This post explains how to lock apps on iPhone so that you may protect your app settings or prevent family members, friends, and children from viewing anything they shouldn’t. Sadly, iOS lacks an official built-in feature that would enable the locking of individual programs. As a result, the procedure of locking iPhone apps is somewhat limited and unlike that of Android. This feature can help protect your privacy and guarantee that only authorized users may be able to access it.
On your iPhone, you have the option to lock apps with or without screen time. In addition, third-party programs that assist with managing screen time and locking apps are available. These programs let you lock certain apps or websites and control how much time you spend on screens. Thus, continue reading if you want to find out how to lock apps on your iPhone without screen time or with a passcode.
Locking iPhone Apps with Screen Time
Your iPhone’s built-in Screen Time function may impose usage restrictions on apps. All apps can be locked with it, except the phone app. It’s only compatible with iOS 12 and up, and it locks the app for a limited period of time. Other than that, it’s really simple to use.
First, select Screen Time from the Settings app. Select Turn on Screen Time and set a Screen Time Passcode if it isn’t already enabled. Next, select App Limits and turn them on if necessary. After that, select Add Limit and either limit it to one app category or limit nearly all of the apps on your phone by selecting All Apps & Categories.
Now, decide how long you want to give the software a run. On this screen, you may also completely disable some apps by setting up a password that will require you to open the app. Finally, press Add to complete. Apps that are connected to your credit card or bank account or that can be used to make purchases, are especially well-protected by this feature.
Set Up Guided Access to Lock Apps
Guided Access can lock up all but one iPhone app of your choosing. You might want to use this if you’re letting a friend or child borrow your phone to lock all of the apps on your phone except the one they will be using. This will prevent them from accessing sensitive data, social media, and your photos, just in case their fingers wander. To turn it on, follow these steps:
- First of all, visit your smartphone’s “Settings” section and tap on the “Accessibility” section.
- After that, toggle on the “Guided Access” section, and tap on the “Passcode Settings” section.
- Then, choose the “Set Guided Access Passcode” option, enter a passcode, re-enter your passcode, and open the app you want unlocked.
- Now triple-click the side button on iPhone X or later, or triple-click the home button on iPhone 8 or earlier.
- Finally, tap on the “Guided Access and Start” button and the app lock will be successful.
To unlock every app on your device, triple-click either the side or the home button. Then, type in your passcode for Guided Access and select End. Once again, you can access all the apps.
Locking iPhone Apps with Face ID
If you choose not to use screen time for the same purpose, you can use Face ID (available in iPhone X and subsequent models) to lock apps on your iPhone. This is a very practical and simple-to-use solution. For this:
- First, open the “Settings” section and choose the “Face ID & Passcode” option.
- Then enter your iPhone passcode, scroll down to the “Use Face ID For” option, and tap on the “Other Apps” option.
- Finally, toggle on the button (green) located next to the app that you want to lock.
Locking iPhone Apps Using Touch ID
Many customers continue to depend on previous iPhone models, even though every new version of iOS has features & improvements. There has been no compromise on Apple’s privacy, even with devices like the iPhone SE and iPhone 8 and 8 Plus. Touch ID makes it simple to lock iOS 11 or older iPhone apps. This explains how to use your fingerprint to lock apps on an iPhone.
- You must first set up Touch ID on your iPhone by entering your fingerprint. But you can only then use it to lock apps.
- Enter your passcode after opening Settings and choosing Touch ID & Passcode.
- For the app, you may want to use Touch ID to lock and flip their toggle switches on.
Wrapping It Up
Discover how to lock apps on your iPhone to improve security & privacy. Use Screen Time, Face ID, Touch ID, and other techniques to properly protect your app data. Learn how you can lock iPhone apps with a passcode or without screen time by following the step-by-step instructions. So, you should make sure your private data is safe by using these practical tips.
