iOS provides developers with an API to lock apps using Face ID or Touch ID. However, not every app has this option and there is no way to completely hide apps from your device. Fortunately, “App Lock” is a simple yet powerful app that helps users protect and even hide all apps on iPhone and iPad. Read on as we detail how the app works.
Lock and hide apps on your iPhone with App Lock
App Lock essentially brings a long-awaited feature for iOS users: the ability to completely hide apps or lock them using Face ID or Touch ID. The application does not rely on complex modifications or tricks. Instead, it uses the Screen Time API to control access to apps and system settings.
Once you open App Lock, you’ll see a list of all the apps installed on your iPhone or iPad. Just like the Screen Time settings, App Lock will show your apps organized by category, making it easy to hide or lock multiple apps at once. For example, you can hide all your banking apps with just a few taps by selecting the Productivity & Finance category.
The first app tab allows you to lock your apps with biometric data, while the second “Hide” tab completely hides the apps you’ve selected – even from the app library. Once you’ve selected the apps you want to lock or hide, tap Start and you’re done.
Besides being more intuitive than Screen Time’s native settings, App Lock’s main advantage is that it locks apps immediately, while Screen Time forces users to set a time limit on apps before locking them. Of course, to access or unlock apps, you need to open App Lock again – which is protected by biometrics and a PIN code.
App Lock also has advanced options to block app installation and removal, disable in-app purchases, and restrict changes to iOS settings.
You can try App Lock for free. However, unlocking the entire app requires a paid subscription. It’s a little expensive, but it can be worth it for its privacy and security features. It’s worth noting that this requires an iPhone or iPad running iOS 16 or later.
Read also
FTC: We use automatic affiliate links to earn money. More.