How to Lock Apps on Your iPhone - 5 Effective Methods

Smartphones today are no longer limited to making calls or texting. Instead, they are a mini world in themselves, storing all your personal and crucial information. Be it your banking details, personal conversations, or your social media accounts, you have to make sure all this information is safe on your device. As per recent statistics there has been 9 million iOS app downloads as of July 2024 and Move to iOS was downloaded the most. One way to do so is to ensure all the apps on your phone are locked and safe. In this blog, we will learn how to lock apps on the iPhone via different methods.

Let’s start.

5 Ways To Lock Apps on iPhone

Let us now have a look at different methods to lock apps on iPhone.

Method 1: Using Face ID/Touch ID

Various apps on iPhone come with Face ID and Touch ID support. This can help you lock those apps on iPhone. Here’s how you can do so:

=> How to Set It Up

• Open the app that supports Face ID/Touch ID (e.g., Notes or WhatsApp).
• Go to the app’s Settings and look for Privacy or Security options.
• Enable Face ID or Touch ID authentication.
• Follow the prompts to activate the feature.

Now, whenever you will open the app, you will have to authenticate using using Face ID or Touch ID. This way, no other person can open these apps.

Method 2: Using Screen Time Limits Feature

Another way to lock apps on an iPhone is to limit Screen Time. Although this feature is designed for parental controls, it is useful for app locking.

=> How to Use It

• Open Settings on your iPhone.
• Now, tap Screen Time.
• Select App Limits and tap Add Limit.
• Choose the category or specific apps you want to lock.
• Set the time limit to 1 minute and enable Block at End of Limit.

Once the time limit expires, the app will be locked, requiring a Screen Time passcode to access it.

Method 3: Using Guided Access

Next way to lock apps on iPhone is through the Guided access feature. This feature lets you restricts your iPhone to a single app and prevents users from leaving it. Here’s how to enable it:

• Open Settings on your iPhone.
• Now, go to Accessibility.
• There, click on Guided Access.
• Toggle it On and set up a Passcode or use Face ID/Touch ID.
• Open the app you want to lock.
• Next, triple-press the Side/Home button to activate Guided Access.
• Finally, tap Options and disable Touch/Buttons to prevent access.

To exit Guided Access, triple-press the Side/Home button and enter the passcode.

Method 4: Using Third-Party Applications

If built-in options don’t meet your needs, you can use third-party apps to lock your apps with passwords, Face ID, or Touch ID.
Popular Third-Party Apps for App Locking:

• iProtect
• AppLocker
• BioLockdown

BioLockdown

One of the best way to lock apps on iPhone is using BioLockdown. This third-party apps offers you both app lock and folder lock options. Using this app, you can customize settings and use TouchID for improved security. There are plenty of features like cloud synchronization, secure password generation, priority support, and unlimited data storage, that makes it one of the best apps to secure your data.

AppLocker

Another in-demand third-party solution to lock apps on iPhone is through AppLocker. This app is compatible with iPhone 6s and newer models and offer plenty of ways to secure your apps. You can either use Face ID, TouchID or Fingerprint support to lock the apps.

iProtect

iProtect is a well-known app that secures your apps, folders, contacts, photos, and call history. Its offline functionality sets it apart—you don’t need an internet connection to use it. Key features include cloud synchronization, adding notes, sharing credentials, and syncing across all logged-in devices. It also supports TouchID and FaceID, along with a single-click quick login for added convenience.

These apps work by creating a secure vault for your apps, requiring authentication before access. Apple limits app-locking features, so these apps might not work for all applications.

Method 5: Using Shortcuts

Apple’s Shortcuts app can be creatively used to lock apps by setting up automation that prevents unauthorized access.

=> How to Set It Up

• Open Shortcuts on your iPhone.
• Then, go to Automation.
• Now, tap on Create Personal Automation and Select App.
• Next, choose the app(s) you want to lock and tap Next.
• Click on Add Action, then select Lock Screen or set a Timer to close the app.
• Tap Done to save.

Now, every time someone tries to open the locked app, the shortcut automatically locks the screen or closes the app.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your iPhone locked can prevent data theft or breach. Although iPhones do not have a universal app lock feature, the above methods will help you keep your information safe. Depending on your priorities and needs, you can try any of the above methods to lock apps on your iPhone. If you prioritize security, Face ID/Touch ID and Screen Time provide built-in solutions. Guided Access, third-party apps, and Shortcuts offer creative alternatives for ioadditional flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there a need to lock apps on iPhone?

One of the major reasons why you should lock apps on iPhone is to keep your sensitive information safe, such as personal messages, photos, notes, banking details and more.

How to lock apps in iPhone?

There are several ways of doing so. You can enable Face ID or Touch ID for certain apps. Besides, you can also take help of third-party apps to lock apps on your iPhone.

Do iPhones come with built-in app lock?

Unfortunately, iOS does not support built-in app lock feature. Certain apps however allow you to add Touch ID or Face ID lock but there’s no universal app lock feature available as of now.

How can I lock WhatsApp on iPhone?

To do so, go to WhatsApp>Settings> Privacy> Screen Lock option. Now, click on “Require Face ID/Require TouchID” and toggle to ON. Finally, select the duration.

Do iPhone come with hidden folder?

No iPhone does not have a concept of the hidden folder. However, you can hide private photos and videos via the Photos app. Go to Photos> Select the photo/video you would like to hide> Click on the three-dot menu> Choose Hide.

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