How to Lock and Hide Apps on Your iPhone, iPad in iOS 18 [VIDEO]

In a new video on its YouTube support channel, Apple details how you can lock and hide apps on your iPhone or iPad using Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode.

Starting with iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, Apple has allowed users to lock apps so that no one can access them without authentication. It offers peace of mind to users who want to prevent others from accidentally viewing their app content or notifications while using their devices.

Whether it’s social media apps, messaging platforms, or work-related tools, users have the option to safeguard their personal data with a simple layer of protection.

To lock an app on your iPhone or iPad running iOS 18:

1. Go to the Home Screen.
2. Locate the app you want to lock.
3. Touch and hold the app icon until the quick actions menu opens.
4. Tap Require Face ID (or Touch ID or Passcode).
5. Tap Require Face ID (or Touch ID or Passcode) again, then authenticate using Face ID (or Touch ID or a passcode).

This locking feature, however, is restricted to individual devices. If a user locks an app on their iPhone, for example, the app will not be locked on their iPad unless they manually set it up on that device as well.

Apple has confirmed that the locked or hidden status of apps will not sync with iCloud, meaning users will need to manage app security on each device separately. Additionally, children under the age of 13 within a Family Sharing group do not have the ability to lock or hide apps.

Watch the video embedded below to learn more.