You probably already protect your iPhone with a passcode and Face ID or Touch ID. But maybe you use certain apps that you want an extra layer of protection for: Maybe you store personal information in a journal app, don't want anyone to access the data in your health app, or have a few dating apps that you want to keep away from prying eyes.
In iOS 18, you can add an extra layer of security by locking or hiding specific apps. When you lock an app, its icon remains on your Home screen but requires Face ID or Touch ID to unlock it. When you hide an app, it's removed from your Home screen and placed in a special hidden folder in the App Library. You'll then need to authenticate yourself before you can open that folder and access the app.
Not all apps can be locked or hidden. For example, you can't lock the Camera, Clock, Watch app, Apple Maps, or Settings. However, most built-in and third-party apps can be locked. Hiding an app is even more difficult. Most built-in apps can't be hidden, but many third-party programs should be able to be hidden.
To try it out, you'll need to be running iOS 18, which is currently available as a public beta ahead of its official release next month.
How to lock an app
To lock an app on the home screen, touch and hold its icon. If the app can be locked, you will see Require facial recognition When you tap the command, you'll be prompted to confirm that you want to require Face ID in the selected app. The message also explains how the process works. Tap Require facial recognition Verify. Your face will be scanned to verify your identity and a green checkmark will appear if successful.
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The next time you try to open the app, you'll need to authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID. Once you've verified your identity, the app will open with full access.
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If you want to unlock an app, press and hold the app Doesn't require face recognition Make your selection from the pop-up menu. Scan your face again to verify it's you, and you'll see a green checkmark to indicate it's unlocked.
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How to hide an app
To completely hide an app from your home screen, touch and hold its icon. If you can lock the app, you'll see a popup menu with Require facial recognition When you tap the command, if the app can be hidden, a message appears with two options: Require facial recognition and Hide and require Face IDTap the second option. The next screen explains how hiding apps works. To confirm the action, tap Hide appsThe icon will be removed from the home screen.
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To find hidden apps, swipe all the way to the left on the Home screen to reveal the App Library. Scroll to the bottom of the Library and tap HiddenWhen you tap on that folder, you'll be authenticated with Face ID or Touch ID, then when you tap on the app you want to access, you'll be authenticated again before the app opens.
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To hide an app, tap the Hidden folder in the App Library to reveal it. Touch and hold the app icon, Add to Home Screen Execute the command. Tap to confirm the action Hide appsThe app will return to the home screen, visible and unlocked.
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