2 Ways to Lock Apps in iOS 17 on iPhone

It’s no secret that you canlock apps on iPhoneusing theScreen Time feature. But what if I tell you that there’s another simpler and hidden way to lock apps in the iPhone? Yes! You read that right. Apple has hidden an app lock feature in the Apple Shortcuts app. Let’s check two different ways to lock apps in iOS 17 on iPhone.

Note:The following method works on iOS 16.4+.

Method 1: Using Lock Screen Automation

This method lets you lock apps on your iPhone using Lock screen automation in the Shortcuts app. Follow these steps to lock an app on your iPhone:

Note:Make sure you have set up either a passcode, TouchID, or FaceID on your iPhone.

1.Open the Apple Shortcuts app on your iPhone. In case it isn’t installed, you candownload it from the App Store. It’s a free and official app from Apple.

2.Go to theAutomationstab at the bottom and tap on the(+)icon at the top or Create a Personal automation button.

3.Scroll down and tap onApp.

4.Tap onChoosenext to App. Now, tap on the apps that you want to lock on your iPhone. Yes, you can lock multiple apps. Just tap on them one by one. You will see a checkmark icon next to the selected apps. Tap onDone.

5.Next, make sureIs openedis selected.

6.SelectRun Immediatelyand ensure Notify when run is turned off.

7.Tap onNext.

8.Now, tap onNew Blank Automation.

9.Press theAdd Actionbutton. Search forLock screen. Select it from the search results.

Press theDonebutton to create the shortcut for locking selected apps on iPhone.

That’s it. Now, try to open the locked app. Your iPhone will immediately lock you out of the app and take you to the lock screen. You must unlock the app using Touch ID or FaceID.

Tip:Know thedifference between the home and lock screen on an iPhone.

Things to Remember

While this method feels like a godsend gift, you must keep the following things in mind:

Tip:Check out thebest shortcuts for your iPhone.

Method 2: Set Custom Password to Lock Apps on iPhone

If you don’t want to use your iPhone’s password or security system to lock apps, you’re able to use this method where you can use custom passwords to lock apps on your iPhone. In this method, first, you need to install a third-party shortcut and then customize it to the app that you want to lock

We have divided the steps into two sections.

1. Select the App to Lock

1.Open theApp Locked shortcuton your iPhone.

2.Tap onAdd Shortcut.

3.The App Locked shortcut will show up in the list of the installed shortcuts in the Apple Shortcut app. Tap on thethree-dot iconon the App Locked shortcut to edit it.

Tap onEnter Password to open Instagramin the Ask for section and replace the word Instagram with your own app name.

5.Next, the shortcut uses 1234 as the default passcode. Tap on 1234 and replace it with a password number of your choice.

Tap onInstagramnext to Open and select the app that you want to lock. Press theDonebutton.

We are half done setting up the app lock feature on iPhone. Now, you need to create a fake app icon as shown below.

Tip:Learn how touse the Check-in feature on iPhone.

2. Create a New App Icon

Now, you will need the logo of the app that you want to lock so that nothing seems fishy. you may download it from Google by searching for “name of the app PNG” or take a screenshot of the app listing in the App Store andcrop itto have only the logo of the app.

Once you have the logo of the app, follow these steps:

Open the Shortcut app and tap on thethree-dot iconon the App Locked shortcut.

2.Tap on the(i)icon.

3. SelectAdd to Home Screen.

Tap onApp Lockedunder the Home screen name and icon. Assign the same name as that of the app that you want to lock. Also, tap on the icon and select a logo for the app from your gallery.

5. Press theAddbutton.

6.The locked app’s new icon will be added to your iPhone’s home screen. Now, whenever you tap on this app icon, you will be asked to enter the PIN first to unlock the app.

Now, you need to use this app icon to launch your app. So long-press on the original icon of the app and selectRemove appfollowed byRemove from home screen.This will remove the app from the home screen but keep it in the App Drawer. Do not tap on Delete app, otherwise, the app will be deleted from your iPhone.

Things to Keep in Mind

Tip:Learn how touse the photo cutout featureon iPhone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any other method to lock apps on iPhones?

Yes, you’re able to use theGuided Access featureto lock the phone into a single app. The person using the iPhone needs to unlock the phone to access other apps.

Do iPhone apps have built-in FaceID/TouchID support?

Yes, some apps on iPhones such as WhatsApp, Telegram,Notes, etc., support the lock feature.

Can you lock Safari private tabs with Face ID on your iPhone?

Yes. Go to Settings > Safari. Scroll down to the Privacy & Security section. Enable Require Touch ID/FaceID to unblockprivate browsing.

Explore iPhone Features

While the above methods do offer a workaround to lock apps on iPhone in iOS 17, a dedicated feature to lock apps is still missing on iPhone. We hope Apple will add it in future updates. Before you go, learn how touse your iPhone as a nightstand.

Mehvish Mushtaqis a tech lover from Kashmir. With a degree in computer engineering, she’s always been happy to help anyone who finds technology challenging. She’s been writing about technology for over six years, and her favorite topics include how-to guides, explainers, tips and tricks for Android, iOS/iPadOS, Windows, social media, and web apps. You can also find her work onMake Tech Easier,Guiding Tech, andNerds Chalk

2 Ways to Lock Apps in iOS 17 on iPhone