The lock apps on iphone ios 17 has long offered users the ability to lock down sensitive information in certain apps, providing an extra layer of security and privacy. With iOS 17, Apple has expanded and refined these app locking capabilities, giving users more granular control over which apps they want to lock down. In this guide, we’ll walk through the different methods available for locking apps on iOS 17, along with tips for setting up and managing your locked apps.
Recent Released:Unlocking the Power of Face ID in Landscape Mode on iOS 17
Apple first introduced the ability to lock notes in the built-in Notes app back in iOS 9. Over the years, they expanded this feature to apps like Photos, Mail, Contacts, and others.
There are a couple ways to lock apps on iphone ios 17:
- Using Screen Time settings
- Using third-party app lock apps
Both methods make use of the iPhone’s Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode to secure access to locked apps. We’ll cover the specifics of how each method works in the sections below.
App locking is a good way to add an extra layer of security for your sensitive information. For example, you may want to lock your banking app, photo gallery, or any other apps containing private data.
The main appeal of app locking lies in convenience combined with security. When enabled, your locked apps behave just like normal when unlocked via Face/Touch ID or passcode. But when your iPhone is idle or accessed by someone else, those apps remain locked down.
Now let’s look at the step-by-step instructions for each method of locking apps in iOS 17.
Locking Apps Using Screen Time
The Screen Time settings in iOS offer robust parental controls for managing app usage. With iOS 17, Apple extended Screen Time capabilities to allow locking individual apps.
Here are the steps to lock apps using Screen Time:
- Open the Settings app and tap “Screen Time”.
- Enter your device passcode if prompted.
- Tap “App Limits”.
- Tap “Add Limit” then search for and select the app you want to lock.
- Choose “Selected Apps” as the category.
- Enable the switch for “Block app when Screen Time ends”.
- Adjust additional settings like Time Limits or Always Allowed if desired.
- Tap “Add” in the upper right to save the limit.
The app you selected will now remain locked until you enter your passcode or use Face/Touch ID. You can repeat steps 4-8 to add limits for additional apps.
Under the hood, iOS is enabling Do Not Disturb for selected apps when Screen Time ends. This automatically locks down those apps.
Screen Time allows locking unlimited apps for free, which is convenient. But the process is a bit more cumbersome than using a dedicated app lock app. Next we’ll cover that method.
Using Third-Party App Lock Apps
The iOS App Store offers many apps that provide app locking functionality. These dedicated app lock apps generally provide a streamlined process for locking apps compared to Screen Time.
Here are some of the top app lock apps for iOS 17:
- Lock Me Out – Free app with in-app purchases for premium features. Offers Face ID /Touch ID unlock.
- AppLock – Freemium app with premium unlock features. Uses passcode or Touch ID.
- Privacy Pro – Free trial with paid subscription ($3.99/month). Supports Face ID, PIN code, or pattern locks.
The general process for using these apps is:
Download and install the app lock app.
- Open the app and enable any security features like Face ID.
- Select the apps you want to lock.
- The selected apps will now be locked until you unlock via Face/Touch ID or passcode.
Pro tip: Look for app lock apps that integrate directly with iOS and support Face ID unlock for maximum security. Avoid shady lock apps that seem to good to be true.
App lock apps provide more convenience, customization, and security versus using Screen Time. But you do need to pay for many of the premium features. Evaluate your needs to decide if an app lock app is right for your situation.
Tips for Managing Locked Apps
Here are some tips to help you effectively set up and manage locked apps on your iPhone:
- Place key app shortcuts like Phone, Messages, and Camera on your home screen. This allows quick access without unlocking.
- Arrange locked apps on the last home screen page to avoid clutter.
- Name locked apps appropriately like “Locked Bank App” for quick identification.
- Toggle Time Limits for certain apps if you want them locked only during certain hours.
- Test unlocking methods like Face ID regularly to ensure they work when needed.
- Make sure your designated unlock method works before locking down critical apps like Phone or Messages.
- Adjust notifications settings for locked apps so you see previews when phone is locked.
