Introduction
App locking is the process of securing individual apps on your iPhone with a password, Touch ID, or Face ID, preventing unauthorized access. It’s essential to secure your sensitive information, including personal data, banking information, and private photos. Hackers and other malicious actors could use this information for identity theft, financial fraud, or blackmail.
Thus, it’s vital to keep your iPhone secure from unauthorized access. App locking is one of many security measures you can take to secure your iPhone. By locking apps, you can protect your personal data, banking information, emails, and social media accounts from being hacked or breached.
Native App Locking Limitations
While it’s easy to lock apps on an iPhone using the native app locking feature, it has several limitations. For instance, it only locks apps that are built-in to the iPhone, such as the camera and wallet. Additionally, it lacks customization options; you can only lock the entire app, not specific features within the app. Therefore, if you want more control over which apps to lock and how to lock them, third-party app locking tools are necessary.
Third-Party App Locking Tools
There are many third-party app locking tools available for iPhones. These tools offer more features and customization options than the native app locking feature. Some popular app locking tools for iPhones include:
- AppLocker: Lets you lock individual apps and folders with a passcode, Touch ID, or Face ID. Offers multiple configurations to customize the lock screen.
- Locktopus: An older app locking tool no longer supported by its developers, but it still works on older iPhones. It lets you change passcodes for individual apps and hide them from the home screen.
- Protect Your Privacy: Enables you to lock apps and folders, hide photos and videos, and offered a decoy password feature to distract prying eyes.
- Touch ID and Passcode: Lets you use Touch ID to lock individual apps, folders, and settings. It also supports passcode protection.
- AppLock: Offers various locking options, including PIN, pattern, or Touch ID. It also supports hiding pictures, videos, and other files.
When selecting a third-party app locking tool, consider the features, user reviews, and pricing. Many app locking tools are available for free, while others require a one-time fee or a subscription. Our recommendation is to try out a few app locking tools before settling on one.
How to Lock Apps on an iPhone
Locking apps on your iPhone is easy. Here are the steps to follow:
- Go to the Settings app and tap on “Screen Time.”
- Tap “App Limits” and select “Add Limit.”
- Select the app you want to lock and set a time limit or set it to “Always.”
- Create a passcode or input your Touch ID or Face ID to confirm the lock.
Alternatively, you can use third-party app locking tools. Once you’ve downloaded and installed the app locking tool of your choice, follow the instructions on the app to lock apps on your iPhone.
Which Apps to Lock on an iPhone
While it’s a good idea to lock all the sensitive apps on your iPhone, some are more critical than others. Here are three apps that you should consider locking:
- Banking apps: Banking apps hold sensitive information such as bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and personal information.
- Social media apps: Social media apps such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram contain personal information and private messages.
- Email apps: Email accounts often contain sensitive information, including passwords, bank statements, and other personal data.
Locking these apps with a password, Touch ID, or Face ID can help keep your sensitive information safe from prying eyes.
Addressing Common Concerns
One common concern that iPhone users have is forgetting passwords for locked apps. Fortunately, there are solutions to this problem, such as using iCloud Keychain to store passwords or using password managers such as 1Password and LastPass. Additionally, some app locking tools offer password recovery options, such as email recovery or security questions to retrieve your password.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to make the most of your app locking feature on your iPhone:
- Use Touch ID or Face ID to unlock apps for convenience.
- Enable the “Erase Data” option on your iPhone to wipe your data after ten failed passcode attempts.
- Customize your lock screen by adding a background image or changing the passcode style.
- Consider using advanced security features such as two-factor authentication for added security.
Conclusion
Locking apps on an iPhone is an effective way to secure your sensitive information from prying eyes. While the native app locking feature is limited, many third-party app locking tools offer more features and customization options. As discussed in this article, it’s critical to lock sensitive apps such as banking apps, social media apps, and email apps. By following the tips and tricks provided here, you can make the most of your app locking feature and keep your sensitive information safe. Take action now to secure your personal data on your iPhone and protect your privacy.