Keeping your iPhone secure is more crucial than ever in today’s digital world. Locking certain apps on your device is a successful method to safeguard your privacy and sensitive information. In this blog post, we will examine the process of securing apps on your iPhone to keep your personal information secure and exclusively accessible to you.
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What is App Locking on iPhone?
Best Way to Lock App on iPhone
App locking can be done in different ways, such as utilizing built-in options like Screen Time and Guided Access, and also by using third-party applications found on the App Store. Adding a level of security to your device and safeguarding your privacy can be achieved by locking apps. Luckily, there are a few ways you can lock apps on your iPhone to prevent unauthorized access.
Method 1: Utilizing Screen Time and Restrictions
Screen Time in iOS 17 is a helpful tool for tracking and controlling your iPhone usage patterns. One feature it offers is the option to establish restrictions on app usage and limit access to specific apps. You can lock app on iPhone effectively by utilizing Screen Time and its Restrictions feature.
- Access Screen Time Settings: Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Scroll down and tap on “Screen Time.”
- Set Up Screen Time (if not already set up): If you haven’t set up Screen Time yet, tap on “Turn On Screen Time” and follow the on-screen instructions to set it up.
- Navigate to App Limits: In the Screen Time settings, tap on “App Limits.”
- Add a New App Limit: Tap on “Add Limit.” Select the app categories or specific apps you want to limit. For example, you can choose “Social Networking” to limit all social media apps.
- Set the Time Limit: Choose the amount of time you want to allow for the selected apps. You can set different limits for each day of the week if desired.
- Set a Passcode: You will be prompted to set a Screen Time passcode if you haven’t already done so. This passcode is different from your device passcode and is used to access and change Screen Time settings.
- Confirm the App Limit: Once you’ve set the time limit, tap “Add” to confirm.
- Accessing Restricted Apps: When you reach the time limit for a particular app or app category, the app icon will be grayed out on your home screen. To access the app, you’ll need to enter the Screen Time passcode.
- Adjusting App Limits: If you need to change the app limits, you can do so in Settings > Screen Time > App Limits. Enter your passcode when prompted.
- Removing App Limits: To remove app limits, go to Settings > Screen Time > App Limits, and tap on the app or category. Then, tap “Delete Limit.”
Method 2: Enabling App Lock in Privacy Settings
There was one more anther way to lock app on iPhone using iOS privacy settings. To enable app locking in privacy settings on an iPhone, you can use the Screen Time feature. Here’s how:
- Open Settings: Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Go to Screen Time: Scroll down and tap on “Screen Time.”
- Turn on Screen Time: If Screen Time is not already enabled, tap on “Turn On Screen Time” and follow the on-screen instructions to set it up.
- Set a Passcode: Tap on “Use Screen Time Passcode” and set a passcode. This passcode will be used to access Screen Time settings and to bypass app limits if needed.
- Enable App Limits: Tap on “App Limits” and then tap on “Add Limit.”
- Select App Categories: You can choose to limit specific app categories (such as Social Networking or Games) or select “All Apps & Categories” to lock all apps.
- Set Time Limit: Set a 1-minute time limit for the selected apps. This effectively locks the apps until you enter the Screen Time passcode to extend the time limit.
- Enter Passcode: Once the time limit is reached, you’ll be prompted to enter the Screen Time passcode to continue using the locked apps.
- Disable or Extend Limit: To disable the limit, go back to Screen Time > App Limits and toggle off the limit. To extend the limit, enter the Screen Time passcode and select “Ignore Limit” to add more time.
This method allows you to lock apps by setting time limits, requiring you to enter a passcode to continue using them after the time limit expires.
Method 3: Using Third-Party App Locking Apps
While you are not satitisfed with iOS core OS features to lock app on iPhone, you can use some 3rd part app to achieve it. To lock apps on your iPhone using third-party app locking apps, you can follow these general steps:
- Search for App Locking Apps: Go to the App Store and search for “app lock” or “app locker.” There are several third-party apps available that offer app locking features.
- Read Reviews and Choose an App: Look for apps with good reviews and ratings. Read the app descriptions and user reviews to ensure they meet your requirements.
