I’m wanting to set up app locking on my Pixel 4a with only a physical device to unlock them. Preferably something keychain-able.

Here are some options I’ve looked into and considering:

• Bluetooth device with…
  • separate Android profile + Smart Lock
  • AppLock - Fingerprint app
    • this is the only app of this type I found that supports Bluetooth
• NFC tag with…
  • some app locker app, though I haven’t been able to find one that supports NFC
  • Tasker (related how-to)

Here are some options I’ve looked into and not considering:

• USB-C security key
  • would prefer a wireless option to not wear out the phone’s port
• Unpluq
  • I don’t like subscriptions
• Smart Lock doesn’t support NFC anymore (request to bring it back)

Notes:

• I actually have an old Google Bluetooth Titan Security Key, but it doesn’t seem to work with Smart Lock. It doesn’t let me add it as a trusted device despite being successfully paired. I think it might operate on Bluetooth Low Energy.
• Seems like NFC might be better than Bluetooth for my purposes since I wouldn’t have to worry about battery life.
• I don’t know what Bluetooth device might work best for this purpose. I believe products like Tile also work on Bluetooth Low Energy.
• Any recommendations on NFC tags? Seems like Etsy might be good to get something somewhat customizable and better looking than the blank chips I’ve seen listed online.

Happy to hear anything you have to share on this topic!