v2.0

🔒Locked EmojiUnicode: 1F512

A symbol for something locked.

Released in The Locked emoji was introduced in Unicode 6.0 in 2010 as part of the Miscellaneous Symbols block, becoming widely available on platforms like iOS and Android shortly after.

locklockedsecurepadlockkeysafetyprotectionprivacyclosedrestricted

Meaning and Interpretation

The Locked emoji (🔒) depicts a padlock, primarily representing the concept of securing items, accounts, or information to prevent unauthorized access. It conveys ideas of safety, privacy, and restriction in both digital and physical contexts, often used to indicate that something is protected or inaccessible until unlocked. This emoji is versatile, appearing in conversations about passwords, secure settings, locked doors, or even metaphorical situations like a guarded secret.

Symbolism

  • Security and protection against potential threats or intrusions
  • Privacy and confidentiality, such as hiding personal information
  • Restriction of access, symbolizing barriers or prohibitions

Common Usage Scenarios

  • Indicating that an online account or profile is set to private
  • Showing a physical object like a door or safe is locked for safety
  • Emphasizing secure transactions, such as in banking or app logins

Usage Examples in Conversation

Just set my phone to password protection mode 🔒, no one can snoop around now!
Make sure to lock the gate before we leave 🔒, don't want any surprises.
My social media is totally 🔒 for privacy, only close friends get in.
I always keep my journal 🔒 in a drawer, it's my personal space.
The app updated with extra security 🔒, now it's safer than ever.

Usage Guidelines and Etiquette

  • Use 🔒 sparingly in casual chats to avoid making conversations feel overly formal or restrictive.
  • Pair it with clear context to prevent misunderstandings, especially in professional or sensitive discussions.
  • Avoid using it in contexts where it might imply suspicion, as it can sometimes come across as overly cautious.

Related Emojis

🔑

Key

Represents unlocking or gaining access, often paired with locked items.

🛡️

Shield

Symbolizes defense and protection, similar to how 🔒 secures things.

🔐

Locked with Pen

Indicates a locked state with a keyhole, emphasizing secure writing or notes.

🚪

Door

Used for entry points that might be locked, relating to physical security.

💼

Briefcase

Represents secure storage of important items, akin to a locked container.

No Entry

Signifies prohibition, often used alongside 🔒 for restricted areas.

🗝️

Old Key

Evokes traditional locking mechanisms, complementary to modern locks.

🔍

Magnifying Glass

Indicates searching for security issues, like checking what's locked.

🕵️

Detective

Relates to investigations of locked or secure matters.

🚫

Prohibited

Denotes forbidden access, similar to the restrictive nature of 🔒.