iOS provides an API for developers to lock apps with Face ID or Touch ID. However, not every app has this option and there is no way to completely hide apps from your device. Fortunately, App Lock is a simple yet powerful app that helps users protect and even hide any apps on their iPhone and iPad. Read in detail how the program works.
Lock and hide apps on your iPhone with App Lock
App Lock introduces a long-awaited feature for iOS users: the option to hide apps completely or lock them with Face ID or Touch ID. The application does not rely on complex modifications or tricks. Instead, it uses the Screen Time API to control access to apps and system settings.
After opening App Lock, you’ll see a list of all the apps installed on your iPhone or iPad. Like Screen Time settings, App Lock makes it easy to hide or lock multiple apps by showing your apps organized by category. For example, you can hide all your banking apps with just a few taps by selecting the Productivity & Finance category.
The first app tab allows you to lock your apps with biometrics, while the second “Hide” tab completely hides your selected apps, even from the App Library. After selecting the apps you want to lock or hide, click Start and you’re done.
In addition to being more intuitive than Screen Time’s native settings, App Lock’s main advantage is that it locks apps immediately, while Screen Time forces users to set a time limit for apps before locking them. Of course, you’ll need to unlock App Lock again, which is protected by biometrics and PIN, to access or display apps.
App Lock has additional options to block the installation and removal of apps, disable in-app purchases, and restrict changes to iOS settings.
You can Try App Lock for free. However, a paid subscription is required to unlock the full app. It’s a bit pricey, but it might be worth it for the privacy and security features. Note that this requires an iPhone or iPad running iOS 16 or later.
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