- Use Face ID and Passcode. Go to Settings > Face ID and Passcode and follow the on-screen steps to set it up.
- Open Settings > Screen Time > Content and Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps > Choose the apps you want to restrict.
- Use Guided Access or the Shortcuts app to lock apps on your iPhone.
Method 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 Settings > Face ID and Passcode > Set Up Face ID > Get Started .
Step 2: Once done, choose Other Apps > Select the apps that should use Face ID.
Tip: Struggling to get the Face ID working? Check our guide on fixing Face ID not working on iPhone .
Method 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 Settings > Screen Time > Content and Privacy Restrictions .
Step 2: Select Allowed Apps and then 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.
Method 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 .
Method 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 then tap on Timer at the bottom-right corner.
Step 2: Select When Timer Ends > Stop Playing > Set .
Step 3: Close the Clock app and then open Shortcuts .
Step 4: Tap on Automation at the bottom.
Step 5: Select the Plus icon at the top-right corner > Create Personal Automation .
Step 6: Select App > Choose > Search the app of your choice .
Step 7: Tap on Next and then select Add Action .
Step 8: Select Start Timer from the list of actions.
Step 9: Set the Timer for 1 second and then select Next at the top-right corner.
Step 10: Tap the toggle to disable Ask Before Running . Then, select Don’t Ask from the prompt .
Step 11: Tap on Done at the top-right corner to confirm and create the automation.
Method 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.
Open WhatsApp > Settings > Account > Two-Step Verification > Turn On > Enter your passcode .
