How to Lock Apps on Iphone With Face ID and Passcode

If you’ve ever worried about your privacy or wanted to keep curious eyes out of certain apps on your iPhone, you’re not alone. With the latest updates, Apple has made it easier to secure individual apps using Face ID or your device’s passcode. This adds an extra barrier that goes beyond just locking your phone. Want to know how you can set this up and what to consider before making changes? There are a few key steps you shouldn’t skip.

Locking Apps Using Face ID and Passcode in Ios 18 and Above

With iOS 18 and later, users now have the ability to enhance their app privacy by locking specific applications using Face ID or a passcode. To initiate this process, users can long-press the app icon, select “Options,” and then choose either “Require Face ID” or “Require Passcode.”

When this feature is activated, the app in question won't appear in notifications, Siri suggestions, or search results, thereby increasing user privacy.

Every time access to a locked app is requested, authentication is mandatory via Face ID, Touch ID, or the passcode.

It's important to note that built-in applications, such as Calculator or Settings, can't be locked using this feature. Users have the flexibility to alter the lock status of any app at any time by repeating the long-press action and following the provided prompts.

This functionality is particularly useful for individuals who wish to safeguard sensitive information within specific apps, thereby allowing for a more secure user experience.

Unlocking and Accessing Locked Apps

To access locked apps on an iPhone, users must tap the app icon and authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode. This authentication is required for each instance of accessing a locked app, and there's no option to bypass this requirement unless the user opts to permanently unlock the app.

To unlock an app, users must long-press the app icon on the Home Screen, select the option to not require Face ID, and then authenticate this change.

Locked apps are designed to enhance user privacy by concealing notifications, search results, and Siri suggestions until proper authentication is completed.

It's also important to note that lock settings for apps don't sync through iCloud, which necessitates manual updates of these settings when using new devices.

Hiding Apps for Enhanced Privacy

Hiding apps on an iPhone serves as an effective measure to enhance privacy by keeping sensitive applications out of sight. To hide an app, users can long-press its icon on the Home Screen, select the "Options" menu, and choose "Hide and Require Face ID" or Passcode.

Once an app is hidden, it won't appear on the Main Screen but will instead be stored in a Hidden folder. Accessing these hidden apps necessitates authentication via Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode.

It is important to note that only non-default apps can be hidden, thereby ensuring that essential applications remain readily accessible.

Additionally, in families using Family Sharing, there are restrictions on app hiding: children under the age of 13 are unable to hide apps, while older teens' activities are subject to parental monitoring.

Discovering and Opening Hidden Apps

To access hidden apps on your iPhone for privacy reasons, begin by navigating to the App Library by swiping left. Locate the folder labeled “Hidden.”

Upon tapping this folder, you'll need to authenticate your identity using either Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. Once authenticated, you'll see a list of all hidden apps. Selecting any app may require further authentication.

It is important to note that even if an app isn't visible on your Home Screen, its title could still be present in various settings, such as Screen Time reports or App Store purchase history.

If you wish to unhide an app, you must first authenticate within the Hidden folder. This procedure ensures that users maintain control over their app visibility while preserving privacy.

Removing App Locks and Returning Apps to Normal

After managing hidden apps, you may choose to remove app locks to restore regular access to specific applications.

To remove an app lock, navigate to the Home Screen and locate the app icon. Perform a long press on the icon to access the quick actions menu. From there, select the option that indicates not requiring biometric authentication, such as "Don’t Require Face ID."

You'll need to authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode to proceed with the action. Once the verification process is completed, the app lock will be removed.

Following this, you'll be able to access the app without restrictions, receive notifications as usual, and regain full search functionality within the app. The app will remain visible on both the Home Screen and in the App Library without any limitations.

Using Screen Time to Set Passwords on Apps

Screen Time provides a mechanism for securing apps on an iPhone by allowing users to set restrictions that require authentication to access certain applications. To utilize this feature, begin by navigating to Settings, then selecting Screen Time, followed by “App Limits” where you can impose time restrictions on specific apps or categories of apps.

By configuring a limited usage time, you'll require authentication through a password or Face ID after the set period expires, effectively preventing unauthorized access.

It is important to note that only individuals with the necessary permissions can modify these settings or bypass the established limits. Regularly reviewing and managing your Screen Time configurations is advisable to ensure that app usage aligns with your goals and to maintain the security of sensitive applications.

This method not only enhances the protection of your device but also helps you regulate app usage effectively according to personal or family preferences.

Applying Guided Access for Temporary App Locking

One effective method for temporarily locking an app on an iPhone is through the use of Guided Access, which is a built-in feature aimed at maintaining focus on a single application and restricting access to others.

To enable this feature, navigate to Settings > Accessibility and activate Guided Access. Once you have opened the desired app, you can initiate Guided Access by triple-clicking the side button.

This will allow you to configure various restrictions, such as disabling touch input or hardware buttons. It's also possible to set a passcode, which adds a layer of security by ensuring that only authorized users can terminate the Guided Access session.

To exit, triple-click the side button again and authenticate through Face ID, Touch ID, or the selected passcode, which will return you to the Home Screen.

This method provides a straightforward means of managing app accessibility, especially in situations where distraction needs to be minimized.

Guided Access provides a method for users to maintain focus on a single application, whereas Apple's Family Sharing feature presents more nuanced controls for app management among family members.

Children under the age of 13 are restricted from locking or hiding apps, which serves to ensure necessary parental monitoring. For adolescents aged 13 to 17, the capability to lock apps using Face ID is available; however, all actions taken within apps remain visible to a parent, allowing for oversight and the opportunity to analyze screen time usage.

It is important to note that app locking and hiding functionalities don't synchronize through iCloud. Additionally, restrictions regarding app locking may vary by country, which can lead to differences in the age limits for these features.

This system reflects a balance between providing young users with some autonomy and maintaining parental control.

Conclusion

Locking apps on your iPhone with Face ID or a passcode offers powerful control over your privacy. With iOS 18’s built-in features, you can easily secure, hide, and manage app access—keeping your information safe from prying eyes. Whether you’re protecting sensitive apps, using Screen Time settings, or setting restrictions for family, you’ve got the tools to customize your device’s security. Explore these options and enjoy greater peace of mind every time you use your iPhone.