While iPhones don't have a built-in feature to natively lock individual apps with Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode in the way some Android devices do, you can achieve similar results using alternative methods. Here's how:
Method 1: Using Guided Access
Guided Access temporarily restricts your iPhone to a single app. It's primarily designed for accessibility but can be used to "lock" someone into a specific app.
- Enable Guided Access: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access. Toggle the Guided Access switch to on.
- Passcode Settings: Tap Passcode Settings and set a passcode (different from your iPhone unlock passcode, ideally) or enable Face ID/Touch ID for Guided Access.
- Start Guided Access: Open the app you want to "lock." Triple-click the side button (or the Home button on older iPhones).
- Configure Options (Optional): Circle any areas of the screen you want to disable (like the keyboard or specific buttons).
- Start: Tap Start in the upper right corner.
To end Guided Access: Triple-click the side button (or Home button), enter your passcode or use Face ID/Touch ID, and tap End.
Limitations of Guided Access:
- It's not a true app lock; it restricts the device to a single app session.
- It's not ideal for quickly locking and unlocking apps repeatedly.
- It's more of a parental control or accessibility feature.
Method 2: Using Screen Time to Limit App Usage
You can set time limits for apps using Screen Time, effectively "locking" them after the allotted time has expired.
- Enable Screen Time: Go to Settings > Screen Time and turn it on.
- App Limits: Tap App Limits > Add Limit.
- Select Apps: Choose the apps you want to "lock" by category or individually.
- Set Time Limit: Set a very short time limit (e.g., 1 minute).
- Block at End of Limit: Toggle on "Block at End of Limit."
- Require Screen Time Passcode: Set a Screen Time passcode that differs from your regular iPhone passcode. This prevents someone from simply extending the time limit.
When the time limit expires, the app icon will be greyed out, and you'll need to enter the Screen Time passcode to use it.
Limitations of Screen Time:
- Designed for managing app usage, not specifically for security.
- Can be bypassed if someone knows your Screen Time passcode.
- Requires setting a Screen Time passcode, which may be bothersome if you are the only user.
Method 3: Third-Party Apps (Not Recommended)
In the past, some third-party apps claimed to lock apps on iOS. However, due to Apple's security restrictions, these apps are often unreliable or require jailbreaking your device, which is strongly discouraged as it can compromise your iPhone's security. Avoid these apps.
In summary, while iPhones lack a direct app locking feature, Guided Access and Screen Time offer viable alternatives for restricting access to apps. Choose the method that best suits your needs and security requirements.
