How to Lock Apps on iPhone With Face ID or Passcode

Want to keep certain apps private on your iPhone? On iOS 18 and later, Apple lets you lock supported apps directly with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. If you're still using iOS 17, you can use Shortcuts or Screen Time as alternative ways to restrict access. This guide covers both methods, including how to hide apps, which apps can't be locked, and what to do if you forget your iPhone passcode.

How to Lock Apps on iPhone in iOS 18 or Later

Apple added built-in app locking in iOS 18, so you can protect supported apps with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode without using Screen Time or Shortcuts. You can also hide certain apps for extra privacy.

Method 1. Lock an App With Face ID, Touch ID, or Passcode

This is the easiest and most secure way to lock supported apps on iOS 18 or later. You can enable authentication directly from the Home Screen, so the app requires Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode before opening.

• Step 1. Touch and hold the app icon on the Home Screen.
• Step 2. Tap Require Face ID, Require Touch ID, or Require Passcode.
• 
• Step 3. Confirm your choice.
• Step 4. Authenticate when prompted.

The next time someone opens the app, your iPhone will require authentication first.

Which Apps Can't Be Locked on iPhone?

Not every app supports Apple's built-in locking feature. Some core system apps may not show the Require Face ID option. Availability can also vary by iOS version and app type. If you don't see the option when you touch and hold an app, that app may not support system-level locking. For unsupported apps, Screen Time may still provide a basic restriction option.

Method 2. Hide and Lock an App

If you want more privacy, you can hide certain apps while locking them at the same time. This removes the app from normal view and requires authentication before it can be accessed from the Hidden folder in App Library.

• Step 1. Touch and hold the app icon.
• Step 2. Tap Require Face ID.
• Step 3. Choose Hide and Require Face ID if the option appears.
• 
• Step 4. Authenticate to confirm.

The app will move to the Hidden folder in the App Library and require authentication to open. Not every app can be hidden, and some system apps do not support this option.

How to Lock Apps on iPhone in iOS 17

Unlike iOS 18 and later, iOS 17 doesn't offer a built-in option to lock individual apps with Face ID or a passcode. However, you can still restrict access to specific apps using Shortcuts or Screen Time as practical alternatives.

Method 1. Lock Apps With Shortcuts

On iOS 17, Shortcuts can simulate an app lock by automatically sending your iPhone to the Lock Screen when a selected app opens. It is not a true built-in app lock, but it can still help restrict access.

• Step 1. Open the Shortcuts app. Go to Automation.
• Step 2. Tap New Automation. Select App.
• Step 3. Choose the app you want to restrict.
• Step 4. Set the trigger to Is Opened. Select Run Immediately.
• 
• Step 5. Tap Create New Shortcut.
• Step 6. Add the Lock Screen action.
• 
• Step 7. Save the automation.

When the selected app opens, the iPhone will immediately return to the Lock Screen, requiring authentication before continuing. This is a workaround rather than a true app lock, but it can be useful on iOS 17.

Method 2. Restrict Apps With Screen Time

Screen Time is another option for limiting access to apps on iOS 17. Instead of locking an app immediately, it restricts usage after a set time limit and can require a separate Screen Time passcode to continue.

• Step 1. Go to Settings > Screen Time.
• Step 2. Turn on Screen Time if it is not already enabled.
• Step 3. Tap App Limits. Select Add Limit.
• Step 4. Choose the app or category. Set a short time limit.
• Step 5. Turn on Block at End of Limit.
• 

Set a Screen Time passcode so another person cannot easily change the restriction. Screen Time is best for limiting app usage rather than creating a true Face ID-style app lock.

Further Reading: [2026 Updated] How to Fix Screen Time Limits Not Working

Lock Apps More Securely With Stolen Device Protection

If Stolen Device Protection is enabled, certain security-sensitive actions can require biometric authentication when your iPhone is away from familiar locations. This can make locked apps and other protected settings harder to access if someone knows your device passcode.

You can check the feature under Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Stolen Device Protection. For users who store sensitive personal or financial information on their iPhone, this provides an extra layer of protection.

What If You Forgot Your iPhone Passcode?

App locking and the iPhone Lock Screen are different security features. If your apps are protected but you still know your iPhone passcode, use the normal Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode authentication.

If you have forgotten the iPhone screen passcode entirely, you may need to reset the device before regaining access. For supported devices, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker is another option for removing forgotten screen passcodes, Security Lockout, or iPhone Unavailable restrictions. Keep in mind that passcode removal can erase device data depending on the method used, so always check the requirements before proceeding.

Key Features of TunesKit iPhone Unlocker

Unlock iPhone without a passcode with simple steps. Fully compatible with most iOS device models. Compatible with Windows and macOS.

Try It Free 600,000+ Downloads

Try It Free 600,000+ Downloads

FAQs About Locking Apps on iPhone

Conclusion

Locking apps on iPhone is much easier on iOS 18 and later thanks to the built-in Face ID and passcode protection. If you're still using iOS 17, Shortcuts and Screen Time can provide useful alternatives. If the real problem is a forgotten iPhone screen passcode rather than an app lock, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker may be an option for supported devices.