Locking individual apps on your iPhone using Face ID enhances your privacy and security. One effective method, as highlighted in resources covering iOS features like those in iOS 17, involves leveraging the built-in Guided Access feature. This accessibility tool can restrict your iPhone to a single app and requires authentication (either Face ID or a passcode) to exit.
Here’s how you can set up and use Guided Access to effectively lock an app:
Setting Up Guided Access for App Locking
To begin, you need to configure Guided Access in your iPhone's settings.
- Access Settings: Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Navigate to Accessibility: Scroll down and tap on Accessibility.
- Find Guided Access: Scroll further down to the "General" section and tap on Guided Access.
- Enable Guided Access: Toggle the switch to turn Guided Access on.
- Configure Passcode Settings: Tap on Passcode Settings.
- Set Guided Access Passcode: Tap on Set Guided Access Passcode. You can enter a numerical passcode here.
- Enable Face ID: Below setting the passcode, toggle Face ID on. This allows you to use Face ID (in addition to the passcode) to end a Guided Access session.
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Locking an App Using Guided Access
Once Guided Access is set up, you can use it to lock any app on your iPhone.
- Open the Desired App: Launch the app you want to lock.
- Activate Guided Access:
- For iPhones with Face ID or Touch ID, quickly triple-click the Side button (or Home button on older models).
- Alternatively, you can add Guided Access to the Control Center for easier access:
- Go to Settings > Control Center.
- Tap the + icon next to Guided Access under "More Controls."
- Start Guided Access: The Guided Access options screen will appear over the app. Tap Start in the top right corner.
The screen will indicate that Guided Access has started. Your iPhone is now locked into this single app. Pressing the side button or attempting to switch apps will not work.
Exiting a Locked App (Ending Guided Access)
To leave the app and use your iPhone normally, you need to end the Guided Access session.
- Attempt to End: Quickly triple-click the Side button (or Home button).
- Authenticate: You will be prompted to enter the Guided Access passcode you set up or use Face ID by looking at your iPhone.
- End Session: Once authenticated, tap End in the top left corner of the options screen.
Your iPhone will return to its normal state, and you can now navigate outside the app.
Summary Table
| Feature | How it Works with Guided Access |
|---|---|
| App Locking | Restricts usage to a single, open app. |
| Unlocking | Requires Face ID authentication or a passcode. |
| Setup Path | Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access > Passcode Settings |
| Activation | Triple-click Side/Home button or use Control Center. |
Using Guided Access is a simple yet effective way to add a layer of security to individual apps on your iPhone, ensuring that only you can exit the app using your Face ID or passcode.
