Lock or hide an iPhone app before handing someone your phone

Handing an unlocked phone to another person for a photo or call can expose unrelated apps. iPhone can require Face ID, Touch ID or a passcode for selected apps, and can hide eligible downloaded apps from normal lists. These choices protect local access on this phone, not the same account on every device.

Before you start​

Choose an app you actually need to restrict and check that your screen lock is strong. Do not hide a critical app without knowing how to find it again.

Do it step by step​

1. On the Home Screen, touch and hold the app until Quick Actions appear, then select Require Face ID or the authentication option shown.
2. Choose lock only if you want the icon to remain visible. For an eligible downloaded app, choose Hide and Require Face ID if you also want it moved to the Hidden folder.
3. Authenticate and complete the prompt. Try to open the app normally, then close and reopen it to confirm authentication is requested again.
4. For a hidden app, open App Library and its Hidden folder, authenticate and check that you can still access the app when needed.
5. Review notification previews and any other device signed in to the same account. Set separate protections there because this iPhone's lock or hide choice does not sync.

Check the result​

The chosen app should require authentication after it closes. If hidden, it should not appear in ordinary Home Screen or search results, while remaining accessible from Hidden.

If something goes wrong​

Some built-in or default apps cannot be hidden. Family Sharing rules and regional age thresholds can also restrict the feature; use Apple's device guidance rather than an unofficial workaround.

Know the limit​

Locking or hiding is a local interface safeguard. It does not revoke another person's account credentials or erase copies of information already shared. Apple's app lock and hide guide