Every Android phone has a power button. But relying on it exclusively has a real cost: it wears out over time, it can be awkward to reach on large phones, and when it finally breaks, you're stuck. There is a better way to lock your screen - software-based, always available, and faster than reaching for the side of the phone.
This guide walks through exactly how to do it.
Why Software Screen Lock Is Better
The physical power button does two things: it wakes the screen, and it puts it to sleep (locks it). The wake-up function is hard to replace. But the lock function - turning the screen off - can be fully handled by software on Android.
Software-based locking has several advantages:
- No wear on the hardware. The power button is a mechanical component with a finite lifespan. Every lock by software is one fewer click on a button that will eventually fail.
- Works from anywhere on screen. Instead of reaching to the side or top of the phone, you tap a button in any position you choose.
- Faster muscle memory. A floating button, widget, or notification shortcut is always in the same visible place, which is faster than hunting for a small side button.
- Fingerprint unlock still works. When you lock the screen through software on Android 9+, the fingerprint sensor remains active. You lock, you set the phone down, you pick it up and your fingerprint unlocks it - the same as always.
The Three Methods
Method 1: Floating Lock Button (Recommended)
A floating button sits persistently on top of every app on your screen. You tap it once, the screen locks. That is the entire workflow.
Turn Off Screen is the most widely used app for this on Android. It places a small, customizable icon on your screen. Tapping it locks immediately.
Setup steps:
- Install Turn Off Screen from the Play Store
- Open the app and tap the lock icon - your screen locks instantly
- On Android 9+, grant the Accessibility permission when prompted (see permissions section below)
- Customize the icon color in settings if you like
The floating button approach works inside every app, including full-screen apps and games. It cannot be covered by other windows because it sits in the system overlay layer.
Method 2: Notification Panel Shortcut
Turn Off Screen also creates a persistent notification with a lock action. When you pull down your notification shade, you see the shortcut and can tap it to lock.
This approach is useful if you prefer not having a floating icon on screen at all times. The notification does not appear on the lock screen itself, so it stays private.
Method 3: Home Screen or Lock Screen Widget
Android supports widgets on the home screen (and on some launchers, the lock screen too). Turn Off Screen provides a lock button widget you can add to any home screen panel.
This is the lowest-friction method if you frequently lock from the home screen - one tap on the widget, done.
Permissions Explained
The exact permission required depends on your Android version:
Android 9 and above: Turn Off Screen uses the Accessibility Service to simulate the power button press. This is the standard, approved method for screen locking on modern Android. The accessibility service does not read your screen content, does not capture input, and only acts when you explicitly tap the lock button.
Important note: If you force-stop or kill the app from recents, Android revokes the Accessibility permission. You will need to re-grant it. The solution is simple: do not kill the app. Leave it running in the background. It uses negligible battery because it sits idle until you tap the lock button.
Android 8 and below: Turn Off Screen uses the Device Administrator permission. This is the older mechanism for screen locking on pre-Android 9 devices. To uninstall the app, you must first deactivate Device Admin from the app's settings - otherwise Android blocks the uninstall.
Does It Work With Fingerprint and Smart Lock?
Yes, fully.
When you lock the screen using Turn Off Screen, Android treats it identically to a power button lock. Your fingerprint sensor remains active. Smart Lock features - trusted Bluetooth devices, trusted places, trusted face, on-body detection - all continue to work exactly as configured.
Foldable Phones
Turn Off Screen works flawlessly on foldable Android phones, including Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series. The floating button adjusts to whichever display is active.
How to Stop the App From Being Killed
On many Android phones - especially Samsung, Xiaomi, MIUI, and OPPO devices - aggressive battery optimization kills background apps, which revokes the Accessibility permission.
To prevent this:
- Go to Settings → Battery (or Battery & Device Care on Samsung)
- Find Turn Off Screen in the app list
- Set it to Unrestricted or Not optimized
- On Xiaomi/MIUI: enable Autostart for the app in Settings → Apps → Manage Apps → Turn Off Screen → Autostart
This is a one-time setup. After that, the app stays running, the permission stays active, and locking works every time.
Summary
| Method | Best for |
|---|---|
| Floating button | Always-available lock from any app |
| Notification shortcut | Minimal on-screen footprint |
| Home screen widget | Locking from the home screen |
All three methods require the same app and grant you full fingerprint and Smart Lock compatibility. Choose whichever fits your usage pattern - or use all three.
Download Turn Off Screen free on Google Play - no sign-up required.
No sign-up. Works on Android.