How to lock and hide apps on iPhone with iOS 18

Apple integrated iOS 18 on the recently unveiled iPhone 16 series and other compatible devices, including the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

The upgrade brings various new features such as a new option to lock and hide apps on iPhone, adding an extra layer of security for users.

Now, with iOS 18, users can set native apps with individual locks, and third-party apps can be locked in a hidden folder on the iPhone.

Read more: iOS 18 — How to make iPhone Home Screen icons dark

Hide and lock apps on your iPhone

Gadinsider has compiled a step-by-step guide on how to hide and lock apps on your iPhone.

1. First, ensure you’re iPhone supports iOS 18.
2. Now, long-press on any app.
3. Tap “Require Face ID or Touch ID.” However, some apps, including Settings and Camera don’t show this option.

Currently, this ability to lock and hide works with third-party apps. Apple has yet to expand it to native iOS apps that can only be locked.

How to view hidden apps on iOS 18

1. To view hidden apps, swipe from right to left to get to the App Library.
2. Next, swipe to the bottom.
3. Tap the hidden folder to use Face ID to see the apps.

How to unlock apps in iOS 18

1. Long-press on any app in the hidden folder.
2. Then, choose “Don’t Require Face ID.”
3. This will move the hidden app back to your Home Screen and unlock it.

Notably, once the apps are locked and hidden, their data will not show up in Search, Notifications, Siri suggestions, Call history, and Maps routing suggestions.