- Download and Install the App: Tap on the app you’ve chosen and then tap on “Get” to download and install the app on your iPhone.
- Set Up the App: Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to set up the app lock. You may be required to set a passcode or enable biometric authentication (Touch ID or Face ID) to lock the apps.
- Select Apps to Lock: Once the app lock is set up, you can select the apps you want to lock. Typically, you’ll see a list of installed apps, and you can choose which ones to lock.
- Lock the Apps: After selecting the apps, enable the app lock feature. The selected apps will now require the passcode or biometric authentication to access.
- Manage App Lock Settings: Depending on the app you choose, you may have additional settings to customize the app lock behavior, such as auto-locking apps after a certain period of inactivity.
- Use the App Lock: Now, whenever you try to access a locked app, you’ll need to enter the passcode or use biometric authentication to unlock it.
It’s important to choose a reputable app from the App Store and review its privacy policy to ensure your data is protected.
Top 5 Locking App for iPhone
Luckily, multiple apps on the App Store provide the option to lock apps with passwords, patterns, or fingerprints for added security. This chart displays the best 5 iOS apps for locking apps, giving users a summary of their prices, ratings, features, and compatibility.
| App Name | Price | App Store Rating | Features | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lockdown Pro | Free, with in-app purchases | 4.6/5 | – Password protect apps and photos
– Intruder selfie – Fake cover disguises app – Time pin feature |
Requires iOS 10.0 or later |
| Applock | Free, with in-app purchases | 4.7/5 | – Lock apps with password, pattern, or fingerprint
– Photo and video vault – Intruder selfie – Customizable themes |
Requires iOS 10.0 or later |
| Folder Lock | Free trial, $4.99/month | 4.5/5 | – App locking with password, PIN, or pattern
– Photo and video locker – Cloud backup – Decoy mode |
Requires iOS 12.0 or later |
| Secret Folder | Free, with in-app purchases | 4.6/5 | – Password protect apps and photos
– Break-in reports – Fake cover disguises app – Intruder alert |
Requires iOS 9.0 or later |
| Lock Me Out | Free, with in-app purchases | 4.3/5 | – Lock apps and websites
– Schedule lockouts – Customizable lock screen – Usage tracking |
Requires iOS 11.0 or later |
Lockdown Pro: Lockdown Pro is a thorough app lock app that can be used on iOS devices. Users have the option to secure their apps and photos using a password, pattern, or fingerprint. The “Intruder Selfie” is a significant feature, as it captures a picture of individuals attempting to unlock apps without authorization. Moreover, Lockdown Pro also offers a “Fake Cover” function that conceals the locked app as a benign one, thereby bolstering security.
Another significant characteristic is the “Time Pin,” which enables users to create a temporary pin that automatically expires after a set period of time. In general, Lockdown Pro offers strong app locking abilities and extra security features, which has made it a favored option for iOS users wanting to safeguard their privacy and data.
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Applock: The AppLock is a flexible app locker app made for iOS gadgets. Users have the option to secure their apps with different methods such as passwords, patterns, or fingerprints, providing them with flexibility. The app has a feature called a photo and video vault for users to safely store their media files. One notable aspect is the “Intruder Selfie,” which takes a picture of individuals attempting to open locked apps without permission.
AppLock also provides the option to customize themes, giving users the ability to personalize the app’s look. In general, AppLock offers a dependable and customizable option for individuals seeking to improve the protection of their applications and data on iOS devices.
Folder Lock: The Folder Lock is a thorough application for locking apps on iOS devices, providing various security features. Individuals are able to secure their applications with passwords, PINs, or patterns, guaranteeing that only approved users can reach them. Besides app locking, Folder Lock offers a feature for locking photos and videos to help users protect their media files.
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The application also includes a feature for cloud backup, which allows users to safely store their valuable information. Another notable function is the decoy mode, enabling users to fabricate a false vault to trick unauthorized users. In general, Folder Lock offers a strong range of functions for individuals seeking to boost the protection of their applications and information on iOS devices.
