Apple creates history through the launch of iOS 18 by bringing advanced tools for security and privacy. With the iOS 18 update, it introduces an app lock, which lets you hide and lock the installed apps on your iPhone. Once you lock an app, the content associated with it won’t appear in Spotlight searches and Siri suggestions.
Steps to Lock and Hide Apps on iPhone running iOS 18
Make sure your iPhone is upgraded to the newest version (iOS 18) before you proceed with the steps.
1. Unlock your iPhone and long-press the desired app from the installed applications. A pop-up menu will be shown on the iPhone screen.
2. From the options, click Require Face ID (or Touch ID).
3. You will get a confirmation prompt; click tap Require Face ID again to lock the app on your iPhone.
Note – If you want to hide the app from the home screen for added security, tap Hide and Require Face ID in the prompt.
4. Then, tap the Hide App option to make the app invisible on your iPhone.
5. If you want to access the hidden app, navigate to the Hidden folder at the bottom of the app library. You can access it by swiping left on the home page.
You can either use the Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode authentication to unlock or open the hidden app.
Steps to Unlock and Unhide the App on iPhone
If you have changed your mind and want to unlock the app, follow the instructions given below.
1. Hold the app in the hidden folder to view the drop-down menu.
2. Tap the Don’t Require Face ID (or) Passcode (or) Touch ID option.
3. Further, click the Unhide app option to make the app appear on the home screen on your iPhone.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. You can’t lock apps like Calculator, Camera, Contacts, Clock, Find My, Maps, Shortcuts, and Settings.
If your kids are in a Family Sharing group and aged between 13 and 17, they can hide and lock apps. However, as a parent or guardian, you can still check when the app was downloaded, how long they are using it, and restrict their usage via screen time.