- Use iCloud Keychain and auto-fill passwords to avoid getting locked out of apps.
- Turn off Show on Lock Screen and Show in App Switcher for private apps.
Proper app management goes hand in hand with locking them down. Follow these tips to strike the right balance of security and convenience with your locked apps.
Locking Key System Apps
In addition to third-party apps, you may want to lock some key system apps that come pre-installed on iPhone. Here are steps for locking a few of the most common system apps:
Lock Photos App
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Media & Purchases.
- Tap “Hide Photos”.
- Choose whether to hide “Hidden Album” only or “Entire Library”.
- Enter in your passcode or use Face/Touch ID when prompted.
Photos app is now locked down with your chosen level of privacy.
Lock Notes App
- Open the Notes app.
- Tap the note you want to lock (or create a new one).
- Tap the Share icon in the upper right corner.
- Tap the Lock icon in the bottom row.
- Authenticate with Face/Touch ID when prompted.
That specific note will now remain locked and require biometric or passcode access.
Lock Messages App
- Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Enter your passcode.
- Scroll down and toggle on “Messages” under Communication Limits.
The Messages app is now blocked from use during Screen Time limits.
Locking Apps on iPhone vs iPad
The app locking capabilities work across iPhone and iPad with iOS 17. However, the experience is slightly different given the nature of each device.
On iPhone, locking apps helps protect sensitive info for portable on-the-go use. The smaller screen makes it easier to maintain a locked state by default.
On iPad, users often utilize multi-app workflows with Split View and Slide Over. The larger screen real estate lends itself to keeping certain apps open and active simultaneously.
Therefore, app locking on iPad tends to focus more on parental controls versus privacy protections. Enable Screen Time limits for your kids’ iPad to restrict gaming or social media usage as needed.
But the same capabilities are present across both devices for individual app locking as desired. Use whatever method fits your needs on iPhone or iPad.
Wrapping Up
Locking down apps provides an additional security safeguard for your iPhone or iPad. With iOS 17, Apple expanded on previous app lock capabilities with more expansive options via Screen Time or third-party apps.
Here are some final takeaways:
- Use Screen Time to lock apps free of charge or install a dedicated app lock app for more convenience.
- Lock sensitive apps like banking, messaging, or photos to protect private data.
- Arrange locked apps on your last home screen page and name them clearly for organization.
- Optimize settings like notifications and iCloud Keychain for your locked apps to avoid disruptions.
- Test your unlock methods regularly to ensure Face ID, Touch ID, or passcodes work when needed.
- Adjust app locking approach based on iPhone vs iPad usage patterns.
Locking important apps can give you great peace of mind. Implement the strategies in this guide to keep your sensitive iPhone or iPad data secured. Carefully weigh convenience and usability when locking down apps to find the right balance for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the benefit of locking apps?
Locking apps provides an additional layer of security and privacy for sensitive information. It helps protect personal data if your device is lost or accessed by others.
Does locking apps completely block access?
No, locked apps are only inaccessible until Unlocked via Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode. So locking does not fully block access, just adds a security step.
Can I still receive notifications from locked apps?
Yes, you can still receive banner notifications as normal even with apps locked. But you won’t see notification previews on the lock screen for locked apps.
What happens if I forget my unlock passcode?
You will need to completely reset your device to regain access. To avoid this, make sure to use iOS iCloud Keychain and Safari AutoFill for any passwords needed in locked apps.
Is there a max number of apps I can lock?
No, there is no specific limit to the number of apps you can lock down using either method covered. But locking too many apps could be inconvenient.
Can apps still track my activity when locked?
Yes generally, locking apps does not restrict background tracking by those apps. Limiting ad tracking and permissions can help reduce this.
Do locked apps remain locked when switching iPhones?
If you use an app lock app and restore from an iCloud backup, the app lock preferences should carry over to your new iPhone with the same apps locked.
What happens if I delete an app lock app?
If you delete the third party app used to lock apps, the locks would be removed and apps would return to normal access.