To lock an app on an iPhone running iOS 18 or later, follow these steps:
- Locate the app you want to lock on your Home Screen, App Library, or via Spotlight Search.
- Touch and hold the app icon until the quick actions menu appears.
- Tap "Require Face ID" (or "Require Touch ID" or "Require Passcode," depending on your device and preference).
- Confirm by tapping "Require Face ID" (or the corresponding option) again.
- Authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode as prompted.
Once set, the app will require biometric authentication or a passcode to open. This also prevents the app’s information from appearing in other places like notifications, Siri suggestions, or CarPlay. Note that the locked status applies only to the device where you set it and does not sync across devices via iCloud
. Some built-in apps like Calculator, Camera, Clock, Contacts, Find My, Maps, Shortcuts, and Settings cannot be locked using this method
. Alternatively, for earlier iOS versions or additional control, you can use the Screen Time feature to set app limits with a passcode lock:
- Go to Settings > Screen Time > App Limits.
- Add a limit to the desired app(s) with a minimal time (e.g., 1 minute).
- Enable "Block at End of Limit" to require a Screen Time passcode to continue using the app beyond the limit.
This method effectively locks apps behind a passcode as well
. In summary, the easiest and official way to lock apps on iPhone in iOS 18+ is via the quick actions menu with Require Face ID/Touch ID/Passcode, while Screen Time offers an alternative for locking apps on earlier iOS versions.
