iOS 17/18/26: How to Lock Apps on iPhone

With the release of iOS 18, Apple has finally delivered a built-in, official way to lock apps on iPhone using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. It's a game-changer for privacy and peace of mind.

This definitive guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We'll start with the new, official iOS 18/26 method, as it is the best solution for anyone with an updated device. After that, we'll cover the most effective workarounds for those still using iOS 17 or older.

Part 1. How to Lock Apps on iPhone in iOS 18/26

If your iPhone is running iOS 18 or iOS 26, forget everything you've heard about complex workarounds. You now have a seamless, integrated tool to secure your apps.

Locking an app means that every time you (or anyone else) tries to open it, the iPhone will require biometric authentication or your passcode. This is perfect for securing messaging apps, photo libraries, and banking applications.

Step 1: Locate the app you wish to lock, either on your Home Screen or within the App Library.

Step 2: Long-press on the app's icon until a menu appears.

Step 3: From the menu, tap Require Face ID (or Touch ID/Passcode, depending on your device). Confirm your choice.

Part 2. How to Lock Apps on iPhone in Other iOS Versions

If you haven't updated to iOS 18 yet, you don't have to leave your apps unprotected. For years, resourceful users have relied on three clever workarounds using built-in iOS features. While not as seamless as the official method, they are still effective.

Method 1. Using Screen Time (iOS 12 to iOS 26)

Starting with iOS 12 and later models, you can lock apps with a password using the Screen Time or Restrictions feature. While this function allows you to lock nearly all apps, it does not restrict access to certain essential ones such as Settings and Phone. Follow the steps to lock apps on iPhone using Screen Time feature.

Step 1: Launch Settings app on your iPhone and tap on Screen Time. If not enabled, then choose Use Screen Time Passcode and create a passcode to enable Screen Time restrictions.

Step 2: Tap on App Limits and switch the toggle to the on position (it will appear green).

Step 3: Tap on Add Limit, enter your screen time passcode, and select the app(s) you wish to restrict. If your intention is to impose limits on nearly all applications on your iPhone, opt for All Apps & Categories. After making your selection, tap on Next.

Step 4: You will be prompted to set the duration of use. Enable Block at End of Limit option. Tap on Add to confirm and then select Done.

Step 5: Once you receive the "You've reached your limit" notification, the app is locked and can't be accessed. To continue using it for the day, you must input your Screen Time passcode to grant an extension of your allotted time.

Method 2. Using Shortcuts (iOS 17 to iOS 26)

Beginning with iOS 17, the Shortcuts app includes a feature that allows you to lock apps using Face ID and passcode on your iPhone. This new method is an enhancement over previous Face ID locking techniques. With this shortcut, your iPhone will enter lock screen automatically each time you launch a specified app. To gain entry to the app, you must authenticate in the same manner you would when unlocking your iPhone.

Let's learn how to lock apps on iPhone iOS 17 with Face ID or password using Shortcuts app.

Step 1: Launch the Shortcuts app and proceed to set up a new automation. Select the App option to continue. On the following screen, pick the specific apps that you wish to be locked.

Step 2: Ensure that the options "Is Opened" and "Run Immediately" are selected.

Step 3: To create a new blank automation, tap on Add Action and then look for the Lock Screen option.

Step 4: Preview the action and then select Done in the upper right corner.

Step 5: When launching the selected apps on your iPhone, your device will automatically lock and require a Face ID or lock screen passcode to unlock.

Method 3. Using Guided Access (iPhone 5 or Later)

Guided Access is less of an app lock and more of a "single-app mode." It's the perfect solution when you need to hand your phone to a child to watch a video or play a game without them accessing anything else.

Step 1: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access and toggle it on.

Step 2: Go to Passcode Settings to set a specific passcode for ending a session and enable Face ID/Touch ID.

Step 3: Open the app you want to lock the user into (e.g., YouTube).

Step 4: Triple-click the side button (or Home button on older iPhones) to start Guided Access. You can circle areas of the screen to disable touch if you wish.

Step 5: To end the session, triple-click the side button again and authenticate with your passcode or Face ID.

Method 4. Using Face ID & Passcode (All iOS Version)

Face ID, available on iPhone X and later models, offers an alternative to Screen Time for app locking. This convenient feature is simple to set up and use for added security. To do so:

Step 1: Navigate to Settings app, then choose Face ID & Passcode.

Step 2: Enter your iPhone lock screen passcode and locate the Use Face ID For section.

Step 3: Tap on Other Apps option.

Step 4: Enable the button (it will turn green) next to the apps you would like to lock using Face ID.

Part 3. How to Unlock iPhone without Face ID or Password (All iOS Version)HOT

If you find yourself locked out of your iPhone because both Face ID and your passcode are failing, don't worry—there's a solution. TunesKit iPhone Unlocker is an effective software utility that can bypass various types of iPhone locks, such as the screen lock, Apple ID, Screen Time, and MDM restrictions. It's updated to work with the most recent iOS/iPadOS 26.

By following the right instructions, you can unlock your iPhone without the need for Face ID or a passcode using TunesKit iPhone Unlocker.

Here's how to unlock iPhone without Face ID or password using TunesKit iPhone Unlocker without using Face ID or Touch ID.

Step 1Select to unlock iOS screen

Install TunesKit iPhone Unlocker on your computer. Launch this software and attach your iPhone to PC via a lightning-to-USB cable. Click Unlock iOS Screen on the main screen and then hit Start button to continue.

Step 2Put iPhone into DFU or recovery mode (Optional)

Put your iPhone into DFU or recovery mode according to the instructions displayed on the screen, then move on to the next step. If you don't know how to make it, please following the onscreen information. When your iPhone is in Recovery or DFU mode, click on the Next button.

Step 3Download firmware package

Check your iPhone information. Select the firmware package that matches your iPhone and click the Download button.

Step 4Unlock iPhone without Face ID or password

When the download has finished, hit the Unlock button. Please be aware that completing this process may take a while. Once the passcode has been cleared, your iPhone will reboot, and you can configure it from scratch.

Part 4. FAQs about How to Lock Apps on iPhone

Part 5. Conclusion

While iPhones lack a native App Lock feature that Android devices offer, locking apps on iPhone iOS 17/18/26 is quite easy. By adjusting the appropriate settings, you can lock your apps on iPhone with Face ID or password. In instances where you need to bypass the iPhone's Face ID or passcode, third-party software like TunesKit iPhone Unlocker can be utilized.