Android has several lockscreen security options, each with a varying level of security and success. We have the standard slide to unlock, pattern, PIN and password unlock as well as face unlock and of course no lock at all. The problem with the pattern, PIN and password unlock are that if someone sees you unlock your phone they’ll know your password, and sometimes an unlock pattern can be inferred from marks or trails left behind on your screen.
Let’s face it, these are the only options at present – Face Unlock is a gimmick at best.
There is an option that can be used to fool would-be hackers, thieves, or plain old sticky beaks with prying eyes. Developer Justin Case, famous (or infamous depending on the side of the fence you sit) for his hacks for rooting many different phones has released an app that changes the lockscreen PIN based on the time displayed on the clock.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Sounds easy to hack doesn’t it? Not so fast — the app allows you to offset the PIN from the time in different ways. You can set an offset from 0001 up to 9999 that you can either add or subtract from the time to get the PIN, you can double the PIN/clock (eg. 10:34pm becomes 10341034), you can mirror the PIN and you can just reverse the PIN.
The reverse option is available for free, and the other methods are unlocked with in-app purchase of AU$2.22.
You don’t need root access to run TimePIN, but it does require device administrator authorisation.
If you are in any way even remotely security-conscious when it comes to your phone/tablet, this app is perfect for you. You’ll be able to keep your device locked safely and securely whilst remaining easy for you – and only you – to unlock.
If you use something like Tasker to turn off security when on your home WiFi, for example, the Tasker app won’t work.
It is a good idea but a pretty horrible app. After a few hours when you turn your device on you type in the pin and it doesn’t work. So you use the default pin and that doesn’t work. So you keep typing the pin in what it is supposed to be and it finally works after about 20 seconds. Rinse and repeat every time you turn on your phone. Works perfectly when the app is actively running. Also when you turn it off timepin off… it keeps turning pin security on again. You have to uninstall to get back… Read more »
I had some issues today too. Provided the developer with a log and he has updated the app already and fixed the issues I was having. Give that a try. I use Logcat extreme to record the log and email it.
Now that’s a nifty idea
My brain hurts
What we really want is a pin to lock contracts and a pin to lock drive, they would be the two most important things to lock.
Yes, wait until your drunk and then see how much you like it………so its 10:30 with an ofset of 0005 and my pin is um………..
Surely that could be a bonus for some drunk texters 😉
I’m using this and loving it!