You are currently viewing How to Lock or Hide an App in iOS 18
1727961766792

How to Lock or Hide an App in iOS 18

With the introduction of iOS 18, Apple continues to prioritize user privacy and control. One standout feature of this update is the ability to lock or hide apps on your iPhone. Whether you want to safeguard sensitive data or reduce distractions, this feature is a powerful tool for managing app access.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to lock or hide apps, ensuring that only you have access to them.

Note: Enterprise Management (IT Admins): Hiding and Locking Apps

With iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, enterprises have new options for managing app security and visibility through Mobile Device Management (MDM):

  • MDM can control a user’s ability to hide and lock Managed Apps on a per-app basis.
  • Enterprises can disable hiding and locking apps on supervised devices to maintain control.
  • For devices enrolled with User Enrollment, hidden apps are reported to MDM only if they are managed. For devices enrolled with Device Enrollment, hidden apps are reported to MDM as part of all installed apps.

These controls ensure that businesses can protect their managed devices while allowing end users to benefit from the flexibility of app locking and hiding features.

Why Lock or Hide an App?

Sometimes, you may want to hand over your phone to someone but prevent them from accessing specific apps. Locking or hiding an app ensures your peace of mind by securing personal data.

  • Locking an app: This requires Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode to open the app. Any data within the locked app will remain private—notifications, search results, Siri suggestions, and call history will not display its information.
  • Hiding an app: Hidden apps are removed from the Home Screen and the App Library, preventing easy access.

It’s worth noting that the locked or hidden status doesn’t sync with iCloud, so these settings apply only to the specific device you configure them on.

Note: Children under 13 in a Family Sharing group cannot lock or hide apps. For those aged 13 to 17, parents can still monitor app usage through Screen Time.

How to Lock an App

Locking apps is simple and provides an extra layer of security. Here’s how:

1. Go to the Home Screen and find the app you want to lock.

2. Touch and hold the app icon until the quick actions menu opens.

3. Tap Require Face ID (or Touch ID or Passcode).

4. Tap Require Face ID again and authenticate using your preferred method.

Once locked, the app requires authentication every time it’s opened. However, some native iPhone apps like Calculator, Camera, and Settings cannot be locked.

How to Unlock a Locked App

To unlock and use a locked app:

1. Go to the Home Screen and locate the app.

2. Tap the app, and you’ll be prompted to authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.

How to Hide an App

Hiding apps completely removes them from the Home Screen and makes them more discreet. Here’s how to hide an app:

1. Go to the Home Screen and find the app you want to hide.

2. Touch and hold the app icon until the quick actions menu opens.

3. Tap Require Face ID (or Touch ID or Passcode).

4. Tap Hide and Require Face ID, authenticate, and then tap Hide App.

The app is now hidden in a special Hidden folder within your App Library.

Accessing a Hidden App

Even if hidden, you can still open and use the app:

1. Swipe left past all your Home Screen pages to access the App Library.

2. Scroll to the bottom and tap the Hidden folder.

3. Authenticate using Face ID or Touch ID to view your hidden apps.

4. Tap the app to open it.

How to Unhide an App

If you want to bring the app back to your Home Screen, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Hidden folder in your App Library.

2. Authenticate and touch and hold the app icon.

3. Tap Don’t Require Face ID (or Touch ID or Passcode), then authenticate to confirm.

The app will now reappear in your App Library for easy access.

Conclusion

The Lock or Hide an App feature in iOS 18 is a significant step forward in user privacy and app control. Whether you’re locking apps to keep sensitive information secure or hiding them to eliminate distractions, this feature enhances your iPhone experience.

For businesses, the ability to manage these features through MDM provides critical oversight, ensuring that sensitive apps remain protected across enterprise environments.

Explore the power of iOS 18 by leveraging these app privacy tools, and ensure your device remains personalized, secure, and compliant with your organization’s policies.

For a more detailed guide, you can visit the official Apple support page [here](https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/iphone/iph00f208d05/ios).

TexArxs integrates iOS 18 app security with Mobile Device Management (MDM), giving IT admins total visibility and control while employees enjoy seamless privacy.

Leave a Reply