I’m trying to figure out how to lock individual apps on my iPhone to keep them private or restricted. I’ve been searching for an easy method to add extra security, but I’m not sure of the best way to do it. Any advice or tips would be helpful.
Okay, so locking individual apps on an iPhone—it’s not as straightforward as you’d think Apple would make it, but hey, here we are. Basically, you can use the Screen Time feature for this, which isn’t exactly app locking but close enough.
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Go to Screen Time. If it’s not on, enable it and set a Screen Time passcode (something your nosy friends or family won’t figure out because, let’s be real, they’re trying to get in for Netflix or whatever).
- Tap on App Limits and add the specific apps you want to ‘lock.’ You can select categories or individual apps here.
- Set the limit to just 1 minute per day—sounds dumb, but this “locks” the app when the limit is hit.
- Once the limit is reached, anyone trying to open the app will need to input the Screen Time passcode. And voilà—your apps are “locked.”
Alternative: If you just wanna go nuclear on security, you could also use Guided Access (also in Settings under Accessibility), but that’s more like locking your whole phone down temporarily. Not crazy useful for day-to-day stuff.
Downside? Apple still hasn’t officially introduced a feature like Android where you can legit put a passcode directly on apps. So… you’re stuck doing these hacks. Classic Apple, amirite? Anyway, hope this helps before you lose your patience Googling around for something simpler that doesn’t exist.
Honestly, locking apps on an iPhone feels like jumping through hoops Apple put up for… fun? 
But okay, let’s dive in. While @boswandelaar brought up the Screen Time workaround, it’s not a perfect solution. Like, setting the app limit to 1 minute per day? Yeah, cute idea until you have to explain why every app stops working after ONE minute—kinda sus. And what if you actually want to use the app but still keep it private? Annoying.
Here’s another angle: Shortcuts + Automation. It’s not exactly “locking,” but you can play around with automations to create a pseudo-layer of security. For example:
- Use Shortcuts to set up an Automation that triggers a passcode-requesting screen (using Guided Access) before opening certain apps.
- Could also set it up to lock your entire phone the moment certain apps get launched. Messy? Yes. Effective? Debatable.
- Downside: You’ll be tapping like a madman just to check Instagram, so this might not be your vibe.
Finally, while Guided Access is great (Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access), it essentially makes your phone a glorified “single-app” device. Not super convenient unless you’re handing your phone over to someone temporarily.
Can we also just talk for a sec about how absurd it is that Apple refuses to introduce straightforward app locks like Android has? You’d think with all the “privacy first” marketing, this would be a no-brainer. But nooo, we’re left improvising with Screen Time that’s more frustrating than functional. Classic.
Okay, listen – locking apps on an iPhone is like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube while blindfolded, frustrating but not impossible. Let’s break it down with a fresh perspective since @himmelsjager and @boswandelaar already tackled Screen Time and Guided Access. I’m zigging where they zag by giving you two more unconventional ideas – and yes, they’re just as hacky because Apple hasn’t blessed us with built-in app locks (why, Apple?!).
Option 1: Notes App Vault
Believe it or not, the Notes app can act as a pseudo-lock tool. For apps where you primarily store private data (passwords, details, etc.), you can do this:
- Move or copy sensitive info into a secure note within the Notes app.
- Open Notes, select the note you want to protect.
- Tap the share button, then choose Lock Note.
- Secure it with Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode.
Pros: Simple, no extra apps needed. Great for data like logins or private lists.
Cons: Doesn’t help with actual app access – just keeps info safe.
Option 2: App Store Restrictions
Let’s say you want to block someone from installing or accessing certain apps entirely.
- Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Turn it on and set a passcode.
- Then, go to Allowed Apps and toggle OFF whatever apps you want “locked” (Safari, Mail, etc.).
- Alternatively, block app installations under iTunes & App Store Purchases to prevent sneaky downloads.
Pros: Nice for keeping curious eyes out of app stores or stock apps.
Cons: Doesn’t apply to third-party apps already installed – feels halfway there.
Why Not a Third-Party App?
Let’s be real, folks: you’ll notice Android getting app lock glory with external apps. On iPhone? Forget it. Apple’s sandboxed ecosystem doesn’t allow third-party apps to act as gatekeepers for other apps. You might find apps claiming to “lock” apps on the App Store, but they’re often just file hiding tools – not real app lockers. Better to stop scrolling for something Apple simply won’t allow.
Gripes About Guided Access
Sure, @himmelsjager called it out nicely: Guided Access is handy in a “one-app-only” mode, but it’s far from practical unless you’re temporarily handing over your phone. You could enable it for something niche (like protecting a photo vault while lending your phone), but day-to-day use? Hard pass.
Could Screen Time Be Better?
Honestly? Yes, but let’s not dismiss @boswandelaar’s Screen Time workaround entirely. If you treat App Limits as a deterrent and don’t mind that slightly sus 1-minute rule, it’s usable. The one minor catch is that you end up micromanaging every tiny unlock because Apple forces you to re-enter the passcode each time. Clunky.
So TL;DR – Think of alternative methods to reorganize or hide your data (e.g., Notes Vault) rather than full “locks,” because Apple hasn’t stepped up yet. Meanwhile, if you’re dying for a real app-lock feature, well… consider how fast Android could seem tempting. Pros of Apple’s ecosystem: privacy-first with built-in security layers– but the downside is this very same locked-down nature makes simple tweaks (like app locks) impossible without a ton of creative workarounds.