Restrict Access to Sensitive Apps in iOS 18 and iPadOS 18

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Ryan White
October 25, 2024
Phone with lock and shield

Restrict Access to Specific Apps

Do you worry about family members with whom you’re otherwise happy to share your iPhone passcode reading your private diary in a journaling app? Or perhaps you want to keep your child out of apps where they could cause mischief.

A new feature in iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 lets you use Face ID or Touch ID to restrict access to specific apps, optionally hiding them in the process.

Here is how to do it:

  1. Touch and hold the app’s icon on the Home Screen, and tap Require Face/Touch ID.
  2. When prompted, either tap Require Face/Touch ID to leave the app’s icon visible on the Home Screen but restrict access or tap Hide and Require Face/Touch ID to restrict access and hide the icon.
  3. Protected apps only open after you authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID; hidden apps can be accessed only from the Hidden folder in the App Library after authenticating. (To reach the App Library, swipe left repeatedly on your Home Screen, then scroll to the bottom to find the Hidden folder.)

Face ID protection

If you need help with your Apple products we are here to help. Get in touch with us and we can resolve all of the troubling issues with your organization’s devices.

 

(Featured image by iStock.com/SasinParaksa)