How to Password Protect Apps on an iPhone

There are procedures that you can use to protect your applications by putting a password on them on your iPhone, something that you have surely considered at some point.After all, when you want to put a password on your iPhone apps, it’s because you need extra security. It could be that you don’t trust who’s around you, that you’re going to go somewhere strange and want to protect yourself, or that if something happens to your phone, you can gain time to block it due to loss or theft.

In any case, putting a password on applications on an iPhone is an extra security measure associated with all those that the device itself already has , making it a little more secure.

There are ways within the device itself that can be used for this purpose and you will be able to learn about them below, since it is better to use what iOS offers than any other type of add-on.

Keep reading to learn how to put passwords on apps on an iPhone, i.e. how to better lock them.

How to put a password on apps on an iPhone:

  • Why password protect apps on an iPhone?
  • How to Password Protect Apps on an iPhone
  • How to Lock Apps on an iPhone Using Face ID or Touch ID

Why password protect apps on an iPhone?

Protecting your apps with a password provides a higher level of security , there’s no doubt about it.

There may be several reasons for wanting this level of protection that may be perfectly viable, such as:

  • Privacy: Concerns about privacy may lead you to consider putting a password on your apps, feeling that the iPhone’s existing systems won’t achieve what you expect.
    • Sensitive data: It may be that some of the applications you have installed contain material that is worth protecting at all costs, so the password will help a lot in this matter.
    • Parental access: This may be a matter of parental control, so that the restrictions that you want to implement are easier.
    • Theft or loss: This way, if your iPhone is stolen or lost, you’ll have more time to report it stolen or try to locate it if you left it somewhere.

    How to Password Protect Apps on an iPhone

    However, let’s be realistic and say that there is no function on the iPhone to set a password to lock your iPhone apps.

    However, there is a workaround, by which you will use Screen Time to password protect apps on an iPhone:

    • Go to Settings > Screen Time > App & Website Activity > Turn On
    • Now tap on Lock Screen Time Settings.
    • Then it asks you to enter a code.
    • Tap on the App Usage Limits option , then click on Add limit.
    • It asks you for the code you set up earlier for Screen Time.
    • Now you will be able to select the apps you want, you can even click on All (apps and categories) if you want.
    • Once the apps you want to password lock are selected, click Next.
    • Set a time limit of just 1 minute , then click Add.
  • You must make sure that the Block reaching limit option is checked.
  • That way, anyone who doesn’t know the code won’t be able to use the app for longer than the time you set.

How to Lock Apps on an iPhone Using Face ID or Touch ID

Another interesting option you have is to block certain apps using Face ID (facial recognition) or Touch ID (the fingerprint sensor found on some older iPhones).

As of iOS 16.4, apps can be protected using this system, which can be very practical. The steps to do so are as follows:

  • Enter the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
  • Now click on Automation .
  • At the top right, tap on the icon with a “ + ”.
  • Now swipe down and tap on App .
  • Once inside you must press Select and then choose the app you want to lock with Face ID or Touch ID, then press OK .
  • Now, leaving everything as it is, click Next.
  • Click on New Blank Automation and then on Add Action .
  • In the search bar, type Lock Screen and tap on it.
  • Check the Run Immediately switch and press OK.

With this trick, when you want to enter that app, what you will get is that the terminal will be blocked and it will have to read your face or you will have to press Touch ID to be able to access it, which places you as the only person who will be able to enter.

As you have just read, putting a password on apps on an iPhone is simple, although it is different than what you expected, that is for sure. The other option you have learned, with Face ID or Touch ID, can also be very effective.