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Nobody likes it A spy, especially on your phone. With iOS 18, Apple now offers the ability to lock and hide certain apps on your device. Whenever you want to access the app, you have to enter a passcode or biometric authentication to open it. Any information in the app, such as notifications or alerts, will also be hidden, so you don’t have to worry about other aspects of the app being visible. It’s easy to set up and also easy to disable. Below, we break down how to hide and lock your apps with iOS 18.
For a full list of the top features in Apple’s latest operating system, check out our iOS 18 roundup, and don’t forget to check out our guides to the best iPhones and best iPads.
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How to lock applications
If there is a specific app you want to block, you will need to follow these steps:
- Long press in the app until a menu appears.
- Select Requires Face ID.
- Tap Require Face ID in the notice.
You’ll then be prompted to use Face ID (or your passcode) every time you tap the app to open it.
TO Unlock the application:
- Long press in the application.
- Select No Face ID required.
- Follow the instructions to enter your Face ID or password.
How to hide applications
When you lock an app, you also have the option to hide it. This means that the app will no longer be visible on your iPhone (except in certain places, such as Settings). You’ll be able to find it in the Hidden Apps folder through the App Library, but it will be hidden from the Home Screen. You also won’t receive any important notifications or alerts from the app.
To hide an application:
- Long press in the application.
- Select Requires Face ID.
- Tap Hide and require Face ID.
When you want to access the app, you will have to go to the hidden apps folder, tap on it and enter your Face ID or password.
To display an application:
- Long press in the application.
- Select No Face ID required.
- Enter your Face ID or passcode.
If you have device theft protection enabled
It’s important to note that if you have Theft Protection turned on (introduced in iOS 17), you’ll only be able to unlock or display apps using Face ID and not your passcode. To turn off the feature, follow these steps:
- Gonna Settings > Face ID and passcode.
- Please enter your password.
- Tap Protection against tip theft.
- Turn it off.
We don’t suggest turning it off, as it’s a security feature designed to help protect your personal information and accounts in case your iPhone is stolen by someone who knows your password.