How to lock an app on iPhone

If you're showing someone something on your iPhone but want to keep certain apps private, locking or hiding apps is a great option. By doing so, you ensure no one can access your sensitive information without your permission. When you lock an app, you'll need to use Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode to open it. Hidden apps won't show up in certain places like notifications, CarPlay, or even search.

Please note that the lock or hide settings apply only to the specific device and won’t sync with iCloud.

How to Lock an App on an iPhone?

Locking an app adds an extra layer of protection, requiring Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode to access the app.

Note: Some built-in apps, like Calculator, Camera, and Settings, cannot be locked.

Steps to Lock an App on iPhone:

  • Step 1: Go to your Home Screen.
  • Step 2: Find the app you want to lock.
  • Step 3: Tap and hold the app icon until the quick actions menu appears.
  • Step 4: Select “Require Face ID” (or Touch ID or Passcode).
  • Step 5: Confirm by tapping again and authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.

How to Open a Locked App iPhone:

  • Step 1 - Go to your Home Screen and locate the locked app.
  • Step 2 - Tap the app, then authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.

How to Unlock an App on iPhone: 

  • Step 1: Go to your Home Screen and locate the app
  • Step 2: Tap and hold the app icon until the quick actions menu appears.
  • Step 3: Select “Don’t Require Face ID” (or Touch ID or Passcode), and authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.

How to Hide an App on iPhone

Hiding an app makes it invisible to others unless they authenticate your device using Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode. However, the app’s name will still appear in places like Screen Time and Battery Usage stats.

Steps to Hide an App on iPhone:

  • Step 1: Go to your Home Screen and find the app you want to hide.
  • Step 2: Tap and hold the app icon until the quick actions menu appears.
  • Step 3: Select “Require Face ID” (or Touch ID or Passcode).
  • Step 4: Tap “Hide and Require Face ID” (or Touch ID or Passcode), authenticate, and then tap "Hide App."
  • Step 5: The app will disappear from your Home Screen and move to the Hidden folder in the App Library.

Tip: To view your hidden apps, go to Settings > Apps > Hidden Apps and authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.

How to Open a Hidden App on iPhone

To access a hidden app, simply go to the App Library:

  • Step 1: Swipe left past all your Home Screen pages to go to the App Library.
  • Step 2: Tap the Hidden folder at the bottom, then authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
  • Step 3: The hidden app will appear. Tap to open and authenticate.

How to Unhide an App on iPhone

If you want to unhide an app, just follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Go to the App Library and tap the Hidden folder.
  • Step 2: Authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
  • Step 3: Tap and hold the app, then select "Don’t Require Face ID" (or Touch ID or Passcode) to stop hiding it.

Now, the app will reappear in your App Library, and you can access it directly from there

Check out our wide range of iSTYLE blogs from the world of Apple and learn about various tricks and tips that you need to know about your iPhone.