The app locking setting is enabled through Screen Time in your iPhone’s settings. When you toggle the switch next to specific apps under the Content Restrictions section, you are essentially selecting apps to lock down.
So app locking adds a layer of security by requiring this secondary passcode that is needed to access sensitive information within locked apps. Even if someone knows the iPhone passcode, the restricted apps cannot be accessed without entering the App Lock passcode.
How to Lock Apps
Locking apps is simple and can be done in just a few steps:
- Open the “Settings”
- Scroll down and tap “Screen Time.”
- Tap “Content & Privacy Restrictions.”
- Enter your iPhone passcode if prompted.
- Scroll down to “Content Restrictions” and tap to open the menu.
- Turn on “Enable Content & Privacy Restrictions” if you haven’t already.
- Under “Allowed Apps,” tap the switch next to each app you want to lock. Any app with its switch turned OFF will be locked.
- Tap back to return to the main Screen Time menu.
- Scroll down and tap “Disable Restrictions.”
- Enter a unique Restrictions Passcode to be used specifically for unlocking your chosen apps.
And that’s it! Going forward, your selected apps will now be locked and require a separate passcode to open.
Choosing Which Apps to Lock
Which apps you decide to lock depends entirely on your specific needs and preferences for privacy and security.
Many people choose to lock apps like Messages, Photos, Emails, Banking Apps, or other apps that contain a lot of personal information.
Besides, the Tips app, you can lock any app on your iPhone in a few taps. It depends on you to determine which apps require an extra passcode to meet your needs.
Managing Locked Apps
You can go back into the Screen Time settings on your iPhone at any time to make changes to which apps are currently locked. Simply follow the steps above to get into the Content Restrictions section, then toggle switches on or off next to apps to lock or unlock them.
If you ever forget your Restrictions Passcode that unlocks the locked apps on your iPhone, you can reset it with these steps:
- Go into Settings > Screen Time > Change Screen Time Passcode
- Tap “Forgot Passcode?”
- Enter your actual iPhone Passcode
- Create a new Restrictions Passcode
So while forgetting the passcode can be inconvenient, your data and locked apps will remain fully secure.
Locking down certain apps is an efficient way to limit access and provide improved privacy on your iPhone. Give it a try for any apps containing sensitive information.
Conclusion
App locking allows you to selectively password-protect apps containing financial data, personal communications, photos, or other private content. Going through the quick and easy process to set up locked apps only takes a few minutes, and can give you much greater control and protection over sensitive material stored on your iPhone.
Modern iPhone aux cords work identically with older iPhones that retain the classic headphone jack as well as newer iPhone models lacking the 3.5mm port via the use of Lightning adapters. And there are many variants like coiled cords and right-angled plugs to enable connections in different setups.
FAQs
How can I lock apps with Face ID instead of a passcode?
Unfortunately there is no way to use Face ID specifically for unlocking locked apps at this time. You can only set a manual passcode that will be required.
Does locking apps on my iPhone increase security?
Yes, locking apps provides an important additional layer of security for sensitive information on your iPhone. Even if someone knows or guesses your iPhone’s main passcode, your locked app data remains inaccessible without the separate app lock passcode.
Can I lock default iPhone apps like Messages or Photos?
You sure can! The only app that cannot be locked is the Apple Tips app. But the ability to lock default system apps like Messages, Mail, Photos, Notes, and more allows you to customize and control privacy on your demand.
Do I have to re-lock apps if I reboot my iPhone?
No, you do not need to relock apps if you restart your iPhone. The app lock restrictions will persist across restarts and shutdowns so the apps will remain locked until you disable the restrictions.