Secret Folder: This is also a feature-rich app locking application designed for iOS devices. It allows users to password protect their apps and photos, ensuring that only authorized users can access them. One of its standout features is the “Break-in Reports,” which provides users with information about unauthorized attempts to access locked apps.
What’s real user said about “Folder Lock app –
“Anytime you leave the app and go to close your apps the screen in blank, and when you reopen the app it is locked. I love the app but I do feel it could use a better dummy screen. I love how you can have photos in there and delete them from your phone and they stay in the app though. It’s too easy for people to see your photos or if you have some weird or embarrassing photos scattered in your collections, you can move them to this app so they don’t have to be in with your other photos. How awkward while you’re going through your photos to show someone something and someone sees something in their peripherals as you’re scrolling. Anyway, awesome app every feature is great and definitely most private.” – RyanM1238765 (Real iPhone Customer)
The app also includes a “Fake Cover” feature, which disguises the locked app as a harmless one, adding an extra layer of security. Additionally, Secret Folder offers an “Intruder Alert” feature, which notifies users of any suspicious activity. Overall, Secret Folder provides a comprehensive set of features for users looking to enhance the security of their apps and data on iOS devices.
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Lock Me: App locking tool for iOS devices with various handy features. Users have the option to secure their applications and online platforms for added protection of their security and privacy. One important aspect is the ability to plan lockouts, which lets users establish designated times when certain apps or websites cannot be accessed. The application also gives users the option to personalize their lock screen for a unique locking experience.
Here is some real user feedback –
“This app is excellent for all your needs when it comes to protecting your kids. I appreciate that you can restrict specific apps in certain locations, like at home. It truly helps safeguard your children from unsuitable media and ensures that homework gets done at a designated time, free from distractions. Speaking of distractions, I also appreciate the ability to restrict apps at specific times, such as when my kids return from school, church, events, etc. The app ran smoothly with no bugs or glitches. Overall, it provides a great experience” -javi34r (Real iPhone Customer)
Furthermore, Lock Me Out features usage tracking that allows users to keep track of their device usage and make informed choices regarding their digital habits. In general, Lock Me Out is a thorough app locking option for individuals wanting to enhance their digital health and safety on iOS gadgets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I lock apps on my iPhone using Screen Time?
To lock apps using Screen Time, go to Settings > Screen Time > App Limits, and select “Add Limit.” Choose the app categories or specific apps you want to limit, set a time limit, and enter a passcode. The locked apps will require the Screen Time passcode to access.
Can I use Screen Time to schedule app lockouts?
Yes, you can schedule app lockouts using Screen Time. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Downtime, and set the desired hours when you want certain apps to be locked. During Downtime, only apps that are allowed will be accessible.
How do I enable App Lock in Privacy Settings on iOS 17?
To enable App Lock, go to Settings > Privacy > App Lock. Set up a passcode, and then choose which apps you want to lock. These apps will require the passcode to access.
Can I use third-party app locking apps on iOS 17?
Yes, you can use third-party app locking apps from the App Store on iOS 17. Simply download and install the app of your choice, and follow the app’s instructions to set up app locking.
Do I need to pay for app locking features on iOS 17?
The built-in app locking features of iOS 17, such as Screen Time and App Lock, are available for free. However, some third-party app locking apps may offer additional features through in-app purchases or subscriptions.
Can I lock individual apps with different passcodes using Screen Time?
No, Screen Time allows you to set one passcode for all app limits. If you want to lock individual apps with different passcodes, you may need to use a third-party app locking app that offers this feature.
How can I remove app limits or app locks set up with Screen Time?
To remove app limits set up with Screen Time, go to Settings > Screen Time > App Limits, tap on the app or category, and select “Delete Limit.” To remove app locks set up with App Lock in Privacy Settings, go to Settings > Privacy > App Lock, enter your passcode, and toggle off the apps you want to unlock.
How to lock photos on iPhone without app?
You can secure photos on your iPhone without third-party apps by using the Notes app that comes built-in. Just make a new note, insert the desired photo, and secure the note with a password. In this manner, the picture will be protected in the note, and only individuals with the password will be able to open it.