Discover How to Lock and Hide iPhone Apps. Among the features introduced by Apple at WWDC 2024, the ability to lock and hide apps on iOS 18 truly caught everyone’s attention. Or perhaps, more accurately, it’s the feature that allows your apps to avoid attention.
This new functionality is perfect for users who want to keep certain apps private or hidden altogether. By requiring Face ID to access locked and hidden apps, Apple has taken a significant step forward in enhancing user privacy.
This update is a breath of fresh air for privacy enthusiasts and those who prefer to keep their app usage under wraps for various reasons.
It’s no surprise that following the announcement, searches for “How to hide apps on iOS” surged by 1,250%, as reported by Slash Gear. Similarly, queries like “How can I find out if my husband is cheating” rose by 200%, and “How to unhide apps on iPhone” jumped by 80% within just hours of the event.
Whether you’re looking to lock or hide apps on your iPhone, here’s how you can do it. Keep in mind that iOS 18 is currently in developer beta, available for anyone to download. But remember, beta versions can be buggy, so ensure your data is backed up. If you’re new to installing iOS 18 developer beta, check out this guide for a quick walkthrough.
Locking Your Apps
To lock an app, press and hold the app icon on your home screen as if you were rearranging or editing it. You’ll notice a new option at the bottom of the list labeled “Require Face ID.” Tap it.
A window will then appear asking if you want to require Face ID or hide the app and require Face ID. Select “Require Face ID” to lock the app. Now, the next time you or anyone else tries to open it, Face ID will scan your face to confirm your identity before granting access.
Hiding Your Apps
For hiding apps, the process is quite similar. Long-press the app you want to hide and find the “Requre Face ID” option. Instead of choosing “Require Face ID,” select “Hide and Require Face ID.” A notification will inform you that the app will no longer be visible on your home screen. Confirm by tapping “Hide App.” The app will vanish from your home screen but isn’t entirely invisible. You can still access it in a “Hidden Apps” folder located at the bottom of the “Apps” page.,
Rest assured, all iPhones with the iOS 18 update include this Hidden Apps folder. Even if you haven’t hidden any apps, the folder exists, addressing any suspicions about whether hidden apps are present on your device. Accessing the Hidden Apps folder also requires Face ID.
However, note that some apps cnot be hidden. When you long-press certain apps, like built-in ones such as Calculator, Maps, Clock, Stocks, and Photos, you might not see the option to hide them. So, if you’re attempting to conceal any, let’s say, sensitive photos, you’ll have to resort to older methods.
It’s uncertain whether this limitation is permanent or will change with future iOS 18 updates. On the bright side, most third-party apps like Spotify, Venmo, and mobile banking apps can be hidden.
With iOS 18, locking and hiding apps have never been easier. Whether you’re protecting personal data or just like a tidier home screen, these new features give you greater control over your device’s privacy and organization.