How to lock apps on iPhone with a password, Face ID or Touch ID iOS 18

Discover various methods to lock iPhone apps for enhanced privacy and security with our comprehensive step-by-step guide.

What does a smartphone mean to the average person? This is not only a device for making calls and messages, it is a storage of personal information. Photos and videos, financial data, personal messages, applications that track a person’s physical activity and habits. There is a lot of private information that people want to reliably protect from prying eyes.

Usually people focus on securing their entire device, and do not care about protecting individual apps with critical information. In vain, because this is a reliable way to significantly enhance the protection of your data.

Apple pays special attention to data security and provides several built-in features that allow you to lock individual apps on your iPhone, including Screen Time, Guided Access, and Face ID/Touch ID. There are also third-party apps available in the App Store that can help you do this. Each method offers different levels of security and customization to meet your needs.

In this article, you will learn how to use the built-in features of your iPhone to lock apps, as well as how to utilize third-party app lockers for enhanced security. We’ll provide step-by-step guides for each method, helping you safeguard your personal information with ease.

Using Built-in Features to Lock Apps on iPhone - Step-by-Step Guide

Using Screen Time

Screen Time is a universal built-in iPhone feature that allows you to control and limit the time you spend using certain apps.

How to Set Up Screen Time

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.

2. Scroll down and tap on Screen Time.

3. Tap Turn On Screen Time, then select This is My iPhone or This is My Child’s iPhone.

4. Set a Screen Time passcode. You will use it to unlock apps.

How to Use Screen Time to Lock Apps

1. In the Screen Time menu, find and tap on App Limits.

2. Tap Add Limit and select the category or specific app you want to lock.

3. Set the time limit and tap Add.

4. Once the time limit is reached, the app will be locked and you will need to enter your Screen Time passcode to access it.

Tips for Customizing Screen Time Settings for Better Security

Always use a strong passcode, avoid combinations like “0000” or “1234”. For added security, make sure your Screen Time passcode is different from your device passcode.

Enable Downtime - this feature allows you to lock apps during specific times, such as at night. This will give you better control over your app usage.

Customize App Categories. You can group apps into categories, making it easier to set limits for multiple apps at the same time.

Guided Access

Guided Access is another useful built-in feature designed to lock you into one app and prevent you from leaving it. For example, your colleague wants to call from your phone, but you are afraid that he might see something on your device. With this feature, you can limit his access to only one application. Please note! This feature works only on iOS 11 or newer.

How to Enable and Use Guided Access

To use Guided Access to lock an app:

1. Open the Settings app, tap General and head to Accessibility. (On iOS 13 you can navigate from Settings app to Accessibility).

2. Scroll down to Guided Access and toggle it on (to the green position).

3. Head to Passcode Settings and click Set Guided Access Passcode. Enter a six-digit passcode. Avoid simple combinations like “000000” or “654321”. This passcode is different from the passcode used to lock your iPhone and from Screen Time.
   You can also toggle on Face ID or Touch ID to use a biometric password.

4. Open the app you want to lock and Triple-click the Side button (iPhone X or newer) or the Home button (iPhone SE or any older Apple device with a Home button). to start Guided Access.

5. Use your finger to circle parts of the screen you want to disable. It can cover the entire screen, you can move or resize the circle, or tap the X to remove it. Keep in mind that this option can only work for 24 hours while it is active.

6. Tap Guided Access.

7. Select the Start button.

To exit Guided Access, triple-click the button again, enter your passcode, and tap End.

Face ID/Touch ID

How to Enable and Configure Face ID/Touch ID for Specific Apps

Face ID and Touch ID provide a quick and secure way to lock specific apps, using biometric data to ensure that only you can access them. Unfortunately, not all apps can be locked with Face ID or Touch ID.

1. Open the Settings app and go to Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode.

2. Enter your passcode and tap Other Apps to load a list of third-party apps that support Face ID/Touch ID.

3. Toggle the switch next to the apps you want to secure with Face ID/Touch ID.

Popular Apps That Support Face ID/Touch ID Natively

Many popular apps natively support Face ID/Touch ID, including:

• Banking Apps (e.g., Bank of America, Chase)
• Password Managers (e.g., 1Password, LastPass)
• Note-Taking Apps (e.g., Evernote, Apple Notes)
• Messaging Apps (e.g., WhatsApp, Signal)

These methods allow you to secure sensitive information easily, ensuring that only you can access them. They are integrated with the iPhone’s operating system, and you have no need to download additional apps. But they have limited customization compared to third-party apps. Besides that, not all apps support Face ID/Touch ID natively. Some features, like Screen Time, can be bypassed by tech-savvy individuals.

Third-Party App Lockers

While Apple’s built-in features are robust, some users may prefer the added flexibility of third-party app lockers. These apps offer additional customization and security options. But many of them might not cover all application types, leaving some potential security gaps. Or can be complex to configure, especially for non-technical users. Many locking apps have intrusive ads or simply require a subscription.

SafeSpace: Hidden Photo Vault is a safe and convenient way to hide your photos. The only key to the data is your password. Your photos will remain securely protected even if your device or Apple ID is stolen. When choosing an IPhone app locker, consider all its advantages and disadvantages, paying the utmost attention to the safety of your information.

Additional Tips for Securing iPhone Apps

• Always update your apps to the latest version to benefit from security patches and new features. Enable automatic updates for both iOS and apps in the Settings.
• Use a strong, alphanumeric passcode instead of a simple 4-digit code.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your Apple ID and any apps that support it.
• Regularly review and update your passwords for all accounts linked to your iPhone.
• Enable Find My iPhone to track and lock your device if it’s lost or stolen.
• Disable automatic lock screen notifications for sensitive apps.

By following these guidelines and using the available features, you can significantly enhance the security of your iPhone and protect your personal information from unauthorized access.

FAQ

How do I remove or change app limits after setting them?

To remove or change app limits go to Settings > Screen Time > App Limits. Tap on the app or category you want to change. You can either adjust the time limit or delete the limit entirely by swiping left on the app limit and tapping Delete.

Can I lock individual apps on my iPhone without third-party apps?

Yes, you can lock individual apps on your iPhone using the Screen Time feature.

How do I change my Screen Time passcode?

To change your Screen Time passcode, go to the Settings app on your iPhone. Scroll down and tap on Screen Time. If you know your current Screen Time passcode, tap on Change Screen Time Passcode and enter your current one. After that, enter a new 4-digit passcode, and then confirm it.

What should I do if I forget my Screen Time passcode?

Go to the Settings app on your iPhone, scroll down and tap Screen Time. You’ll see an option that says Change Screen Time Passcode. Tap it. When prompted to enter your current passcode, tap Forgot Passcode? (available on iOS 13.4 and later). You’ll be asked to enter the Apple ID and password that was used to set up Screen Time. After successfully entering your Apple ID credentials, you can reset your Screen Time passcode. Enter a new passcode, and then confirm it.

Are there any third-party apps available for locking iPhone apps?

While the iPhone's built-in tools like Screen Time are recommended for security, some third-party apps claim to offer additional locking features. Study the info about these apps and choose the most reliable one, for example, SafeSpace.

Is it possible to lock apps with different passcodes?

No, iPhone’s built-in features do not allow you to set different passcodes for individual apps. The Screen Time passcode is universal for all apps you limit through this feature.