A simple iPhone trick can now let you lock or hide specific apps – here's how to do it.
Apple has rolled out a powerful privacy feature in iOS 18 that allows users to lock individual apps with Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode, and even hide apps from the Home Screen entirely. This update, quietly included in the latest operating system, addresses growing concerns about phone privacy as people store more sensitive data on their devices.
The move comes amid heightened awareness of digital privacy, with users increasingly frustrated by the lack of granular control over app access. Previously, the only option to protect apps was to set a device-level passcode or rely on third-party solutions. Now, Apple has baked the functionality directly into iOS, making it accessible to millions without extra software.
To lock an app, simply long-press the app icon on the Home Screen, select "Require Face ID" (or Touch ID/Passcode on older models), and confirm your choice. The app will then require authentication every time it is opened. For complete concealment, the same menu offers "Hide and Require Face ID," which moves the app to a locked Hidden folder in the App Library, away from prying eyes. Notifications from locked apps are also obscured on the lock screen. This feature works with both Apple’s native apps and third-party ones, though some system apps like Settings may not be hidable.
Industry analysts view this as a meaningful step forward in consumer privacy. "It gives users autonomy over their data at the app level, which is something people have been asking for," notes a digital rights expert. The feature also complements Apple’s existing Security & Privacy controls, which now include enhanced App Privacy Reports and Private Browsing 2.0 in Safari.
Going forward, expect Apple to refine the feature, possibly expanding to support alternative authentication methods or integrating it with iCloud for cross-device app locks. For now, every iPhone user running iOS 18 or later can take advantage of this simple, effective way to safeguard specific apps and reclaim a layer of personal privacy.
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Want to Lock or Hide Specific Apps on Your iPhone? Here's How
This trick can give you an extra layer of privacy.
Zachary McAuliffe
CNET
2 min read
6/10
Key Takeaways
- Over 1.5 billion active iPhones worldwide can now use the lock/hide app feature introduced in iOS 18, released in September 2024.
- The feature supports Face ID, Touch ID, and device passcode, with Face ID being the most used authentication method on modern iPhones.
- Users can lock individual apps via a long-press menu, requiring authentication each time the app is opened; hiding apps moves them to a locked Hidden folder in the App Library.
- Notifications from locked apps are automatically suppressed on the lock screen, displaying only the sender and app name after authentication.
- Third-party apps like WhatsApp, banking apps, and photo galleries are fully supported, but system apps such as Settings and Phone cannot be hidden.
How to Lock or Hide Specific Apps on iPhone
Follow these steps to add an extra layer of privacy to your iPhone by locking or hiding individual apps using Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode.
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1
Locate the app on your Home Screen or App Library
Find the app you want to lock or hide. It can be any third-party app or a compatible native app like Mail, Photos, or Notes.
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2
Long-press the app icon
Press and hold the app icon until a context menu appears. This may take about one second. Do not force press – a regular long press works on all iPhones.
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3
Select 'Require Face ID' or 'Require Touch ID'
From the menu, tap the option that says 'Require Face ID' (or 'Require Touch ID' on older models). If the app supports hiding, you will also see 'Hide and Require Face ID.' For locking only, choose the first option.
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4
Authenticate to confirm
A pop-up will ask you to confirm: 'Require Face ID to open [App Name]?' Tap 'Require Face ID' again. You may need to authenticate with Face ID or your passcode to finalize the setting.
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5
Hide the app (optional)
If you selected 'Hide and Require Face ID,' the app will be moved to the App Library's Hidden folder. To access it, swipe left on your Home Screen to reach the App Library, scroll down to the Hidden folder, and authenticate with Face ID or passcode to open it. The app will no longer appear on your Home Screen or in Spotlight search results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Long-press the app icon on the Home Screen, select 'Require Face ID' (or Touch ID/Passcode for older models), then confirm your choice. The app will now require authentication every time you open it.
Yes. In the same long-press menu, choose 'Hide and Require Face ID.' This moves the app to a locked Hidden folder in the App Library, completely removing it from the Home Screen.
Yes. Notifications from a locked app are suppressed on the lock screen. They only show the app name and sender (e.g., 'WhatsApp: John') until you authenticate.
The lock and hide app feature is available starting from iOS 18. iPhones running iOS 17 or earlier do not have this built-in capability.
No. Apple does not allow locking or hiding core system apps such as Settings, Phone, Messages, or the App Store. The feature is available for most third-party apps and some native apps like Mail and Photos.
You can unlock the app by entering your device passcode or using an alternate Face ID/Touch ID. If you forget your device passcode, you will need to reset your iPhone via recovery mode, which erases all data.
Original source
www.cnet.com
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