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how to lock certain apps on iphone

You can lock certain apps on an iPhone using built‑in tools like app locking, Screen Time, Face ID/Touch ID, and a few clever shortcuts‑based tricks. This works best on recent iOS versions (iOS 17/18).

How app locking works

On newer iOS versions, Apple lets you require Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode when opening individual apps, plus you can still use Screen Time for extra restrictions.

  • You can protect specific apps so they always ask for biometric authentication or a passcode when opened.
  • Some system apps still cannot be locked individually (for example, Calculator, Camera, Clock, Contacts, Maps, Settings).

Official way: lock an individual app

For iOS 18‑style app locking:

  1. Find the app icon on your Home Screen, App Library, or via search.
  2. Touch and hold the app until the quick actions menu appears.
  3. Tap “Require Face ID” (or “Require Touch ID” or “Require Passcode”).
  1. Confirm once more when prompted, then authenticate with Face ID/Touch ID or enter your passcode.

After this, opening that app will always prompt for Face ID/Touch ID/passcode before you can see its contents.

Using Screen Time to “lock” apps

If you want to limit usage or make an app effectively blocked after a minute:

  1. Go to Settings → Screen Time.
  2. Turn on Screen Time and set a Screen Time passcode if you haven’t already.
  1. Tap App Limits → Add Limit.
  2. Choose a category or pick specific apps you want to lock.
  3. Set the time limit to 1 minute and turn on “Block at End of Limit.”
  1. Save the limit.

When the app hits that limit, opening it will require the Screen Time passcode, which works like a lock for casual access.

Shortcut trick: auto‑lock when an app opens

People on iPhone forums often use the Shortcuts app plus automations to lock the screen as soon as certain apps are opened.

Basic idea:

  • In Shortcuts → Automation, create a Personal Automation.
  • Choose App , select the apps you want, and set the trigger to “Is opened.”
  • Add the action Lock Screen.
  • Turn off “Ask Before Running.”

When those apps are opened, the iPhone immediately locks, forcing Face ID/Touch ID or your passcode to continue, which effectively protects the app contents.

Tips, limits, and best use

  • Use the official “Require Face ID/Passcode” option for the cleanest experience where available.
  • Use Screen Time for:
    • Kids’ devices.
    • Time‑based blocking of games or social media.
  • Use Shortcuts/automations if you like more “hacky” control and are comfortable with a tiny delay/quirkiness.
  • Remember that a few core system apps still cannot be fully locked individually, even on the latest iOS.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.