How to App Lock in iPhone 15?

You can lock apps on your iPhone 15 using the Shortcuts app to create an automation that triggers a screen lock when specific apps are opened.

While iOS doesn't have a built-in feature to put a password directly on individual apps like some other operating systems, you can achieve a similar effect using the Shortcuts app to require Face ID or Passcode authentication whenever certain apps are launched. This method leverages the "Automation" feature within Shortcuts.

Here's how to set up app locking on your iPhone 15 using Shortcuts automation, based on the referenced method:

Steps to Lock Apps Using Shortcuts

The process involves creating a personal automation that runs every time you open a chosen app.

1. Open the Shortcuts App: Find and open the built-in Shortcuts app on your iPhone 15.
2. Go to Automation: Tap on the "Automation" tab at the bottom of the screen.
3. Add New Automation: Tap on "New Automation" or the "+" icon in the top right corner if you already have automations.
4. Create a Personal Automation: Select "Personal Automation".
5. Choose the App Trigger: Scroll down and select "App" from the list of triggers. This is the crucial step referenced, allowing you to choose specific applications that will trigger the automation.
   • Reference Insight: "So just like last time go to automation. Add new automation scroll down and select app in this one..."
6. Select Apps: Tap "Choose" next to "App". Here, you select single or multiple apps you want to lock.
   • Reference Insight: "...you guys can select single or multiple apps like I'm going to select photos and Instagram."
   • Browse or search for the apps you want to lock (e.g., Photos, Instagram, banking apps, messaging apps, etc.).
   • Tap "Done" after selecting your apps.
7. Set the Trigger Type: Ensure "Is Opened" is selected. You can optionally choose "Is Closed" if you want an action to run when the app is closed, but "Is Opened" is needed for locking when launching. Make sure "Run Immediately" is selected if available (depending on iOS version, this option simplifies the process by not requiring confirmation).
8. Add the Action: Tap "Next". Now you need to add the action that will lock your screen.
   • Tap "Add Action".
   • Search for "Lock Screen" and select it.
   • Alternatively, a common technique involves setting a timer: Search for "Start Timer", set the duration to 1 second, and then search for "Lock Screen". This method often works reliably to require Face ID/Passcode immediately upon opening the app.
9. Review and Finish: Tap "Next".
10. Disable "Ask Before Running": On the review screen, toggle off "Ask Before Running" (if applicable) and confirm with "Don't Ask" when prompted. This ensures the automation runs automatically without you needing to tap a confirmation. (This step might vary slightly depending on the iOS version).
11. Tap Done: Tap "Done" to save your automation.

Now, whenever you attempt to open any of the apps you selected in step 6, the automation will trigger, and your screen will immediately lock, requiring Face ID or your Passcode to unlock and access the app.

Summary Table: App Locking with Shortcuts

Step	Action	Detail
1. Open Shortcuts	Launch the app.	Find the pre-installed app.
2. Go to Automation	Tap the Automation tab.	Located at the bottom.
3. Add New	Tap + or New Automation.	Starts the creation process.
4. Personal Auto	Select Personal Automation.	Create an automation for yourself.
5. Choose Trigger	Select "App".	This links the automation to app usage.
6. Select Apps	Choose specific apps (e.g., Photos, Instagram).	Select one or multiple apps you want to lock.
7. Set Type	Ensure "Is Opened" is checked.	The automation runs when the app is launched.
8. Add Action	Add "Lock Screen" or "Start Timer (1 sec)" + "Lock Screen".	This is the action that requires re-authentication.
9. Review	Check settings.	Confirm the chosen trigger and action.
10. Disable Ask	Turn off "Ask Before Running".	Ensures the lock happens automatically.
11. Done	Save the automation.	The setup is complete.

This method provides an effective way to add an extra layer of security to sensitive apps on your iPhone 15.