How to Hide or Lock Your Apps on iPhone (iOS 18)

Want to lock or hide a confidential app? Now, iOS 18 includes a built-in feature that allows you to do both for apps installed on your iPhone.

iPhone users have been requesting this feature for years. Whether it’s to shield themselves from curious onlookers or simply to safeguard important and confidential information, locking an application with a code is undoubtedly one of the standout new features of iOS 18.

Indeed, presented last June at WWDC 24, iOS 18 is set to revolutionize the iPhone experience. While AI will introduce many changes to user interaction, the modifications Apple is implementing to the interface, particularly the home screen, will be numerous and noteworthy. Among these changes is the ability to lock and hide applications.

With the new update, you now have two options for managing your apps: locking them with a code or hiding them from curious onlookers. Once an app is locked, you’ll need to enter your iPhone passcode or use Face ID or Touch ID to unlock and access it. This feature applies only to native iOS apps. Conversely, third-party apps can be both locked and hidden. They will no longer appear in search, suggestions, call history (such as WhatsApp), notifications, and route suggestions (like Uber).

How to do it?

The steps to accomplish this are straightforward, though not immediately obvious. First and foremost, your iPhone must be running iOS 18. Since this is one of the key new features of the upcoming update, it is essential to ensure that your iPhone is up to date.

Next, select the app of your choice by pressing and holding its icon on the home screen. You will then see the option Require Face ID/Touch ID/passcode. By selecting it, two scenarios can occur:

• If it’s a native Apple app, your iPhone will prompt you to use a passcode (or another method available on your device) to unlock the app.
• If it’s a third-party app, you can choose between just Require Face ID or Hide and require Face ID.

Afterward, whenever you want to open the app, Face ID will be required to unlock it. If you chose to hide it, it will only be visible in certain settings menus and in the App Library, under a new section at the bottom called Masked.

To make an app reappear, navigate to this hidden apps section in the App Library, press and hold the app, and select No longer require Face ID.

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Want to lock or hide a confidential app? Now, iOS 18 includes a native feature that allows both options for apps installed on your iPhone.

iPhone users have been clamoring for this feature to arrive on iPhones for years. Whether it’s to protect themselves from prying eyes or simply to keep important or even confidential information safe, locking an application with a code will, without a shadow of a doubt, be one of the key new features of iOS 18.

Indeed, presented last June at WWDC 24, iOS 18 is shaping up to be a small revolution for iPhones. While AI will bring a lot of changes to the user experience, the changes Apple is making to the interface, and especially to the home screen, will be numerous and notable. Among these, the locking (and hiding) of applications.

With the new update, you now have two new options for managing your apps: locking them with a code and hiding them from prying eyes. Once an app is locked, you will then need to enter your iPhone code or use Face ID or Touch ID to unlock and use it. This only applies to native iOS apps. On the other hand, third-party apps can not only be locked, but also hidden. They will no longer appear in the research, suggestions, call history (for WhatsApp for example), notifications, and route suggestions (for Uber).

How to do it?

The steps to follow to use this feature are straightforward and intuitive. However, you must ensure your iPhone is running on iOS 18, as this is one of the flagship features of the latest update.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Select the app you want to lock or hide by holding down your finger on its icon on the home screen.
2. You will then see the option Exiger Face ID/Touch ID/code. By pressing it, two scenarios are possible:
• If it’s a native Apple app, your iPhone will ask if you want to use a passcode (or any other method installed on your iPhone) to unlock the app.
• If it is a third-party app, you can choose between just Require Face ID or Hide and Require Face ID.

Whenever you want to open the locked app, Face ID will be required for unlocking. If you have chosen to hide the app, it will only appear in specific settings menus as well as in the App Library, located in a new section named Masked at the bottom.

To make an app reappear, simply go to the hidden apps section in the App Library, hold your finger over it, and tap No longer require Face ID.

Benefits of Locking and Hiding Apps on iOS 18

With the introduction of app locking and hiding features, iOS 18 offers several benefits:

• Enhanced Privacy: Keep confidential information safe from unauthorized access.
• User Control: iPhone users have more control over their apps, ensuring that sensitive information is only accessible to them.
• Peace of Mind: Reduces anxiety about someone else picking up your phone and viewing private apps or information.

Practical Tips for Using the New Feature

• Regularly Update Your iPhone: Ensure that your iPhone stays updated to benefit from the latest features and security enhancements.
• Choose Wisely: Only lock or hide apps that contain sensitive information or data.
• Educate Others: If you share your device, educate family or friends on the importance of respecting the boundaries of locked apps.

Real-World Applications: First-Hand Experience

Many users have already started exploring the locking and hiding functionalities in iOS 18. One user shared his experience after locking his personal finance app:

“I feel a lot more secure now that I can lock my finance app. No more worrying about someone accidentally opening it while I’m not around!” – Alex M.

Similarly, another user mentioned how hiding messaging apps helps maintain privacy:

“Hiding my social media apps has given me peace of mind, especially when I lend my phone to friends.” – Sarah L.

Potential Challenges to Consider

• Lost Access: Be cautious about locking too many apps, as forgetting your credentials could lock you out of important information.
• Learning Curve: Some users may need time to adjust to finding and accessing masked apps in the new library section.

FAQs About Hiding and Locking Apps in iOS 18

Question	Answer
Can I lock all types of apps?	Native iOS apps can be locked, while third-party apps can both be locked and hidden.
What happens to hidden apps?	Hidden apps will not appear in search results or notifications but can be accessed in the App Library.
Are there limits on how many apps I can hide?	No, you can hide as many apps as you want, but manage them wisely to avoid losing track.

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