How to Lock Apps in iPhone 12 Mini?

While iPhones, including the iPhone 12 mini, don't have a built-in feature to directly lock individual apps, you can use the "Shortcuts" app to create a workaround that requires a passcode or Face ID when opening specific apps.

Here's how to lock apps using the Shortcuts app:

1. Open the Shortcuts app: This app comes pre-installed on your iPhone. If you can't find it, search for it in the App Library.

2. Create a new automation:

   • Tap the "+" icon to create a new shortcut.
   • Tap "Automation" at the bottom center.
   • Tap "Create Personal Automation."

3. Choose App trigger:

   • Scroll down and select "App."
   • Tap "Choose" next to "App is Opened."
   • Select the apps you want to lock (e.g., Photos, Instagram). Tap "Done."
   • Ensure "Is Opened" is selected.
   • Tap "Next."

4. Add an action to ask for a passcode:

   • Tap "Add Action."
   • Search for "Lock Screen" or "Ask for Input". Note: Using 'Lock Screen' will simply lock the entire phone when the selected app is opened, which might not be ideal. A better approach is to use "Ask for Input".
   • Select "Ask for Input."
   • Customize the prompt. For example, change "Ask for" to "Password" and the prompt to something like "Enter Passcode to Open". Set "Input Type" to "Number".
   • Add an "If" action. Search for "If" and add it below the "Ask for Input" action.
   • In the "If" action, set the condition to "Provided Input is [your desired passcode]". Replace "[your desired passcode]" with the actual passcode you want to use.
   • Inside the "If" block (the "Otherwise" part), add the "Lock Screen" action. This will lock the screen if the incorrect passcode is entered.

5. Disable "Ask Before Running":

   • Tap "Next."
   • Toggle off "Ask Before Running."
   • Tap "Don't Ask." This allows the automation to run silently in the background.

6. Name the shortcut (optional):

   • While not strictly necessary, you can name the automation something like "Application Lock" to easily identify it later if you need to modify it.

Now, whenever you open one of the selected apps, your iPhone will either lock the screen or ask for a passcode, depending on how you configured the shortcut. If the correct passcode isn't entered (if you're using the "Ask for Input" method), the screen will lock, effectively preventing unauthorized access to the app.

Important Considerations:

• This method isn't foolproof. A tech-savvy user could potentially disable the automation.
• This method adds a slight delay when opening the apps.
• Consider carefully whether the added security is worth the inconvenience.