5 Best Ways to Lock Apps on iPhone (2024)

Apple prides itself on offering iPhones with the best security features. From passcode to Touch ID to Face ID, Apple has tried to improve the security of user data on its devices. However, you would still want to add another layer of protection to apps installed on your iPhone.

Whether you share your iPhone with your partner or kids, locking select apps can save your data from getting peeked at. Luckily, you won’t need to install sketchy third-party apps on iPhone for that. However, ensure that your iPhone runs the latest iOS version.

1. Using Face ID and Passcode

Face ID has become one of the most reliable security features. Apple has been offering Face ID since the launch of the iPhone X. Over time, Apple has added useful features such as the option of using Face ID with a mask. You can lock apps using Face ID or passcode on your iPhone model. Here’s how.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone and select Face ID & Passcode.

Step 2: Tap on ‘Set Up Face ID.’

Step 3: Tap on Get Started button and follow the on-screen animation to register your Face ID.

Step 4: After you register a Face ID, tap on Other Apps.

Step 5: Turn on the toggle next to the app name that you want to secure with Face ID.

Struggling to get the Face ID working? Check our guide on fixing Face ID not working on iPhone.

2. Using Screen Time

Apart from monitoring your iPhone usage, Screen Time feature can help prevent apps from unwanted access. The App Limits and Content Restrictions are two smart features that you can enable for that. Read our post to know how to set App Limits on your iPhone.

Follow the steps mentioned below to put Content Restrictions on apps.

Step 1: Open the Settings app and select Screen Time.

Step 2: Scroll down and select Content and Privacy Restrictions.

Step 3: Select Allowed Apps and turn on the toggle next to the app names that you want to restrict.

You also get the option to limit website content that prevents your kids from accidentally accessing adult websites through Safari or Chrome on iPhone.

3. Using Guided Access

Another way to lock apps on your iPhone is with Guided Access. This feature is helpful when you hand over your iPhone to someone for using just a single app. To disable this feature for accessing other apps, the user will have to enter a passcode. Refer our guide on how to enable Guided Access on your iPhone.

4. Using Shortcuts App

The Shortcuts app on iPhone is a treasure trove of tools and automation that lets you control your iPhone usage. One of those tools is to lock certain apps right when someone tries them by automatically locking your iPhone itself. For example, you can lock the Messages app by using the Shortcuts app. When someone taps on the app icon, your iPhone will get locked automatically and can be accessed only using Face ID or passcode. Here’s how to enable this feature.

Step 1: Open the Clock app on your iPhone and tap on Timer at the bottom-right corner.

Step 2: Select When Timer Ends.

Step 3: Scroll down and select Stop Playing. Then, tap on Done at the top-right corner.

Step 4: Close the Clock app and open Shortcuts.

Step 5: Tap on Automation at the bottom.

Step 6: Select the Plus icon at the top-right corner and select Create Personal Automation.

Step 7: Scroll down and select App.

Step 8: Tap on Choose and search the app of your choice from the list.

Step 9: Tap on Next and select Add Action.

Step 10: Select Start Timer from the list of actions.

Step 11: Set the Timer for 1 second and select Next at the top-right corner.

Step 12: Tap the toggle to disable Ask Before Running. Then, select Don’t Ask from the prompt.

Step 13: Tap on Done at the top-right corner to confirm and create the automation.

5. Using In-App Two-Factor Authentication

Apps like WhatsApp and Telegram also offer in-app 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) to lock them. We will show you an example of WhatsApp on iPhone.

Step 1: Open WhatsApp on your iPhone and select Settings at the bottom-right corner.

Step 2: Select Account and tap on Two-Step Verification.

Step 3: Select Turn On and set up the passcode for WhatsApp.

Lock Your iPhone Apps

You don’t have to worry about anyone randomly opening apps to peek into your data after you know how to lock apps on your iPhone. In this digital age, data protection needs to be your top priority. Following a few more security measures prevent unwanted access to your data in apps on iPhone. Refer our post on 20 more iPhone privacy settings to secure your data.