Outcome: You will lock an iPhone app with Face ID (or Touch ID/passcode) and optionally hide it from Home Screen in under a minute.

Who this is for: iPhone users on iOS 18+ who share their phone or want extra privacy for apps like banking, social, messaging, or photos.

Time required: About 30 seconds per app.

Quick Answer

On iOS 18+, long-press the app icon, tap Require Face ID (or Hide and Require Face ID), then authenticate. The app now requires biometric unlock every time, and hidden apps move to the Hidden folder in App Library.

What you need first

  • An iPhone running iOS 18 or newer
  • Face ID or Touch ID set up (or at least a passcode)
  • A supported third-party app (some Apple system apps can’t be locked/hidden this way)

Reference: Apple iPhone User Guide — Lock or hide an app

Step-by-step: Lock and hide an app

  1. Find the app on your Home Screen and long-press it.
    Expected result: You see the quick actions menu for that app.
  2. Tap “Require Face ID”.
    If you want to hide it too, choose “Hide and Require Face ID.”
    Expected result: iPhone shows a confirmation prompt.
  3. Authenticate with Face ID/Touch ID/passcode.
    Expected result: The app is now protected. If hidden, it disappears from Home Screen and moves to App Library → Hidden (authentication required to open).

Expected result checks

  • Opening the app now asks for Face ID/Touch ID/passcode.
  • If hidden, the app icon is no longer visible on Home Screen.
  • The app appears in App Library → Hidden after authentication.
  • App content previews are more limited in places like Search and notifications.

Common mistakes

  • Trying this on unsupported system apps: Not every Apple app can be locked/hidden this way.
  • Forgetting iOS version: This trick needs iOS 18+.
  • Expecting cross-device sync: Hidden/locked state is per device, not automatically mirrored to another iPhone.
  • Assuming total invisibility: Some traces can still appear in places like settings, usage views, or purchase history.

Troubleshooting

  • No “Require Face ID” option appears: Update to iOS 18 and test with a third-party app first.
    Check: Update your iPhone (Apple Support)
  • Face ID fails too often: Re-enroll Face ID or use passcode fallback.
    Guide: Set up Face ID on iPhone
  • Need to unhide or remove lock: Go to App Library → Hidden, long-press the app, and choose not to require Face ID.
  • Need stronger control for kids/shared devices: Use Screen Time app limits/restrictions too.
    Guide: Use Screen Time on iPhone

Why this trick is worth using

This is one of the fastest privacy upgrades on iPhone. In a few taps, you can protect sensitive apps before handing your phone to family, friends, or kids—without installing anything extra.

Next step

Lock your three most sensitive apps right now (for example: banking, messages, and photos), then test each one once so you know exactly how the unlock flow feels.

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