How to Lock and Hide Apps on iPhone With Face ID (No Third-Party App)

You lend your iPhone to a child or a friend and do not want them to open WhatsApp, Photos or your banking app? Since iOS 18, and still in iOS 27, iPhone can lock or hide apps natively.

Lock an app

1. On the Home Screen, press and hold the app icon.
2. Tap Require Face ID (or Touch ID / Passcode).
3. Confirm with Require Face ID.

From now on, opening the app requires your face or passcode. The app's content also no longer appears in Spotlight search or notification previews.

Hide an app

1. Press and hold the app, tap Require Face ID.
2. Choose Hide and Require Face ID.

The app disappears from the Home Screen and moves to a Hidden folder at the bottom of the App Library, which itself requires Face ID to open. Notifications from hidden apps are not shown.

Find or unhide a hidden app

1. Swipe left past your last Home Screen page to open the App Library.
2. Scroll to the bottom and tap Hidden, then authenticate.
3. Press and hold the app and choose Don't Require Face ID to unhide it.

Limits

• Some Apple apps cannot be hidden (Settings, Camera, Phone, Find My...). Some can only be locked.
• This protects against curious people, not against someone who knows your passcode.
• Hidden apps still use storage and still update.

Go further: protect your data

• Use a strong passcode and Stolen Device Protection: iOS 27 settings to change first.
• For children, prefer Screen Time limits: Screen Time guide.
• Check your iPhone is not compromised: signs of hacking.

Official reference: Apple Support (iPhone).