Meta Title: How to Lock Apps on iPhone in iOS 18 – Step-by-Step Privacy Guide
Meta Description: Want to lock apps on your iPhone running iOS 18? Learn how to use Face ID, Screen Time, and Shortcuts to secure apps like WhatsApp, Photos, and more.

Keeping your private apps safe is easier than ever with iOS 18. Apple has introduced built-in app locking features, giving users more control over their privacy — no third-party apps required.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to lock apps on iPhone using Face ID, Passcode, App Lock, and Screen Time in iOS 18.

🔐 What’s New in iOS 18 for App Locking?

With iOS 18, Apple introduced native app locking, allowing users to:

• Lock apps like Messages, Mail, Notes, Photos, WhatsApp
• Require Face ID or Passcode to access selected apps
• Automatically hide locked apps from the Home Screen (optional)

✅ Works on iPhone XS and newer with Face ID and iOS 18 installed.

📲 Method 1: Lock Apps Using Built-in App Lock (New in iOS 18)

Steps:

1. Open Settings > Privacy & Security
2. Tap App Lock
3. Toggle Enable App Lock
4. Select apps you want to protect (e.g., WhatsApp, Messages, Notes)
5. Choose authentication method: Face ID, Touch ID, or Passcode

Locked apps will now require Face ID or Passcode each time you open them.

💡 Bonus: You can also hide locked apps from Spotlight and App Library under the same settings.

🕒 Method 2: Use Screen Time to Lock Any App

Perfect for limiting usage or restricting access without using the native App Lock.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings > Screen Time
2. Tap App Limits > Add Limit
3. Choose the app(s) you want to lock
4. Set limit to 1 minute
5. Enable Block at End of Limit

Once the limit is reached, the app will be locked and require your Screen Time passcode to use further.

🔐 Best used for apps like YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook.

⚡ Method 3: Use Shortcuts Automation (Custom App Lock)

This creative method uses automation and Face ID to restrict app access.

Steps:

1. Open Shortcuts > Automation > Create Personal Automation
2. Select App > Choose App to Lock > Next
3. Add action: Lock Screen
4. Tap Next > Done

Now, whenever you open that app, your iPhone will lock, requiring Face ID to unlock.

⚠️ This is a workaround, best for power users. It’s not a true lock, but a clever deterrent.

✅ Apps That Support Native Locking in iOS 18

🔧 How to Remove or Manage Locked Apps

To remove a lock:

• Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > App Lock
• Deselect the app or turn off App Lock entirely

To manage app limits:

• Visit Settings > Screen Time > App Limits

🛡️ Why Locking Apps Matters

• 📷 Protect private photos and chats
• 💬 Secure messages from unauthorized access
• 🧒 Prevent kids from accessing social media or YouTube
• 💼 Protect business documents and email apps

📌 Final Thoughts

Thanks to iOS 18, locking apps on your iPhone is no longer a workaround — it’s built-in, secure, and customizable. Whether you’re safeguarding messages or hiding sensitive apps, you now have complete control over who sees what on your phone.

🔗 Related Articles:

• Top iOS 18 Features You Need to Try
• How to Use Face ID in Third-Party Apps
• Best Privacy Settings for iPhone in 2025