You can’t go too far when it comes to phone security, given all the importance we place on these compact devices – from bank account apps to our most intimate conversations – and while lock screen protections can keep most people out, it’s not always enough.
Adding an extra layer of protection on top of certain apps can protect your most sensitive data, whether it’s from a thief who managed to unlock your phone or a niece or nephew who borrowed your handset to play a game. This means one more hurdle for others to cross, and more peace of mind for you.
The original solution is built into Apple’s Shortcuts app (which is by default on iOS), but it’s worth mentioning that some apps offer this feature anyway, without the need for additional software. One such application is WhatsApp: Tap settings (bottom right), then Privacy and Screen lockand you can require a Face ID or Touch ID scan to enter the app.
Another app you can do this with is Dropbox, so you can keep files in your cloud storage locker away from prying eyes. Open it Account tap the gear icon (top right) and select Turn on password. You will be asked to enter a four-digit passcode that will be required to access the application.
As for Apple apps, you’ll find this extra layer of security in Notes—not in the entire app, but as an option for individual notes. Once inside the note, then tap the three dots (top right). lock: You can protect your notes with a custom password or with Face ID or Touch ID technology already built into your iPhone.
If the app you want to lock doesn’t offer this kind of feature, then you need the Shortcuts app—it should already be on your iPhone, but you can download it again if not. First, make sure the lock screen shortcut is in place. From Shortcuts tab, tap All shortcutsthen + (plus) button in the upper right corner.
Choose Add actionsearch for “lock screen”, select it when it appears and select it Done. This creates a lock screen shortcut with no conditions or variables attached, so you can attach it to an automation (as well as other shortcuts if needed). If you’re still in the Shortcuts app, tap Automation at the bottom of the screen.
Touch New automation if you have not previously created any automation or + (plus) in the upper right corner if you have. Select from the list that appears applicationthen on the next screen tap Choose to select the app(s) you want to lock—you can select more than one, if necessary.
With the application selected, select Is open and Run now from the options below (you can go Notify when it starts off), then tap Following. You must then specify the action taken when your chosen application is opened. Search for “lock screen” in the search box at the top and set it up when it comes up—this is the shortcut we just enabled, no plugins.
Then your automation is added. Whenever you launch the selected apps in the future, your iPhone automatically locks, putting the app behind Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode authentication (depending on the lock screen security you’ve set up—select Face ID/Touch ID and password from Settings to change this).
Once you’ve set up a lock screen shortcut, you can use it in other automations, too: you can set your iPhone to lock itself whenever you leave the house, for example, or when Do Not Disturb is enabled. To remove an automation you’ve set up, swipe left on it to Automation tab, then select Delete.